By Office Of Council Member Crystal Hudson
Photos: Office of Council Member Crystal Hudson\Wikimedia Commons
Brooklyn, the day has come for us to stand up. A mere two months before his assassination, in Washington, D.C. in 1968, Dr. King said, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” I admire his legacy, which reminds us to center love, remain steadfast and diligent in the face of violence and hate, and fight with every fiber in our beings for justice and humanity.

We spent this weekend reflecting on the rich legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at incredible community events like the Annual MLK Day Celebrations at the National Action Network and Brooklyn Academy of Music and during an empowering sermon from Rev. Dr. Eboni Marshall-Turman at First Baptist Church of Crown Heights. We stood in solidarity with other neighbors, politicians, and community advocates whose ideals stand in stark contrast with those of the newly sworn-in president and his right-wing extremist supporters. We took the time to breathe, sing, and develop action plans together. And after it all, we feel ready to face whatever attacks will come from this new administration.
In her sermon, Rev. Dr. Turman asked “What must we do to be saved?” The answer is that we must come together, lean on each other, and never stop fighting for an equitable and just country. Our unity is our strength.
So when people ask me what gives me hope as we look ahead to the next four years, I say Brooklyn gives me hope. It is our resistance, resilience, and strength that will see us through.
Like Dr. King, we must make our urgent cries for equality and justice loud and clear. (Crystal clear, if we may.) Demanding freedom has never been easy, but it has been done before. And it will be done again.
Last Week in Review |
On Thursday morning, Crystal attended the Committee on Immigration hearing at City Hall, where the Council discussed ways to protect our immigrant communities from the likely actions of the new presidential administration. The Committee heard a resolution Crystal will officially introduce this week, calling on Albany to pass the Access to Representation Act, which would provide a right to legal counsel in immigration court proceedings. Watch the recap here. |
That evening, she gave brief remarks at the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Annual City Council Reception. Crystal shared how limited discretionary dollars allocated by Council Members to their local schools should not be used to replace physical infrastructure like auditorium seats, gymnasium floors, HVAC units, and the like – the city’s school system should be investing in much-needed repairs throughout its school buildings. |
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On Saturday, Crystal and our team attended the National Action Network’s (NAN) Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration and Public Policy Forum, where Crystal gave brief remarks alongside Rev. Al Sharpton and other elected officials prior to NAN’s March and Rally on Washington on Monday. |
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On Sunday, Crystal attended services at First Baptist Church of Crown Heights where Rev. Dr. Eboni Marshall-Turman gave an incredible sermon on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and how salvation is connected to the understanding of social safety for Black folks. She reminded the congregation that even though it is midnight in this country, we have the rich history of our ancestors to lean on and we can use that to guide ourselves to safety. |
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On Monday morning, Crystal and members of our team attended the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s 39th Annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Crystal delivered a speech celebrating Dr. King’s advocacy and how we can use it as motivation in 2025. |
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Tonight, Crystal joined Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Council Members Nantasha Williams and Farah Louis, and NYC Commission on Racial Equity Chair & Executive Director Linda Tigani at the Center for Brooklyn History at 6:30 pm to discuss the city’s plan to address the ongoing effects of enslavement and explore an equitable future for Black New Yorkers. |
A Look at Our Week Ahead |
On Wednesday, our team will attend the Brooklyn Community Board 2 meeting at St. Francis College from 6pm to 8pm. At this meeting, the Board will discuss local programs and issues, solicit feedback from members of the public, and form recommendations to elected officials and city agencies regarding key developments. |
On Thursday, Crystal will attend the Stated Meeting of the City Council, where she will vote on a number of bills and resolutions. Watch live here at 1:30pm on Thursday. |
Watch Live at 1:30pm on Thursday |