Dr. Kendall B. Stewart, chairman of the Immigration Committee at the New York City Council, and candidate for Brooklyn’s 21st Senate District, said that as New York City celebrates “Caribbean Heritage Month,” it was important to reflect on the history of great contributions that this immigrant community has made to the socio-economic and political fabric of New York and the United States.
“It was Alexander Hamilton, who was born in the tiny Caribbean island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, who structured and developed the financial system that has made the United States great today. And it was Marcus Mosiah Garvey who mobilized and organized thousands of disenfranchised Blacks that helped pave the way for the Civil Rights Movement.
Today Caribbean immigrants and first- and second-generation Caribbean Americans are continuing this great tradition,” Councilman Stewart said. The Brooklyn Democrat noted that this period was one of what he called “Caribbean upward mobility” and said that his run for the 21st Senate “was in keeping with the political aspirations of the community.” Indeed, Councilman Stewart touted his work at the New York City Council and said that his candidacy for the 21st Senate District was in keeping with his record.
“This is not simply about jumping into a political race. It is about the voters of the 21st District and a popular referendum on the record and stewardship of what the incumbent produced and delivered and what I promised and delivered. It is that simple. Let both of us show the community and the voters what we have done and let them decide who is better equipped to serve them in Albany,” Dr. Stewart said. Meanwhile, Dr. Stewart met with most of the political leaders of the Caribbean who attended a two-day conference organized by Congressman Charles B. Rangel that included a symposium on education and visits to Queens and Harlem. In particular he held discussions with Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo, who brought him up to date on events in Guyana.
“I believe that this conference presented the opportunity for everybody to get on the same page. I think that Congressman Charles Rangel and Carib News must be applauded for their vision of bringing all of us together. This conference was important and timely,” Dr. Stewart said.
Councilman Stewart has declared his candidacy for Brooklyn’s 21st Senate District and has said that his record will “speak for itself.” Among his many accomplishments are $11 million for immigration services – the largest apportionment in city history – the realization of the Flatbush/Nostrand Avenue Junction mall, a brand new affordable housing complex for senior citizens and financial help for Kings County Hospital’s Diabetes and Cancer Centers.
