In Harlem, Espaillat Speaks at TWU/NAACP Event

In Harlem, Espaillat Speaks at TWU/NAACP Event

Adriano Espaillat, Democratic Primary Winner in the 13th Congressional District, made his first post-primary appearance in central Harlem last Thursday at an event sponsored by TWU Local 100 and the NAACP's NYCHA Chapter. Awards were given to African-American authors of both fiction and non-fiction works, with one recognition award also given to TWU Local 100, Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips accepting for President Samuelsen.

Adriano Espaillat, Democratic Primary Winner in the 13th Congressional District, made his first post-primary appearance in central Harlem last Thursday at an event sponsored by TWU Local 100 and the NAACP’s NYCHA Chapter. Awards were given to African-American authors of both fiction and non-fiction works, with one recognition award also given to TWU Local 100, Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips accepting for President Samuelsen.

In the reception preceding the awards, Senator Espaillat, who is favored to win election to Congress in November, was warmly welcomed by prominent political leaders including Assemblyman Michael Blake, State Senator Bill Perkins, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, and Assemblyman Victor Pichardo. Also in attendance was the Consul General of the Republic of South Africa, Mrs. Mathula Nkosi, who shared her country's grief over recent killings of African-American men in the United States.

Sen. Espaillat gave a speech that touched on the recent tragic deaths protested by the black lives matter movement as well as his roots in Manhattan and his discovery, as a young man, of the Harlem community. He recounted being stopped and frisked as a teen and called for criminal justice reform. The event was held at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture on 135th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard. Photos: Sen. Espaillat with Ms. Nkosi, Marvin Holland, and TWU's Dawn Sobers. Sen. Espaillat with Assemblymembers Blake, Hyndman, and Pichardo.