Five hundred residents of Glenwood Houses in Brooklyn, benefited from a grocery distribution, thanks to Sen. Kevin Parker, who on Wednesday, June 10, handed out Fresh Direct boxes of produce, in his ongoing giveback to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the initiative, in partnership with the Glenwood Houses Residents Association, Sen. Parker expressed gratitude to both Fresh Direct and the residents association for helping make the event a success.
“It’s during times of difficulty such as these that the initiative and generosity of the fine people at Fresh Direct and the Glenwood Houses Residents Association cannot be underappreciated,” said Sen. Parker. “While the issue of food insecurity in our district is one we will continue to address, I’m hopeful that events like this will help us more comfortably continue on our path back to normalcy,” he added.
The lawmaker, who represents Brooklyn’s 21st Senate District, that encompasses sections of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace and Park Slope, said he was confident that whenever the need arises, members of the community would come forward to support each other.
“Communities that make it through tough times do so because they are willing to come together. I’m proud and encouraged to see our community has shown that today. I look forward to hosting more giveaways within the next few weeks,” said the politician who on June 8, along with the Senate Majority passed monumental legislation to address police reform.
This legislation, Bill S.3253B: sponsored by Sen. Parker, will clarify that a person not under arrest or in custody has the right to record police activity and to maintain custody and control of that recording, and of any property or instruments used to record police activities.
Senate Bill S.8492: also sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker, establishes a private right of action for a member of a protected class when another person summons a police or peace officer on them without reason to suspect a crime or an imminent threat to person or property existed.
The Democrat, on Tuesday, June 9 passed Senate Bill S.8493: that will require state police to wear body cameras when on duty.
“For years communities of color have been victims of poor policing policies, which has created a division between inner community residents and police officers. The recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery and countless others has put pressure on lawmakers to be proactive about creating solutions,” said Parker.
According to the lawmaker, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant! The right to record an act will ensure protection for people who record misconduct by police. The senseless murder of George Floyd is a stark example of why transparency is needed.”
“Social media is rampant with videos of people “weaponizing” the 911 emergency system against African-Americans hoping to see them falsely arrested or worst. This legislation is by no means a solution to the systematic injustices and prejudices that fuel these types of calls to the police. However, this law gives victims of this despicable behavior the beginnings of some recourse.”
Explaining the Body Camera Bill, Senator Parker said, “Too often injustices go unseen and police officers feel emboldened to act as judge and jury. Body cameras will diminish the trust deficit between the police and the communities they serve.”
