Welcoming Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso

We were honored to welcome Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso to Children of Promise, NYC, on March 28 to tour our Brooklyn site, meet some of our wonderful after-school scholars, and discuss his plans as Borough President.

During his visit, Reynoso joined a group of CPNYC parents and caretakers for an intimate conversation about community concerns and emphasized his commitment to Brooklyn and CPNYC. He shared his background as a criminal justice reform advocate and community organizer – an unusual path for an elected official – and encouraged parents to organize and connect with city officials, as they may be surprised by what they can accomplish.

Reynoso acknowledged the critical need for support and resources in neighborhoods like East New York, Brownsville, and Coney Island; and stressed that his focus as Brooklyn Borough President is on these areas. Children in under-resourced communities deserve modern, clean schools, transportation, and spaces just as much those in wealthy sections of the borough, he said, as positive surroundings help young people know they are worthy and can have better lives. If our young people do well, “Brooklyn will do well.”

During a question-and-answer session with the parents, Reynoso highlighted the need for resources to prevent intergenerational incarceration, noting that the safest neighborhoods in the city have access to quality healthcare and education, as well as beautiful streets and parks. “When you give communities the resources they need, they get economic mobility. They get opportunities to grow.” He also discussed the pressing need to build more truly affordable housing in Brooklyn and the obstacles to development communities face.

Many thanks to Borough President Reynoso for joining CPNYC for such a thoughtful discussion. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the coming years!