Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats Hold Awards Dinner

From CBID: Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Former Assembly Member Jim Brennan, and community leaders and activists honored; guests include Senator Schumer and Mayor de Blasio The Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Park Slope and Windsor Terrace’s oldest grassroots political organization held its 48th Annual Awards Dinner at the Bell House last night.

At a sold out affair, over 150 elected officials, political activists, and representatives of labor and community organizations gathered to acknowledge the honorees and the work of CBID. Among those in attendance were US Senator Charles Schumer, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Comptroller Scott Stringer, Public Advocate Letitia James, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams as well as many local elected officials, including former President of the club and current Assembly Member, Robert Carroll. This year’s honorees included Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Former Assembly Member James Brennan; Mohammad Razvi of Council of Peoples Organization; Dan Kane Sr, Eastern Region Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Ellen Raider, a longtime education activist and member of CBID, and the Windsor Terrace Food Coop.

CBID President Benjamin Solotaire said “CBID is honored to have so many distinguished guests at this year’s dinner and incredibly grateful to the honorees for their hard work. In our almost fifty year history we have honored many progressive fighters and this year we continue that tradition with this amazing group of people. We are proud to work alongside so many dedicated community members and elected officials in the fight for social justice and equity in our community.”

Assembly Member Robert Carroll said “As a former President of CBID and whose grandfather helped found CBID in 1968, I am particularly proud to see so much support for the club here in 2017. With Trump in the White House, we need Democratic clubs like CBID to be strong and ready to fight – I know CBID will be at the forefront of the resistance against Trump’s policies and rest assured that I will be fighting right there with them.”

Carroll continued: “I was especially honored to present a special award on behalf of CBID to my predecessor, Jim Brennan, for his 32 years of exemplary service to New York State and the 44th Assembly District.” CBID has fought for reform and progressive causes and candidates for office since its founding in 1968. CBID is a vehicle for citizen empowerment and making government more accountable to our neighborhoods and has actively supported many reform candidates for all levels of government. CBID meets monthly in Park Slope, usually the fourth Thursday evening of the month to discuss issues and neighborhood concerns and organize political actions. www.cbidems.com

Photos courtesy of CBID