Senator Hamilton a guest on Cablevision’s Meet the Leaders with Reverend Dr. Cheryl Anthony at Clara Barton High School

(Brooklyn – March 16, 2015) Senator Hamilton took questions with fellow guest Reverend  Dr. Cheryl Anthony (Judah International Christian Center) from Meet the Leaders host Kerry Donovan and dozens of Clara Barton High School students in a broadcast airing today at 8:30 pm on Optimum TV channel 118. Students posed questions on an array of topics including, education, more access to technology in schools, race and police-community relations, the treatment of immigrants, and youth civic engagement. Senator Hamilton and Dr. Anthony also discussed Women’s History Month and the important female leaders who inspired them in their personal and professional lives.

On education, Senator Hamilton highlighted the point that “All children in our district are scholars.” He endorsed technology funding across New York City, especially in communities that have been historically under-served. Senator Hamilton added, “Technology is the key now to be competitive in the global economy.” Senator Hamilton also flagged mediation and conflict resolution as important in the lives of young people – being able to talk problems out rather than resorting to violence, as in the recent violence among high school students in a fast food restaurant in Brooklyn.

Relating to race and police-community relations, Senator Hamilton highlighted the importance of mutual respect and building trust over time, and behaving in a manner that kept encounters with the police civil. The Senator made the point that most police officers are committed to doing the job responsibly.

On immigration, Senator Hamilton expressed his support for New York City’s municipal ID program, IDNYC. The Senator also expressed support for assistance to immigrants and access to the opportunity to succeed whether by obtaining drivers licenses or obtaining a higher education.

Regarding youth civic engagement, Senator Hamilton encouraged the students to apply to join their local community board, attend community board meetings, and continue to voice their perspectives. Senator Hamilton remarked, “I would like to thank all the students participating today. The questions you posed demonstrate both your concern for our community and your engagement with civic life. I encourage you to continue to engage because our community needs your voices. I also commend Cablevision for motivating young people to be more involved in community affairs by including them in the production of informative programs like Meet the Leaders.”

With respect to Women’s History Month, Senator Hamilton discussed women’s reproductive rights as well as equal pay, and his support for all 10 points of the Women’s Equality Act, saying “I am going to keep advocating for women’s equality.” Asked about the women who inspired him, Senator Hamilton began by describing the sacrifices and hard work of his mother. The Senator also focused on Rosa Parks, and the Civil Rights Era advocates who opened opportunities for the generations that followed. Given the sacrifices that were made, Senator Hamilton related, everyone needs to remain civically engaged and vote.