Marty Hosts Forum Demonstrating Brooklyn's Diversity & Unity

On February 10th, Marty, along with the Council of Pakistan Organization and the Brooklyn Alliance, hosted WE ARE ALL BROOKLYN - a forum designed to demonstrate that Brooklyn's greatest strength is our diversity and unity. The goal of the gathering was to bring Brooklynites from across the borough, together to discuss the challenges our neighborhoods may face in the event of war. At this meeting, community leaders and government agencies discussed what they have done in the trying post-9/11 period and intercommunity strategies they will undertake in case there is a war. "This is such an important gathering today because we are living through very tense times. I know that some Brooklyn residents, particularly members of our immigrant communities, are fearful," Marty said. "I know that some feel singled out or confused by the recently imposed INS registration requirements. And, quite frankly, many of us have been deeply disturbed by a recent string of anti-Semitic incidents here in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is - and will remain - home to everyone from everywhere. Brooklyn's diversity is an indelible part of what defines us - what makes us strong and what makes us great. i hope I have made it clear that we have no tolerance for acts of hate in Brooklyn. Because we are all Brooklyn, and we are all connected. We have been and will always remain a united community."

BP Urges City to Enforce State Law that Mandates Teaching Students About the Holocaust

In a letter written to Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, Marty called on him to enforce a state law that requires teaching about the Holocaust in all New York schools. "During the past several weeks, there have been a series of anti-Semitic incidents in a number of communities throughout the borough," Marty said. "When hate is directed toward one ethnic and religious group, all groups are impacted. Brooklynites, and all New Yorkers, will never tolerate the desecration of any religious symbol, or acts based on anti-Semitism, racism, sexism, or any-ism. We must never forget our past because, if we do, we will be condemned to repeat it. As you are preparing the new standard curriculum for our 1200 schools, I want to make sure that you enforce the directives contained in Section 801 of the State Education Law, which mandates teaching about the Holocaust in all New York schools. The State Board of Regents requires that the Holocaust be part of the core curriculum starting in the 6th grade through the 11th grade. History is full of all kinds of hate. It is imperative that our children are properly and constructively instructed about these horrific events so we can end all cycles of hatred. This is such an important lesson that can't be forgotten at any school in New York City. Our world changes so rapidly that it is so easy to overlook those seminal events that change our lives forever. The biggest factor in overcoming any form of prejudice is ignorance. It would be morally wrong if we do not teach our children about subjects like the Holocaust, other acts of ethnic cleansing, tribal warfare and racism."

Marty Demands Day Care Employees Receive Fair Contract

On February 12th, Marty joined DC 1707, other union leaders and elected officials in calling on the City to seriously negotiate with the union to prevent any further work stoppages. 7,000 day care workers didn't report to work on Wednesday, closing more than 350 public day care centers across the New York City. "Don't tell me you care about our children, show me. These hard working men and women are responsible for our most precious resource," Marty said. "They help shape our youngest boys and girls when they are the most vulnerable and, even during these difficult fiscal times, their valuable contributions need to be recognized and rewarded."

BP Honors Heroic Brooklynite

On February 14th, Marty visited an incredibly brave Brooklyn hero at Staten Island University Hospital. On Wednesday morning, Anthony Walker rushed out of his Flatlands house and pulled a 2-year-old girl out of a burning SUV. Mr. Walker, a school custodian and a father of two, suffered second-degree burns to his ear, cheeks and forehead. "Anthony Walker represents the very best of Brooklyn. He didn't have to get involved, but Mr. Walker reacted like the caring and devoted father that he is to rescue little Ginwa," Marty said. "His selfless and heroic act is an inspiration to our entire city. During these troubled times, this is a perfect illustration of basic human kindness and bravery. Brooklyn is lucky to have Anthony Walker."

The Year of the Ram

On February 11th, Marty celebrated the Chinese New Year and kicked off the Year of the Ram by honoring a number of unique Brooklynites, who have made this borough such a wonderfully diverse and vibrant place to live and work The honorees included Brooklyn's Working Artist Coalition President Audrey Anastasi, Polytechnic University President Dr. David Chang, Community School Board #22 President Saul Needle and Consolidated Edison Director of Public Affairs Toni Williams. The celebrations were held at two different Sunset Park restaurants - Ocean Palace Seafood Restaurant and Ming Gee Restaurant.

The Oscars Love Brooklyn College

Three alumni and a professor at Brooklyn College were celebrating after the Oscar nominations were announced on February 11th. Michael Cunningham, distinguished professor of English, earned a Pulitzer Prize for his book "The Hours," which earned nine Oscar nominations. Michael Lynee, class of 1961, is co-chairman and CEO of New Line Cinema, which made "Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," which received six nominations, and "About Schmidt," which garnered two nominations. And Director Joe Zwick, class of 1962, directed "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," which was nominated for best screenplay.