Specifically, EBC wants to work on projects such as “Do Not Stand Idly By,” an effort to hold gun manufacturers accountable, and “COMPSTAT for Cops,” which were statistical crime metrics established by the NYPD in the 1990s that could root out “bad apples” within the department.

BP Adams, who helped implement an early iteration of COMPSTAT during his time as a police officer, echoed those sentiments.

The impact of COVID-19

Donna Perry, a member of one of EBC’s affiliate churches, spoke on the toll the pandemic has had. Perry, who was infected with the virus along with her mother and sister, said in her church alone 65 members had contracted the disease and 15 had passed away.  The situation made it clear better access to healthcare needed to be a top priority for both EBC and local officials, she said. Natalie Flores, a student at one of the EBC public schools, said many students at her school were having issues accessing WiFi, a necessity for remote learning. She said many families were unable to pay their bills, making virtual classes impossible to attend. Senator Schumer said he would advocate for universal access to high-speed internet.

Mismanagement in NYCHA



Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City came under fire for shortcomings in providing safe and liveable public housing for East Brooklyn residents. 

NYCHA resident Tawanna Myers said that the only time the city does anything about the “unsanitary, unfair and unsafe conditions is when EBC makes them.”

Senator Schumer called out an “immoral lack of investment in NYCHA,” and Comptroller Stringer called for a new housing plan centered around the needs of working people. Stringer had put affordable housing at the center of his mayoral bid. It’s not just bridges, roads and tunnels that are crumbling and need to be repaired. We need to repair our public housing,” Congressman Jeffries said, adding public housing needed to be treated with the same level of urgency as other public works. Some of the most passionate remarks on housing came from BP Adams, who described NYCHA as “a bottomless pit, with the levels of corruption and mismanagement.” 

Adams stressed his commitment to NYCHA went deeper than empty words. “I want to help people that are living the life that I lived as a child,” he said, adding that during the pandemic “when other politicians went to the Hamptons, I went to housing, passing out food and facemasks.”

For EBC, the goal of the meeting was to express priorities going into next year’s mayoral and municipal elections. We are going to work to create a city where we can see ourselves in the picture,” Rev. David Brawley said. The four politicians said they would work to support EBC’s vision.