.

.

.

.

.

.

Pictures, clockwise from top left, Council Member King poses with PS 76 School Band, which played the Star Spangled Banner. Council Member King unveils the 12th District Council flag, the first time a council district has designated its own flag. Council Member King takes the Oath of Office, administered by the Hon. Civil Court Judge Armando Montano. Joining Council Member King by his side is his wife, Neva Shillingford-King, their granddaughter four-year-old Katelyn Neva McIntosh, who held the Bible; their daughters, Victoria King and Nicole Shillingford; his brother, Mike Hill; daughter, Lynette Shillingford; Vanya Benjamin, and his parents, Andy and Bernice King.  A Salsa performance is given by Dr. Drum & Bomba Yo. The Evander Childs Campus Cheerleaders stand in place for the program’s opening of the Star Spangled Banner.

Over 700 Attend Inauguration

of Council Member Andy King

More than 700 people packed a Bronx high school auditorium Sunday afternoon to attend an electrifying inauguration celebration of New York City Councilmember Andy King.

The well-wishers included hundreds of community supporters as well as elected officials, labor leaders and clergy leaders who gathered at Evander Childs High School to voice their support for the newly elected official who is eager to change the second-rate image that is sometimes associated with his 12th District.

“We’re going to be moving forward. There are a lot of things that I would like to see get done in our community. I make a commitment to you today that that office on Gun Hill Road, the office in Co-Op City and the office at 250 Broadway will always be open,” said Councilmember King.

“I made a promise to you … that when you send me down to City Hall I wasn’t going by myself; I was taking you all with me. That commitment stands true. I’m asking each and every one of you to help me help you help us to make the 12th District a better place,” said Councilmember King. “Today is the first day of a new day in the 12th.”

The ceremony featured the swearing-in of Council Member King with the Oath of Office administered by the Hon. Civil Court Judge Armando Montano.

His wife, Neva Shillingford-King, was by his side, along with their daughters, Victoria King, Nicole and Lynette Shillingford; and granddaughter four-year-old Katelyn Neva McIntosh, who held the Bible, his parents, Andy and Bernice King; his brother Mike Hill and Vanya Benjamin.

Moments after the oath was administered, Council Member King’s granddaughter, who is fondly called “The Council Girl” sang “The World’s Greatest.”

In his inaugural speech, Councilmember King unveiled, for the first time ever in the Northeast Bronx, the 12th District Council flag. Below the crest is a quote written by Councilmember King which reads: “Our Perseverance in the Future Lies in the Resiliency of Our Past.”

Political luminaries at the ceremony included U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer; Congress Member Charles Rangel, Public Advocate Letitia James, City Comptroller Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx County Chair and Assemblymember Carl Heaties; State Sen. Gustavo Rivera, Assemblymembers Luis R. Sepúlveda and Victor Pichardo; Jeffrey Dinowitz, Mark Gjonaj, City Councilmembers Annabel Palma, Inez Dickens, Ritchie Torres, Andrew Cohen, Maria del Carmen Arroyo, Daniel R. Garodnick, Vanessa L Gibson, Rory Lancman, I. Daneek Miller, Jumaane D. Williams, Ruben Wills and Elizabeth Crowley,  former City Comptroller John Liu, Bronx Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lenny Caro, DC37/Local President Anthony Wells and DC37/Local 420 Carmen Charles, Secretary/treasure 32BJ SEIU Kyle Bragg.

Assemblymember Heastie said Councilmember King’s works “and his passion for young people is unmatched in this business.”

Public Advocate James hailed King as a “trail blazer,” and Speaker Mark-Viverito described King’s commitment as “very real and genuine.”

Special remarks were given by the Rev. Dr. Robert Smith Jr., Councilmember special assistant Brian Melford, Councilmember King’s childhood friend, Peter Aguilar; and Evander’s Principal of Contemporary Arts School, Francisco Sanchez.

There were performances by PS 76 Band, Gospel singer Paula Green, I’Raise Girls, singers Jestine Meggett, Kerene Edie, Brittanya Burchell, Dr. Drum & Bomba Yo, singers and Evander Childs Campus Cheerleaders. The master of ceremonies was Anthony Harmon, director of UFT and President of the A. Philip Randolph Institute. The Colors were presented by the 46th Precinct Explorers Color Guard.

To close the program, the audience sang Happy Birthday to Council Member King’s father, Andy King Sr., who had turned 77 years old earlier this month.

Click here to read more about the inauguration by blogger Bob Press of 100 Percent Bronx.

Hundreds of community supporters as well as elected officials, labor leaders and clergy leaders gathered at Evander Childs High School to voice their support for Council Member King. More pictures and videos of the event can be found on Council Member King’s Facebook Fan page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-City-Council-Member-Andy-L-King/116867358490208?ref=hl.

City Council Member Andy King was pleased with the turnout for his Open House and community “meet and greet” at his 12th District offices at 940 East Gun Hill Road and 135 Einstein Loop, Room 44, in Co-Op City. Joining Council Member King and his staff Wednesday afternoon were representatives from government agencies and service organizations who made themselves available to answer community questions ranging from community safety, quality of life, health care, housing and sewer and water bills. The open house also celebrates the observance of the birthday of the slain civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“It’s only fitting that on the day of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual birthday that we open up our house as Dr. King had opened up his heart and gave his life to improve the lives of others. That true commitment to service is what we strive for in the 12th District,” said Council Member King.

Greeting residents at both offices, Council Member King discussed with constituents his vision and goals for the community and the creation of the 12^th District Council flag, which was unveiled at his inauguration ceremony.

“In the spirit of unity and bringing together our community, which is made up of different cultures from different countries, I unveiled a spirit of unity by asking all of us to come together under one umbrella: the 12th District flag. This symbolic flag is designed to be the unifying force for bringing unity back to our community,” said Council Member King. “Remember, people pay attention to people who participate.”

Photos, from top, posing in the center, Neva Shillingford-King, Brian Melford and Council Member King, are joined by members of the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program who partnered with the King family for the 2013 “Sharing Is Caring” event at the Eastwood Manor. The “Sharing is Caring” holiday banner is posted in the Eastwood Manor catering hall on Christmas eve. Council Member Andy L. King and his wife, Neva Shillingford-King, seated with red caps, flank his parents, Andy and Bernice King and they are surrounded by children and parents who attended this year’s holiday gift-giving event. Some 200 children and their parents attended.

Council Member King Hosts ‘Open House’

for the Community

City Council Member Andy King was pleased with the turnout for his Open House and community “meet and greet” at his 12th District offices at 940 East Gun Hill Road and 135 Einstein Loop, Room 44, in Co-Op City.

Joining Council Member King and his staff Wednesday afternoon were representatives from government agencies and service organizations who made themselves available to answer community questions ranging from community safety, quality of life, health care, housing and sewer and water bills.

The open house also celebrates the observance of the birthday of the slain civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“It’s only fitting that on the day of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual birthday that we open up our house as Dr. King had opened up his heart and gave his life to improve the lives of others. That true commitment to service is what we strive for in the 12th District,” said Council Member King.

Greeting residents at both offices, Council Member King discussed with constituents his vision and goals for the community and the creation of the 12^th District Council flag, which was unveiled at his inauguration ceremony.

“In the spirit of unity and bringing together our community, which is made up of different cultures from different countries, I unveiled a spirit of unity by asking all of us to come together under one umbrella: the 12th District flag. This symbolic flag is designed to be the unifying force for bringing unity back to our community,” said Council Member King. “Remember, people pay attention to people who participate.”

COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY KING & FAMILY

HOST COMMUNITY GIFT GIVING EVENT  

Eight years ago, Council Member Andy King and his family hosted a holiday meal and gift-giving  event, opening their Bronx home to neighborhood children from youth programs, nearby NYCHA developments and throughout the community.  
 
“My wife Neva and I wanted to do something to give back to the community. We had founded the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) to help the community’s youth. While working with the youth, we noticed that many of the young people and their families were having financial challenges. It was then that we decided to open our home to them for the holidays,” explained King.
 
“We went food shopping; we purchased toys and some toys were donated. We cooked and had a celebration with families from the community. The parents cried tears and they were grateful because no one had ever cared to open their home to ‘strangers’ and provide a warm meal and a loving atmosphere,” recalls King.
 
On Christmas eve, the King family and Bronx YEP continued the holiday tradition but moved the festive celebration to a larger location.
 
“This has become our holiday tradition,” said King, summarizing the mission of spreading joy and love during the holiday season.  “However, the celebration has become too big for our house.”
 
The King family and Bronx YEP hosted their annual holiday meal and gift-giving  event today at the Eastwood Manor, 3371 Eastchester Rd., Bronx.  More than 200 children and their families from a nearby family shelter, NYCHA developments and the community attended the celebration.

In addition to dancing and games, there was a dance performance by I RAISE, a girls mentoring program which presented Council Member King with a plaque for his work in the community; and music was performed by the Jamccar Eclipse Steel Drum Band of Rockland.

This year, a number of merchants and community-based organizations donated toys and goods for the celebration. It included Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz; Leroy Hendricks of Major League Baseball; Alex Perez, owner of Associates Supermarkets; C-Town on Boston Road, the associates at Pathmark in Co-Op City, Dome Groomers, Bagel Café on Bartow Avenue in Co-Op City; A. Philip Randolph Institute, SPICES restaurant, Dollar Peace/99-cent Dream discount store, Aris Cleaners and the Men of New Water Organization, Inc.

Did you know …

2nd Annual Black Comic Book Festival 2014

Friday, January 17, 2014

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FRIDAY

5:30 pm

Networking Reception: “Putting the Unity Back In Community”

Social gathering for black comics community with light refreshments.

7 pm

Public Conversation: “Milestone and Brotherman: A Celebration of Both”

Moderated by Jonathan Gayles with special guests

Saturday, January 18, 2014

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR SATURDAY

Main Floor:

12 – 5 pm

Exhibit Tables from 40 Comic Book Artists and Writers*

Langston Hughes Auditorium:

12:45 pm

Panel: “Superheroes Beyond the Comic Book” with David Walker (Super Justice Force); Jerry, Jaylen and Aren Craft (The Offenders); and Kia Barbee (Evolve the Series)

2:15 pm

Panel: “Black Women in Comics”

Moderated by Regine Sawyer with Barbara Brandon, Alitha Martinez, Jennifer Crute, and Jewels Smith.

3:45 pm

Panel and Q&A: “Self-Publishing” with John Jennings (SUNY Buffalo/Black Kirby) and Jerry Craft (Mama’s Boys)

American Negro Theater:

12 pm

Short Films and Cartoons*

1:30 pm

Youth Workshop: “Creating Your Own Comic Books” with Alex Simmons

2:30 pm

Workshop: “Collecting Comic Books”

3:15 pm

Short Films and Cartoons*

* Full list of screenings available at the event.

The Schomburg Center’s Black Comic Book Festival  is presented by the Junior Scholars Program in collaboration with Jerry Craft (Mama’s Boyz), John Jennings (SUNY Buffalo/Black Kirby) and Jonathan Gayles (Georgia State University).

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day of Service

Monday, January 20, 2014, 9:00 AM -1:00 PM

Join fellow New Yorkers this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2014 as we volunteer in Parks’ recreation centers in each of the five boroughs! Projects include painting and clean-up activities.

BRONX: St. Mary’s Recreation Center

Projects will include indoor and outdoor service components, so please dress accordingly.

To volunteer, RSVP to Amir Younesi at Amir.Younesi@parks.nyc.gov or (212) 408-0282. Please indicate at which site you wish to volunteer and how many people will be in your group. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and minors should be accompanied by a chaperone. Space is limited.

Coordinated by NYC Parks, Partnerships for Parks, and NYC Service.

Partnerships Academy Fellowship 2014:

Partnerships Academy Fellowship 2014: Intro for Participant Applicants 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014     6:30-8:00 pm 

Register: http://partnershipsacademyfellowshipapply.eventbrite.com

Are you a leader of a community park group that supports NYC parks and green spaces? Do you want to get to the next level of development, and would like some support? We invite you to apply for the Partnerships Academy Fellowship, a leadership development course designed to help you to take on a new challenges, and succeed.

Come to this optional Introductory Session as you are considering applying to the program.

Run your project idea by our staff, meet other potential applicants, and get your questions answered. The 2014 Partnerships Academy Fellowship will take place between March and July 2014. Participant applications will be available online at www.partnershipsforparks.org by January 15, 2014, and will be due on February 15, 2014.

*********************************************************************************************

Partnerships Academy Fellowship 2014: Intro for Mentor Applicants 

February 6, 2014 6:30-8:00 pm 

http://partnershipsacademyfellowshipmentor.eventbrite.com

Do you have expertise or experience that could be useful to the leaders of community organizations that support NYC Parks? Are you looking for an opportunity to share your knowledge to support community involvement in NYC? Apply to be a mentor in the 2014 Partnerships Academy Fellowship!

click pic to enlarge

Partnerships Academy Workshop:
Expand Your Impact! Skillfully Growing Your Community Park Group
Tuesday, January 28, 2014 , 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Arsenal Building, 830 Fifth Ave, 3rd Floor, Central Park
Register: Visit the event webpage to register and for more information.

Are you a community park group leader who is looking to expand the core membership of your group? Are you looking for new ways to bring on new and enthusiastic partners to support you in fulfilling the mission of your group? At this Partnerships Academy Workshop, learn how to:

• Define what support you need in your group
• How to effectively outreach to the perfect candidates
• How to engage and retain new members over time
• Anticipating challenges as groups expand

Expert Speakers include:
David Weinberger, Director of Project Development, ioby  Learn how ioby went from a great idea shared by a few friends to a national non-profit that has helped communities raise over 600,000.

Jamila Dphrepaulezz, Christopher Park Partnership Find out how long-time park steward Jamila changed her outreach tactics to successfully expand her group.

Michael Palma, Montefiore Park Neighborhood Association Michael shares how his park group uses a diversity of activities to keep members engaged.

I encourage anyone who is interested in starting a business now or in 2014 to enter this business plan competition.” — CM King

New York StartUp!
2014 Business Plan Competition

Win up to $15,000 to start your business!

The New York Public Library in conjunction with its sponsor, Citi Foundation, is proud to announce the 5th Annual New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition for New York-based startup entrepreneurs with cash prizes totaling over $30,000.

New York 2014 StartUP! gives aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to bolster their business acumen. Entrants gain practical insights about starting and growing a business, while learning about the comprehensive small business resources at NYPL’s Science, Industry and Business Library (SIBL).

Eligibility:

• You must be 18 years of age or older, live in Manhattan, The Bronx, or Staten Island as a legal resident or US citizen, and wish to start a business in Manhattan, The Bronx, or Staten Island.  See Rules and Eligibility –
• Start up businesses only. Operating businessesthat have earned revenue and/or have paid taxes are not eligible. Any business incorporated prior to October 13, 2011 is not eligble to enter.
• This competition is for For–Profit Businesses ONLY.  Non-profits are NOT eligible. 

Requirements:

• Attend one (1) Orientation Session – click here for the schedule
• Attend 3 out of 4 technical workshops scheduled January 2014 – April 2014 – Schedule to be determined
• Meet regularly with a business advisor throughout the Competition – Click here for a list of business advisors
• Upload your business plan to the Start UP! Competition Fluid Review room site no later than midnight, June 10, 2014

To Enter the Competition:

1. Create an account on the StartUP! 2014 site on FluidReview.
2. Submit an entry form on the StartUP! 2014 site on FluidReview by midnight, Thursday, January 30, 2014 (Link will be active on November 7)Note: Creating an account doesn’t mean you’ve submitted an entry form. If you previously participated in the 2013 New York StartUP! Competition your name may already be in the Review Room site and you will need to reset your password.

Your entry form must include the type of business you plan to start.

Prizes:
1st Place Award:  $15,000
2nd Place Award: $  7,500
3rd Place Award: $   5,000
4th Place Award:  $ 1,500
5th Place Award:  $ 1,500 

Neighborhood Grants