Letter of Support from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz:

July 18, 2008

Dear Friends:

As the Brooklyn Borough President, it is an honor for me to acknowledge and commend the outstanding work of the National Conference for Community and Justice of Greater New York, Inc. (NCCJ), and the integral work they do to fight bias, bigotry and racism. I had the great opportunity to speak at their Hate in the Hallways conference on May 22, 2008 at St. Francis College.  It was wonderful to see the rich diversity of Brooklyn and New York City reflected in the youth that were participating in the conference.  The success of the program was evident in the energy the youth displayed at the end of the day.          

Brooklyn is one of the most diverse places in the United States, if not the world. Ethnic and cultural diversity is something to be embraced and celebrated; it should be a source of pride, not a cause for violence.  All too often we hear about bias-related crimes in the news.  For each of us to realize the full measure of our potential, we must actively strive to open our minds, cast down the barriers that prejudice, ignorance and fear put before and between us, and seek the path of inclusion.   

For the past 80 years, NCCJ's programs have been working towards these goals.  NCCJ is challenging us to deal with our own personal bias and prejudices in order to more effectively work with each other in our schools, neighborhoods and workplaces. Because of NCCJ's work, there are now more leaders in New York who demonstrate values and skills that oppose discrimination in all of its many destructive forms.  The NCCJ programs help to empower individuals to become civic leaders that embrace our rich diversity, practice inclusion, and advocate for social justice. 

On behalf of the entire borough of Brooklyn, I want to encourage you to support NCCJ and its mission. Join me as an ambassador for change that builds a more respectful and inclusive society. Together, we will  make Brooklyn and New York City a better place for all.

Sincerely,

Marty Markowitiz

MM/sas

BBPO # 2008-0703-009