The Ocean Avenue News - oceanavenuenews.comJustice Aaron D. Maslow graduated another group of young and aspiring legal professionals from his internship program.
The post Kings County Supreme Court justice’s internship program emphasizes writing skills and more appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.
It’s been said that “the Declaration of Independence was signed in ink at Philadelphia, and signed in blood at Brooklyn.”
When most people think of the opening salvo of the American Revolution, they usually imagine the “shot heard ‘round the world” fired in Concord or the fighting at Bunker Hill. But the first — and biggest — major battle after the signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on the land right under our feet.
In August 1776, after amassing a force of 32,000 troops, the British landed on the shores of Gravesend Bay and began advancing north. Fighting raged through areas we now know as Green-Wood Cemetery, Prospect Park, and Fort Greene Park before culminating at the site of the Old Stone House in Park Slope.
On the morning of August 27, the British advanced toward the main American camp at Brooklyn Heights. With the Americans on the back foot, a regiment of 400 brave Maryland soldiers battled against the larger British forces, while the rest of the American army — led by George Washington — retreated across the East River to safety.
The Battle of Brooklyn was ostensibly a victory for the British, who killed or captured 1,000 Americans and occupied New York City. But the British failed to capture Washington and his army, which survived to fight again and, eventually, win the war.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The Battle of Brooklyn was 250 years ago. But it offers us lessons that are still relevant today.
History often celebrates victories. But the Battle of Brooklyn reminds us that perseverance in the face of defeat matters, too. Even when faced with uncertainty and setbacks, the Americans continued to fight, because they believed the values expressed in the Declaration — that “all men are created equal” and have the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” — were worth defending.
In the ensuing two-and-a-half centuries, we’ve continued fighting to live up to the full promise of those values, from the movement for women’s suffrage to the civil rights movement, from the battle for workers’ rights to the struggle for LGBT rights. Today, the threats we face look different than they did in 1776, but the questions underlying them are in many ways the same: Who gets to live freely in the United States? Who gets a say in the decisions of our government? And what does the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” really look like?
These questions have perhaps never been more present in our day-to-day lives. We see them in the fight to protect our immigrant neighbors seeking to pursue their own American Dream. We see them in the push to ensure universal healthcare, affordable housing, and a dignified life for all people. We feel them in the ongoing battles over voting rights, the rule of law, and the struggle for a government that protects the liberties of every person, not just those with power.
These aren’t distant ideas buried in history books. They’re playing out in the city and country we call home. And while we’re no longer fighting a war for independence, the work to secure and strengthen the democracy we’ve inherited is far from over.
Over the course of the summer, we’ve partnered with community organizations to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, with everything from panels and historical tours to reenactments. This commemoration is about more than just reminiscing on a long-ago event. It’s also about reminding us that history is not inevitable. The freedoms we enjoy today were secured through sacrifice and strengthened by each generation that came after.
As we mark this historic anniversary, we should not only remember what happened in Brooklyn 250 years ago. We must also recommit ourselves to the work of building a stronger democracy for the 250 years to come.
It’s been said that “the Declaration of Independence was signed in ink at Philadelphia, and signed in blood at Brooklyn.”
When most people think of the opening salvo of the American Revolution, they usually imagine the “shot heard ‘round the world” fired in Concord or the fighting at Bunker Hill. But the first — and biggest — major battle after the signing of the Declaration of Independence took place on the land right under our feet.
In August 1776, after amassing a force of 32,000 troops, the British landed on the shores of Gravesend Bay and began advancing north. Fighting raged through areas we now know as Green-Wood Cemetery, Prospect Park, and Fort Greene Park before culminating at the site of the Old Stone House in Park Slope.
On the morning of August 27, the British advanced toward the main American camp at Brooklyn Heights. With the Americans on the back foot, a regiment of 400 brave Maryland soldiers battled against the larger British forces, while the rest of the American army — led by George Washington — retreated across the East River to safety.
The Battle of Brooklyn was ostensibly a victory for the British, who killed or captured 1,000 Americans and occupied New York City. But the British failed to capture Washington and his army, which survived to fight again and, eventually, win the war.
The rest, as they say, is history.
The Battle of Brooklyn was 250 years ago. But it offers us lessons that are still relevant today.
History often celebrates victories. But the Battle of Brooklyn reminds us that perseverance in the face of defeat matters, too. Even when faced with uncertainty and setbacks, the Americans continued to fight, because they believed the values expressed in the Declaration — that “all men are created equal” and have the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” — were worth defending.
In the ensuing two-and-a-half centuries, we’ve continued fighting to live up to the full promise of those values, from the movement for women’s suffrage to the civil rights movement, from the battle for workers’ rights to the struggle for LGBT rights. Today, the threats we face look different than they did in 1776, but the questions underlying them are in many ways the same: Who gets to live freely in the United States? Who gets a say in the decisions of our government? And what does the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” really look like?
These questions have perhaps never been more present in our day-to-day lives. We see them in the fight to protect our immigrant neighbors seeking to pursue their own American Dream. We see them in the push to ensure universal healthcare, affordable housing, and a dignified life for all people. We feel them in the ongoing battles over voting rights, the rule of law, and the struggle for a government that protects the liberties of every person, not just those with power.
These aren’t distant ideas buried in history books. They’re playing out in the city and country we call home. And while we’re no longer fighting a war for independence, the work to secure and strengthen the democracy we’ve inherited is far from over.
Over the course of the summer, we’ve partnered with community organizations to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, with everything from panels and historical tours to reenactments. This commemoration is about more than just reminiscing on a long-ago event. It’s also about reminding us that history is not inevitable. The freedoms we enjoy today were secured through sacrifice and strengthened by each generation that came after.
As we mark this historic anniversary, we should not only remember what happened in Brooklyn 250 years ago. We must also recommit ourselves to the work of building a stronger democracy for the 250 years to come.
NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation on Friday released its report on the death of Andre Mayfield.
The post AG: No criminal charges will be filed in police shooting of Andre Mayfield appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.
Conrad McRae Skills & Development Basketball Camp, held at the Dean Playground basketball courts on Bergen Street in Prospect Heights, is a “home away from home” for young people ages 7 to 15 during the summer months, according to basketball coaches Troy Douglas and Patrick Alphonse.
The duo launched the summer camp more than a decade ago in memory of their friend, the late professional basketball player Conrad McRae, a standout who played for Brooklyn Tech in high school and Syracuse University. McRae died in 2000 at the age of 29.
After playing professionally in the Continental Basketball Association and in Turkey, Greece, France and Italy, the Orlando Magic signed McRae as a free agent. During the team’s first summer league practice, he collapsed and died while running sprints. An autopsy revealed that he had an enlarged heart caused by a condition known as idiopathic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
“We grew up with Conrad; played AAU basketball with Conrad when we were in high school,” Alphonse, who works as a consultant for TV shows and movies like “The Tracy Morgan Show,” “New Amsterdam” and “Little Brothers,” and is working on a documentary about the Rose Classic, said. “26 years after his death, we still keep his name alive, and his mother comes here every time we have a family day. She can’t believe that, 26 years later, her son’s name is still around and relevant.”
Douglas, a basketball coach with Castle Athletic, added, “His mother was proud. We were proud of him because we all had that dream. But he was the only one that made it [to the NBA]. Conrad stood about seven feet, so he had a greater chance than us.”
The free summer hoops camp kicks off after July Fourth and runs Monday through Friday until Labor Day weekend for players ages 7 to 15.
Douglas and Alphonse, who attended high school together, explained that the young people not only learn the fundamentals of basketball and build their skills so they can eventually participate in more advanced tournaments, like the Conrad McRae Youth League, which also takes place at Dean Playground during the summer, but also learn teamwork, positivity and respect.
“A lot of the kids are local from the area, so they are within walking distance from their house, and the parents feel safe just leaving them here with us,” Alphonse explained. “We have a kid here that’s been here for seven years, and he keeps coming back. Just to keep them off the streets and away from their phones and the violence that’s going on in the streets out here, especially in the summertime, it’s a great feeling.”
Douglas added that it is easier to get into trouble than it is to get out of it.
“I figure if I can get [the young people] here for a couple hours to keep them off the streets, playing basketball and learning something that they like to do, and keep them away from the stuff they don’t need to be around,” he said. “I’d rather see them here playing with us than somewhere getting in trouble. Now, if we take away the court from them, they got the streets to run to, you know. I’d rather them be in here playing with us than running those streets and get themselves in trouble.”
The Dean Playground basketball courts are legendary, attracting top local talent over the years. Identical twins Julian and Justin Champagnie have played there, with Julian now playing for the San Antonio Spurs and Justin for the Washington Wizards.
Notable NBA and WNBA players, including former Knicks player John Wallace, former Nets player Kenny Anderson and Epiphanny Prince, have stopped by for pep talks and to teach the young players some hoop tricks. Anton Marchand, a former NBA scout for the Cleveland Cavaliers and founder of the Conrad McRae League, has also visited. New York Liberty player Jonquel Jones even checked in with the kids while walking her dogs, Douglas and Alphonse said.
Two camp alumni, Richie Springs and Khalil Brantley, now play professionally in Europe. Springs plays in Finland, while Brantley plays in Hungary, Alphonse proudly declared.
“It feels great to see them here at such a young age and learning and listening to Coach Ra and me, and 6, 7, 8 years later to see them playing professional ball in Finland and in Hungary; it’s just the best feeling in the world,” Alphonse said, noting that they haven’t forgotten their roots. “When I post, I tag them, and they hit me right back, like, ‘Thanks, coach. Love you, coach.’ They appreciate everything. So, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
Twelve-year-old Santino, who has been coming to the camp for six years, and 13-year-old Melo told Brooklyn Paper that the practice has not only improved their game but also kept them away from their electronic devices.
“It’s really fun and taught me a lot. You get to meet new people, play with friends, and it’s fun. [My parents] feel happy because they don’t want me on my devices all day,” Santino, who aspires to become a professional basketball player one day, said.
Melo, who the coaches said was probably the best player they had seen in the past nine years, told Brooklyn Paper that the skills he learned during camp became second nature.
“It translates to real game situations, you know, because when you get trapped half-court, you gotta dribble back, pass, kick out, cut, and we learn all those things at camp,” he explained.
The players also have the opportunity to practice their newly learned skills by playing scrimmage games against other basketball summer camps, including Team Scoop, which meets three days a week at P.S. 282 on Sixth Avenue and Lincoln Place in Park Slope. Team McRae beat Team Scoop, 41-36.
Coach Obie told Brooklyn Paper that Team Scoop was all about nurturing the young players’ skills.
“As soon as I see that a kid has a talent, we put a magnifying glass over it. Let’s make it bigger, and then we say magnify their excellence because it was already excellent when you started. Now we make it bigger, and it becomes excellence.”
For Prospect Heights resident Anthony, whose son is one of the campers, the basketball courts have remained a constant in a neighborhood that has changed over the past few decades due to gentrification.
“This is my neighborhood. I grew up playing basketball here myself. I won a couple of trophies here and there,” Anthony said. “Things have changed throughout the neighborhood. This is what little we got left of our memories growing up.”
Every summer, the prior spring’s state test scores are released, and it can seem like this one data point sums up everything about public school children in our city.
As a longtime educator and the leader of the nation’s largest school system, I want to be clear: state tests are important, and they are not, and should not be, the only data point that we use to measure student achievement.
This is a message our communities need to hear. Last week, school districts across New York State saw state test scores creep up for math and drop sharply in English Language Arts (ELA).
Without context, this would seem to indicate that, all of a sudden, literacy rates across the state plunged, in contrast to a dramatic upswing last year. Last year, scores rose seven percentage points. This year, they dropped by six. These fluctuations are considerable and unprecedented, and at odds with what teachers are seeing in their classrooms.
Meanwhile, our nationally-normed student growth screeners, one of multiple measures we use to monitor student progress, tell a very different story. On these screeners, New York City students have demonstrated consistent growth since 2024. This past year alone, for grades 3-8, the same grades that take the state tests, our students grew nearly 3 points in ELA and nearly 8 points in math.
There are two things New Yorkers need to understand about how we’re responding to these results:
First, we have to explore how these fluctuations and discrepancies occurred. We are working closely with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to better understand the large swings over the past two years and ensure we’re accurately measuring what our students are learning.
Second, we must continue the nationally renowned work started in NYC Reads, grounded in the same evidence-based approach that drove the “Mississippi Miracle”, which dramatically improved student reading and math performance on national assessments. This shift to evidence-based reading instruction is transforming how our city teaches literacy, deepening how students engage with rich, challenging texts and build meaning across them. As part of this work, we’ve trained thousands of teachers, engaged families, and built a literacy ecosystem here in New York, and that work will continue to grow.
Starting this fall, we are zooming in even further on grades 3-5, which saw the largest swings, with a sharper focus on reading fluency and knowledge-building, helping students sustain meaning across increasingly complex texts. We will also continue to use multiple measures to monitor student growth, because we know our students, educators, and schools are more than a single number or score.
Ultimately, change at this scale takes the right tools paired with a commitment to meticulous analysis of all types of data. NYC Reads, like other large-scale literacy initiatives across the nation, will take time to turn the tide on proficiency rates. We will stay the course until we get there, because our students deserve nothing less.
Gene Roddenberry was born on this day in 1921. The Texas native left his career as an airline pilot to be a writer.
The post August 19: ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.