View this email in your browser ([link removed])
[link removed]

Dear John,

February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on the ongoing contributions and resilience of the Black community. As your representative, I am incredibly proud to serve a community rich in Black history and a thriving Black present. However, I also recognize that our District carries a complex racial legacy that continues to shape our communities. While District 39 stands as one of the most progressive in the nation, progress requires us to confront our past, face difficult truths, and honor the full scope of our shared history.

Our District is home to the Lefferts Historic House ([link removed]) , an 18th-century landmark located within Prospect Park with deep ties to slavery, colonialism, and land seizures. The Lefferts family, influential Dutch colonists, once owned the estate, which was maintained by enslaved Africans. The labor of these individuals played a significant role in building the borough’s economy, contributing to the wealth and power of the Lefferts family. Until recently, their stories were largely omitted from the museum’s narrative.

In 2021, the Prospect Park Alliance launched ReImagine Lefferts ([link removed]) to reclaim the landmark and honor the resistance and resilience of Indigenous and African people in Brooklyn and beyond. I was proud to secure $2.5 million in funding through the City Council’s Brooklyn Delegation, as well as an additional $39,000 from my office’s discretionary funds ([link removed]) in FY24 to support this initiative. Through this effort, researchers have identified at least 25 individuals who were enslaved at the Lefferts Historic House between 1783 and 1827. Even after New York State abolished slavery, many of these individuals continued working there. Their stories, once erased or ignored, are now shared through powerful exhibits that highlight their resistance, resilience, and joy.

In May, I had the honor of celebrating the debut of Ancestral Whispers ([link removed]) , the first art installation under this ReImagine Lefferts. Created by Guggenheim Fellow and Artist in Residence Adama Delphine Fawundu ([link removed]) , this installation serves as a tribute to those whose forced labor helped build our city. The legacy of slavery in New York City is often left unseen and unspoken, but through initiatives like ReImagine Lefferts, we are making sure this history is remembered and recognized.

If you haven't yet, I encourage you to check out the museum’s restored exhibits and their programming before the month ends ([link removed]) . After select events this month, the Lefferts House will remain closed until May.
[link removed]
[link removed]

Caption: (left) Council Member Shahana delivers remarks at the Lefferts Historic House Reception for the launch of Ancestral Whispers.

(right) Council Member Shahana and Dr. Dylan Yeats, Director of Museum Programs and Operations at the Lefferts House.

I’m also excited to announce that Our Destiny, Our Democracy ([link removed]) , a 32-foot-tall yellow and green sculpture of Shirley Chisholm, will soon be coming to Prospect Park’s Parkside and Ocean Avenue entrance. Chisholm, a trailblazing NYS Assembly Member, Congresswoman, and Presidential candidate, made groundbreaking contributions to our country’s history. Her legislative accomplishments—including establishing the WIC Program (Women, Infant and Children’s Nutrition Program), expanding unemployment benefits to domestic workers, and strengthening childcare—continue to benefit Brooklyn families today. This monument, approved unanimously in 2023 ([link removed]) by the NYC Public Design Commission, will feature a stunning portrait of Chisholm interwoven with plants native to Brooklyn and Barbados.

I’m proud to support projects like these in our District, which encourage reflection on the legacies of dispossession, enslavement, and oppression—histories that continue to shape our present. These initiatives not only enrich our green spaces, like Prospect Park, but also offer opportunities for healing, transformation, and envisioning a more just future for our District, Brooklyn, and beyond.
[link removed]

Caption: (above) A rendering of Our Destiny, Our Democracy, the Shirley Chisholm Monument by artists Amanda Williams and Olalekan Jeyifous. Credit: Amanda Williams and Olalekan Jeyifous.

Protecting Retiree Healthcare

Across the country, privatized Medicare Advantage plans have raised costs and worsened care for seniors. It’s unconscionable that Mayor Adams is attempting to strip our city’s municipal retirees of their current health insurance and force them onto subpar plans. This week, I proudly sponsored Intro. 1096 ([link removed]) of 2024 (Marte), which would stop this harmful maneuver.

As someone living with lupus, I know firsthand the challenges of navigating our broken healthcare system. I’ve felt the impact of private insurance companies profiting at the expense of patients. It’s time to strengthen our public health infrastructure, not weaken it. That’s why I champion Medicare for All in Congress, the New York Health Act in Albany, and now, Intro. 1096 in City Hall.

I am deeply grateful to the hundreds of municipal retirees in my district who have shared how important this bill is to their families. I appreciate their patience as I carefully reviewed the bill text and ensured all aspects were thoroughly considered. While legal concerns raised by respected stakeholders necessitated further research, I ultimately stand with my constituents who are at risk. Municipal retirees have won in court time and again, and it’s time for the Adams Administration to end this ordeal and support the New Yorkers who helped build our city by passing Intro. 1096 into law.

Since taking office, I have been committed to supporting municipal retirees by sponsoring previous versions of this bill ([link removed]) , opposing harmful legislation ([link removed]) , joining rallies ([link removed]) , leading letters ([link removed]) , and urging the Mayor to do the right thing ([link removed]) . I am proud to continue this work by sponsoring Intro. 1096.

Meet Iqra, our Park Slope and Windsor Terrace Constituent Services Liaison!

I’m excited to introduce Iqra Shafiq (she/her), our new Park Slope and Windsor Terrace Constituent Liaison. A Kensington resident and dedicated public servant, Iqra is passionate about empowering Brooklyn communities through civic engagement and grassroots organizing. She brings valuable experience from government, campaigns, and advocacy, working to make local government more accessible and responsive to Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods.

Before joining our team, Iqra served as a Senior Aide at the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, where she led community outreach, constituent services, and policy initiatives on housing, transportation, and civic participation. A Political Science graduate from the City College of New York, Iqra is committed to housing advocacy, youth mentorship, and strengthening civic engagement across Brooklyn.

Our team has revamped our approach to providing constituent services. Now, specific staff members are assigned to neighborhoods within the district. For assistance, appointments, or to report an issue, please see the details below or visit our website ([link removed]) .

* Park Slope or Windsor Terrace: Contact Iqra at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
* Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Columbia Waterfront: Contact Sabine A. (she/her) at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
* Kensington or Borough Park: Contact Ali Boivab (he/him) at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

[link removed]

Caption: (above) Iqra Shafiq, our new Constituent Services Liaison for Park Slope and Windsor Terrace.

Community Bulletin
* Join the next Gowanus Canal Community Advisory Group (CAG) General Meeting on Tuesday, 2/25 at 6:30 PM for updates on the Superfund cleanup from the Environmental Protection Agency. See here for more info, including the agenda and registration link ([link removed]) .
* Applications are open ([link removed]) for New York-Presbyterian’s Mini-Grants now through Monday, 3/10. Join a virtual information session ([link removed]) on Tuesday, 2/25, at 11 AM to learn more.
* Learn about NYC’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs) and start a certification application at the Brooklyn /WBE Borough Forum ([link removed]) on Friday, 2/28, from 9:30 AM to 2 PM at the Central Library (10 Grand Army Plaza).
* The Artichoke Ambassadors Online Eco-Arts program ([link removed]) immerses climate activists and artists in creating eco-arts projects to counter climate change. Applications are open now through 3/7, with scholarship opportunities available through Friday, 2/28.
* My office, in collaboration with Council Member Lincoln Restler, Steven Winter Associates, Inc., and Building Energy Exchange (BEEX), is hosting a workshop for small building owners, co-op and condo board members, managers, and operators to learn from technical experts and industry professionals about building decarbonization and electrification strategies on Monday, 3/24 from 6 PM to 8 PM at PS 261, 314 Pacific Street. RSVP to attend ([link removed]) !
* Last call to help shape the future of the Gowanus neighborhood! The application to join the Gowanus Oversight Task Force is open through Friday, 2/28 ([link removed]) . Task Force members will engage with city agencies, participate in public meetings, and ensure the implementation of the 56 Points of Agreement, which were established as part of the Gowanus Neighborhood Rezoning.
* Don’t forget to file your taxes! If you earn $93,000 or less (families) or $65,000 or less (single filers) with business expenses of $250,000 or less, you can file your taxes for free! Explore your free tax prep options with tax preparers, in-person, or online ([link removed]) .

In Solidarity,

Council Member Shahana

[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

Our mailing address is:
New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif
197 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed])
[link removed]