As former Republican President Donald J. Trump defeated Democratic Jamaican-American Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesday’s Presidential Elections, two outstanding Democratic leaders in Brooklyn have expressed gratitude for his or her re-election.
On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, thanked “the nice and first rate folks of New York’s ninth District for entrusting me to a different time period representing you in Congress.”
Whereas additionally grateful for her re-election, New York State Meeting Member Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party and daughter of Haitian immigrants, famous, “Sadly, in politics, there are winners and losers.”
Clarke, whose ninth Congressional District in Brooklyn overwhelmingly includes Caribbean immigrants, informed Caribbean Life that she has devoted her life to public service for the households of Brooklyn. “I think about myself extremely blessed to have the chance to struggle for you—addressing the problems closest to your hearts and delivering the futures you deserve.
“This neighborhood has been my dwelling for the reason that day I used to be born,” she mentioned. “Over my lifetime, we’ve witnessed nice change take root. From the period of Shirley Chisholm to the times of Main R. Owens, we’ve met new neighbors with daring new concepts, and now we have confronted and overcome numerous hurdles. And, over time, now we have held quick to Brooklyn’s immovable id.
“It has been a real privilege to serve you, and I look ahead to my tenth time period as your consultant,” Clarke added. “Collectively, we are going to proceed to advance our progressive agenda and function a bulwark towards oppressive actions and regressive ideologies – fulfilling the best beliefs of all those that constructed this borough into the particular and numerous neighborhood it’s right this moment.”
Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42ndAssembly District in Brooklyn, mentioned that “once we awoke Wednesday morning, after the Nov. 5 Basic Elections, many people didn’t anticipate this end result, and have been united in our hopeful efforts to make historical past by voting within the first feminine President of the USA.
“Many have expressed disappointment, even anger, however I urge you to maintain sustaining that unity we held earlier than the elections whereas remembering we dwell in a democracy: we will nonetheless discover energy in our range, to maintain transferring ahead, stronger collectively,” she mentioned. “And I am honored to assist lead these efforts as your Meeting Member for District 42 and the New York State Meeting Majority Whip.
“I am extraordinarily grateful and appreciative to your help this election season, and am honored to proceed to serve our neighborhood,” she added. “As a lifelong Brooklynite who grew up on this district, there’s no better privilege than partaking with constituents to characterize your finest pursuits by tirelessly working to uplift Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, and all Brooklynites.”
Bichotte Hermelyn mentioned her focus “stays relentless on advocating for the evolving wants of our district and preventing for the problems affecting us, together with housing, well being, training, prison justice, security, and voting rights.
“My public service is a lifelong dedication for our neighborhood, ever since my first election right here in 2010 as District Chief,” she added. “The expertise I’ve earned serving you as an Meeting Member for the previous 9 years has helped form a greater path ahead for us all.”
Meantime, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, the daughter of a Trinidadian immigrant father, mentioned that “the result of this 2024 Presidential Election represents a stark divide.
“It’s a sobering reminder of the work we have to do to bridge these divides and make sure that our voices are heard,” she mentioned. “As we transfer ahead, we should stay vigilant and dedicated to advocating for our residents.
“No matter who serves as Commander-in-Chief, we are going to proceed to work with our native, state, and federal companions to guard the rights of our households and make sure that our neighborhood’s wants are prioritized,” Gibson added. “In these occasions of uncertainty, it’s important that we come collectively, no matter political affiliation, to safeguard our residents’ rights and well-being. Our energy lies in our unity, and we should not enable divisiveness to distract us from the work at hand.”
She urged residents to “keep engaged and knowledgeable,” stating that civic participation is “essential as we navigate the challenges forward.
“Collectively, we will advocate for the priorities that matter most to our neighborhood, guaranteeing that our voices are amplified and our rights protected,” the borough president mentioned. “Allow us to stand collectively, stay centered on our targets, and work in direction of a brighter future for all.”
