In what was described as “a powerful and engaging evening,” Brooklyn Sen. Kevin Parker hosted his first-ever Fireside Forum in Brooklyn on Thursday, Feb.13.
At the forum, he met with local business owners in an intimate setting to discuss his vision as New York City’s next comptroller.
The event, which took place on East 84th St. in Canarsie, Brooklyn, “highlighted Parker’s extensive experience, economic strategies, and unwavering commitment to financial transparency and small business advocacy,” Kamla Karina Millwood, the Vincentian-born author, motivational speaker, fashion model, and entrepreneur who served as Mistress of Ceremonies, told Caribbean Life.
“The Fireside Forum, a first in a series of upcoming events, allowed entrepreneurs and community members to engage directly with the senator, discussing the challenges they face and the solutions he envisions to strengthen economic opportunities across New York City,” Millwood said.
“Throughout the evening, Parker emphasized his proven leadership, fiscal expertise, and commitment to ensuring responsible allocation of city funds to drive economic growth and stability,” she added.
Parker, who switched from vying for Brooklyn Borough President to City Comptroller, said his priority would be “to protect taxpayer dollars, support small businesses, and ensure financial accountability in every sector of our city’s economy.
“This position requires not only financial expertise but also a deep understanding of the needs of our communities,” said the representative for the 21st Senate District in Brooklyn. “I am ready to lead and deliver real results.”
Millwood said business leaders attended the event, who were “all eager to learn more about Parker’s economic plans.”
She said among the notable attendees were Ross Williams from the Campaign Team, Petula Jarvis-Hanley, Donatella C., Yessenia Buzzele, Calvin Sennon, the Trinidadian-born co-owner of TriniJam BK Restaurant in Canarsie, and Cliff Roye, owner of Cool Tech Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. LLC.
“Attendees praised Parker’s direct approach and willingness to listen to business owners’ concerns,” Millwood said. “Many left the event with a renewed optimism about the future of New York’s financial oversight.”
“Sen. Parker didn’t just speak tonight — he listened, advised, and demonstrated exactly why he is the most qualified candidate for this role,“ Millwood quoted one business owner as saying.
Millwood said the evening was “just the beginning of what promises to be a series of Fireside Forums, each aimed at fostering direct conversations between Sen. Parker and the communities he seeks to serve.”
She said future events will continue to focus on “economic empowerment, fiscal responsibility, and opportunities for business growth under Parker’s leadership.
“With momentum building behind his campaign, Sen. Parker’s bid for Comptroller is gaining significant support,“ Millwood said. “His ability to connect with constituents and provide clear solutions for financial challenges sets him apart as the leader New York needs in this critical role.”
A lifelong Brooklynite, Parker said he has been a Flatbush resident for over 31 years – “nurtured, educated and employed in the borough.”
His 21st District consists of many diverse communities: Flatbush, East Flatbush, Kensington, Ditmas Park, Midwood, Flatlands, Canarsie, Georgetown, Old Mill Basin, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, and Marine Park.
A product of the New York City Public School system, Parker attended P.S. 193, Andries Hudde I.S. 240, and Midwood High School.
He was first elected to the New York State Senate in 2002.
As the special assistant to former New York State Comptroller Herman Carl McCall, Parker said he managed intergovernmental relations in New York City and was the liaison between the Comptroller, city, state, and federal elected officials.
Before taking office, Parker said he was a New York City Urban Fellow and also served as special assistant to former Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger, legislative aide to former New York City Council Member Jamaican Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, the first Caribbean-born woman to be elected to the City Council; and special assistant to Assembly Member Nick Perry, the former Jamaican-born representative for the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, now serving as US Ambassador to Jamaica.
As project manager with the New York State Urban Development Corporation, Parker financed minority- and women-owned businesses and promoted community business redevelopment.
In 2001, Parker ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic Primary for District 45 in Brooklyn and 2021 for New York City Comptroller in the Democratic primary.
Parker received his Bachelor of Science degree in public service from Penn State University, a Master’s of Science from the New School for Social Research in urban policy and management, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in political science at The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY).
