Brooklyn Generation Class of 2012 Welcomes U.S. Congressman Ed Towns

In the fall, 12^th grade students in teacher Blair Namnoum’s history class developed civic action projects to address issues that resonated in their lives – from the dangers of texting while driving to the affordability of college. Jeffrey interpreted this assignment as a call to “create something that you wanted to fight for and taking action on the project.”

He first thought about organizing a coat drive for protestors in Zuccotti Park. Then, it occurred to him, the need for coats in his own community was tremendous, with many residents depending upon hoodies and sweaters to keep warm all winter long.

Jeffrey collected over 300 coats from students, teachers and community members. He created coat vouchers that he distributed to the Atlantic Family Shelter, St. John’s Bread and Life Shelter and Starbright Adult Family Shelter.   Chic Graphics designed a poster and post cards, which were widely distributed. Studio Fix Hair Salon donated space enabling men, women and children to pick up a winter coat on November 22^nd. For one family that lined up before the doors opened, winter coats were unaffordable, given the reality of making ends meet on an unemployment check.

Jeffrey recognized,  “How quickly life can change for a person, so you shouldn’t take life for granted.”

Jeffrey worked to engage the entire community in his project including writing his Congressman who surprised him by writing back and saying, “ Invite me. I want to be a part of what you are doing.”

Congressman Towns kept his word as he visited the school the end of last week. Jeffrey introduced Congressman Towns, who has represented Brooklyn’s 10^th District for over 30 years, telling the Congressman, “I hope to give back as much as you one day.”

Towns spent time addressing college access issues with students, explaining that there are a lot of ways to go about accessing financial resources for college including the availability of loan forgiveness programs for college graduates who enter public service.

“There is nothing like commitment and determination; once you want it bad enough, you can go and get it,” Towns told the students. He emphasized he importance of students advocating for themselves, with the right attitude, as essential for success. He explained that how students relate to their teachers and their classmates is key as is securing strong letters of recommendation.

Jonathan Franklin, BGS Class of 2012, asking Congressman Ed Towns for his suggestions to make his community safer

Towns invited graduates to dine with him in Washington, D.C. when they visit in May 2012 and was formally invited to – the students’ graduation this June.

Top Photo: Blair Namnoum, BGS History Teacher; Jeffrey Archer, Class of 2012; Congressmen Ed Towns; Diana Archer