With food insecurity at an all-time high, scores of residents in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, received hundreds of frozen turkeys on Nov. 22 during a Thanksgiving celebration featuring Wellness & Community Peace, DJ music, and hot meals.
The 15th Annual community giveback that was held at PS 135 Sheldon A. Brookner High School at 684 Linden Blvd., and hosted by Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman, District 58, and I Am Wonda Woman Foundation – in partnership with Grammy-award recording artist, Busta Rhymes, welcomed the community to the day of giving to brighten up the lives of families.
Busta Rhymes created excitement when he arrived in the auditorium. He was greeted by former schoolmates, including Dr. Meda Leacock, Special Education, and Assembly Member Chandler-Waterman, as well as many enthusiastic fans.
“Grand rising, we will keep rising. It is an honor and a pleasure to be in the school that helped raise me in this beautiful community in East Flatbush. I attended Tilden High School, where I met my friends, Chip Suey, and Special Ed. I then attended PS 181, and ended up at PS 135,” said Rhymes.
“I have known Monique Chandler-Waterman all my life, but we have become closer over the last ten years. It’s a pleasure to be among your peers and your friends. We had nothing but Brooklyn and this community to become anything we dreamed of becoming. It is a blessing and a privilege to come from this community. I can’t speak to any other community that gave us the greatness we needed to be our best selves,” said the rapper.
Rhymes also thanked Spiff Star and DJ Scratchator, whom he described as supportive mentors. He recalled last year’s blessing at the event with Dr. Meda Leacock and Assembly Member Chandler-Waterman, and mentioned receiving a Proclamation from BP Antonio Reynoso’s office.
Reflecting on his recognition, the rapper shared, “It was a day I never thought could be possible, to receive a flower in the Botanic Garden surrounded by many fragrant flowers while I am here to enjoy them.”
We lost a lot along the way, and sometimes I don’t think we really understand the significance of being in the present, and being the present, in the present.”
The rapper encouraged everyone to value their time and told attendees that he inspires his children to listen to their parents for the first 25 years of their lives. He advised parents to meet the responsibilities required by their children, and stressed the importance of living a life of giving, considering the average life expectancy of 75.
“We must give to each other to lift each other up, so that we will be abundantly fulfilled. Today is a testament to what giving is all about, not just giving a turkey, food,, or a coat. You must give the highest of emotion, which is love. “Love each other, pour into each other with love, he said.
Rhymes danced, signed autographs, hugged children and elders, and distributed turkeys. He was surprised when a large, colorful self-portrait painted on the school wall was unveiled.
Assembly Member Chandler-Waterman thanked everyone, including EmblemHealth for providing produce. She noted that residents received turkeys, participated in workshops, and learned about available resources, such as affordable housing applications and clothing donations.
A hairstylist was present to help recipients feel loved and remind them they are not alone. “We love you, and we are here for you,” said the legislator.
She also thanked community partners, including NYC Link, the NYC Public Schools Office of Student Pathways, Community Schools, I Am Wondawoman, PS135 Eagles Scholars, the AD Taskforce, the NYPD, East Flatbush Village Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Boost Mobile, and MetroPlus.
Dr. Leacock, founder of I Am Wondawoman, said the foundation increased its giving this year due to the government shutdown.
“Usually, we give out turkeys every year, but the government shutdown motivated us to provide even more. We distributed vegetables, produce, hot food from Fusion Restaurant, and clothing,” she said.
She shared that the organization has gone global. “I am also not just focusing here on New York. I was just named Queen Mother in Ghana, Africa, where I provided clean drinking water. All the proceeds from our bottles sold goes towards building wells in Ghana, said Dr. Leacock.
For more information and to donate, go to www.wondawoman.org.
“I want to thank you for supporting our school. It’s the best school in East Flatbush. We have technology programs, we have a STEM program, but we would love to have a stand-alone gymnasium,” said Mrs. Mcrae, Principal of PS 135, thanking former student Assembly Member Chandler-waterman.
“We have the best elected officials; they support the community,” said Superintendent of PS 135, Celeste Terry.
“Thank you for your support, Busta, and all the community partners. We know food insecurity is real in this community; that is why we are here to feed families, said Council Member Rita Joseph, chair of the education committee.
“Thank you to all the partners. Special Ed., and all the artists who remember where they came from and come back to support the community, we have a lot of work to do with Mayor-elect Mamdani. What a difference a mayor makes. I am here to share in the vision for a more affordable and safer New York,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.
Senator Kevin Parker and recording artist Buzzy Signa also participated in the turkey giveaway.
