BP MARKOWITZ,
On Wednesday, August 17, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham joined the Brooklyn NAACP, New York State NAACP President Hazel Dukes and Congressman Edolphus Towns for the annual Back to School/Stay in School rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Full release is below.
"Brooklyn Borough Hall is proud to once again support the NAACP and its Back to School/Stay in School program," said BP Marty Markowitz. "From 500 backpacks handed out in 2006 to more than 2,000 again this year, this initiative has really gone to the 'head of the class' in supplying our children with essential back-to-school supplies--basic tools every child needs to help reduce educational disparities and ensure that all of our students reach the zenith of their potential."
Photo by Kathryn Kirk
STUDENTS JOIN PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY TO KICKOFF NEW SCHOOL YEAR
Brooklyn, NY, August 15, 2011 -- Dozens of New York City's most challenged students will join government officials and community leaders at a Back-to-School/Stay-in-School Press Conference and Rally, starting at 11 am on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at the Brooklyn Borough Hall.
Continuing its work to motivate "at risk" students to strive for academic excellence, the Brooklyn NAACP, with the support of partners, will kickoff the Back-to-School/Stay-in-School Program with distribution of free backpacks to more than 2000 students. The backpacks, containing essential school supplies, will help equip students, who are from low-income families, to excel in school.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn NAACP President Karen Boykin-Towns, and other government officials and local community leaders will be among individuals participating in the event.
Organized by the Brooklyn Branch of the NAACP, the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, and the New York City Department of Education, the Back-to-School/Stay-in-School Program is a 27-year tradition of the NAACP. Initiated in 1984, the program provides critical supports, such as mentoring and after school educational activities, to "at-risk" students, including those who live in shelters. An important component of the program is facilitating greater involvement of parents in the education of their children, which can help to build confidence and stimulate learning.
"Brooklyn Borough Hall is proud to once again support the NAACP and its Back to School/Stay in School program," said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. "From 500 backpacks handed out in 2006 to more than 2,000 again this year, this initiative has really gone to the 'head of the class' in supplying our children with essential back-to-school supplies--basic tools every child needs to help reduce educational disparities and ensure that all of our students reach the zenith of their potential."
Brooklyn NAACP President Karen Boykin-Towns pointed out the historical importance of promoting education for all by the NAACP. "Advocating for accessible and quality education for all has always been a priority of the NAACP," she said. "No matter how tough the economic conditions are, the NAACP will always help to provide educational resources for children in our communities. We are grateful to our partners for their commitment, and for helping us equip students with vital school supplies, so they can be motivated and well-prepared as they start the new school year."
Beneficiaries of the Back-to-School/Stay-in-School Program include the Graham Windham and HeartShare agencies. Both organizations provide a range of resources to poor children and families, including foster care and adoption services.
Sponsors of the event include the Brooklyn Public Library, G&B Foundation, Inner City Foundation of NY, Inc., Verizon, Walgreens and Walmart. To get information about how you can support the work of the Brooklyn NAACP, please go to www.brooklynnaacp.org .