Richardson tells constituents of ‘rough week’

Despite her renowned resilience and diligence, Brooklyn Assemblywoman Diana Richardson, like many elected officials and others, has noted the troubled times that the community is undergoing, acknowledging to constituents the past “rough week.”

“With racial incidences sparking violent protests across the country, including Brooklyn, with our communities still dealing with COVID-19, and with us approaching our 12th week of social distancing, we have truly have had a rough week,” said Richardson, the daughter of St. Martin and Aruban immigrants, in a message to constituents in the 43^rd Assembly District in Crown Heights.

“First, I want to thank everyone who reached out to Sen. (Zellnor) Myrie and myself, after we were attacked by the NYPD (New York Police Department), while peacefully protesting the extrajudicial killings of unarmed Black people by the police,” she added. “As you can see, at times, this job can be dangerous, but I’m happy to know that my district will have my back.

“Second, like many of you, I’m hurt beyond words. As a mother of a Black teenage son, and a representative of a historically-underserved Assembly District, I mourn for and with my community,” Richardson continued. “However, with your help and allyship, we will channel our pain to achieve real and lasting police reform.”

On a lighter note, she said “June is here. We are now at the halfway mark of 2020.

“If you are in need of food, do not go hungry,” she told constituents, urging them to visit any of locations “to get access to free, nutritional and delicious food.”

Richardson said food distribution sites are open Wednesday through Saturday.

She said while the doors to her office are psychically closed, “we remain open virtually Monday – Friday | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm to assist you.

“Feel free to contact us at (718) 771-3105 or by emailing [email protected],” the assemblywoman said.

She disclosed that the COVID-19 testing site at St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church and Senior Center in Prospect Lefferts Gardens will continue until Friday, June 5, by appointment only.

“We’ve helped to flatten the curve, now let’s continue to make sure we know our status, so that we can keep our families and communities safe,” Richardson said.

She also said Advantage Care Physicians NY of Crown Heights in the 43rd District will begin testing for COVID-19 and antibody testing, beginning June 1 to Sept. 1, between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

For appointment, constituents can call (866) 749-2660.

Richardson said she will be giving away “much-needed” masks and hand sanitizer bottles on Friday, June 5, at 2036 Bedford Ave., between Lenox Road and Clarkson Avenue, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

“Please remember to bring your own bottles, as we will be filling up while supplies last,” she urged.