Reflections on Our Community Town Hall in Park Slope
Last weekend, I was proud to host Light the Way BK, a community town hall in Park Slope, bringing neighbors together to stand against the extreme policies and political intimidation of the federal administration. In just one month of the second Trump administration, we’ve witnessed dozens of harmful executive orders attacking our rights, our immigrant neighbors, and our trans siblings. This onslaught of cruelty is not random; it’s a calculated strategy designed to overwhelm, exhaust, and demoralize us.
President Trump has filled cabinet positions with unqualified ideologues intent on dismantling the very institutions they oversee. Moreover, he’s granted access to federal agencies and sensitive information to an unelected technocratic billionaire with no regard for the rule of law, leading to the illegal revocation of $80 million in federal funding meant for New York City. Trump’s aim is clear: to make an example of our city, vowing to gut congestion pricing and dismantling our sanctuary city laws.
In the face of Mayor Adams’ collaboration with Trump, your local representatives are standing strong, united in the fight against these serious threats. The City Council is committed to upholding our sanctuary policies and is exploring lawsuits against the Mayor for his recent directives that violate these protections. Attorney General Letitia James is leading a multistate coalition to challenge Elon Musk’s actions against Americans and has reminded our hospitals of their obligation to provide gender-affirming care in line with state law. These attacks are designed to instill fear and silence us, but last Sunday’s town hall reminded us that we are stronger together, and we will not be bullied into submission.
Despite the snow, we were joined by over 200 of our neighbors and a panel of experts on immigration, education, and reproductive rights: Jenna Lauter, Policy Counsel at the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU); Vladimir Tlali, Senior Policy Strategist at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC); and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Director of Alliance for Quality Education (AQE). Their insights provided valuable guidance on local actions and community strategies during this critical time. Check out our website for highlights from the event, where we’ll also be updating resources and opportunities to get involved.
Here are some key takeaways and actions you can take right now:
Contact Governor Hochul’s Office and urge her to sign the New York Health Information and Privacy Act, which gives New Yorkers control over their electronic health data and prevents the Trump administration from accessing it to punish New Yorkers who provide, seek, or support abortion or gender-affirming care.
Join your local Community Education Council, Parent Association, Community Board, or Neighborhood Block Association, as well as political clubs like Indivisible Brooklyn.
Advocate for the New York For All Act, a State bill that would prohibit local law enforcement and state agencies from collaborating with ICE. I’m proud to have introduced a resolution in the City Council calling on the State to reintroduce and pass this critical legislation. Spread the word to friends and loved ones across New York State.
Sign up for updates from the NYIC to stay informed on advocacy efforts to support our immigrant neighbors.
A special thank you to the community organizations that tabled with resources at the event, including BK Forge, the Carroll Gardens Association, the Alliance for Quality Education, Mixteca, Right to Be, and the PS 39 Parent Association. My office looks forward to hosting more gatherings and engaging neighbors to inspire local change, so keep an eye out for future events. We all play a role in lighting the way for a better future, and our strength lies in our collective solidarity with one another.
A heartfelt thank you to Assembly Member Simon and Senator Gounardes for partnering with me in this important effort, and to Gabriele Holtermann for the detailed recap.
