MAY
Dear Friend,
As the end of summer is rapidly approaching, I wanted to take some time and reflect on the past few months and catch you up on all we've been doing in the community.
As the pandemic continued to increase food scarcity, I worked with District Leader Corey Ortega to distribute food for West Harlem NYCHA families. Food was provided by the restaurant Archer & Goat, and supported by State Senators Brian Benjamin and Robert Jackson.
Spent a few hours at Red Oak, run by West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, creating care packages for home-bound seniors. Later that week, I assembled food packages at the monthly food pantry at Broadway Presbyterian Church at 114th Street.
I am proud to serve on Friends of Morningside Park. Together with the Frederick Douglass Blvd Association, we provided lunch to thank park workers for their efforts in maintaining our park.
JUNE
I attended a Justice League NY rally and march that assembled by the statue of Frederick Douglass at the corner of 110th & Central Park West. I've never seen a better organized event: t-shirts, signs, info session, water, snacks, everything.
I attended a rally for Breonna Taylor at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Pastor said “Protest is Prayer” to huge cheers. Wearing the bright orange hat for Gun Violence Awareness Day.
In early June, I also attended a Black Lives Matter protest that started in Washington Heights at Mitchel Square Park and then marched down Amsterdam Avenue.
Briefly spoke to West Siders at a vigil in honor of Juneteenth and Black Lives Matter, organized by Arlene Geiger of Indivisible UWS, Broadway Democrats, and Three Parks Dems. Was glad to be joined by Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell, former Assembly Member Ed Sullivan and Manhattan DA candidate Alvin Bragg.
During the Democratic Primary in June, I supported the election of Nobles Crawford to State Committee, and the re-elections of State Senator Robert Jackson, Assembly Member Al Taylor, and State Committeewoman Maria Luna. Pleased that everyone won!
JULY
After getting tested, it was confirmed that I have COVID platelets. So I scheduled an appointment a few weeks ago to donate blood plasma.
Handed out hand sanitizer at NYCHA Grant Houses at their weekly food delivery for residents with Tenant Association President Carlton Davis and Treasurer Michelle Brown. A well-run, very smooth operation. Really impressive. Also saw the nifty radio station, GHCR!
Was happy to see the installation of new banners celebrating Same Gender Loving/LGBTQ+ African American Harlem Renaissance Icons with John Martin Green, James Felton Keith, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Council Member Mark Levine and Assembly Member Al Taylor.
AUGUST
Helped out at a neighborhood clean-up in Hamilton Heights with the Broadway Malls Association, Community Board 9, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, City Council Member Mark Levine. Special thanks to Harlem Public for refreshments. Also made a new friend, Darcy Evers, from Texas!
Calling attention to the Census with fellow candidate for Council District 30, Juan Ardila. With billions of dollars at stake, everyone has to do their part. We still have a couple weeks to get everyone counted!
Volunteered with the West 111th Street Block Association to do a trash pickup, thanks to my neighbor Dan McSweeney, and made a new friend, Laura Taylor!
Always happy to help out at the West 111th Street People’s Garden. Gave everything, including me inadvertently, a good watering. Here with garden co-leader Judy Elster.
It was a hot day to march, but State Senator Jackson said the situation is dire, and we needed to make some noise to support bills to cancel rent (S08802/A10836), stop evictions (S08667/A10827) and house the homeless (S7628A/A9657).
Participated in Brighter Bites food distribution organized by my Assembly Member, Danny O’Donnell. We distributed hundreds of boxes in just over an hour!
Celebrated Women’s Equality Day on August 26th, pictured here with the temporary installation of an exhibit at the FDR Memorial on Roosevelt Island.
SEPTEMBER
Perfect weather for a neighborhood cleanup in Hamilton Heights! With Broadway Malls Association, Community Board 9, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, City Council Member Mark Levine, and special thanks to Lyn-Genet’s Kitchen for their hospitality.
Helped out Broadway Democrats with voter registration and button sales. Also did the same with Three Parks Independent Democrats too!
It's been a BUSY summer! We still have more to do with getting kids back to school, getting people counted for the Census, and helping get more Democrats elected in November. Then, the real work of 2021 begins! Can't wait to share more with you soon.
Regards,
Dan Cohen
Democrat for New York City Council, District 7