Rep. Nydia Velazquez presented $188,000 in federal funds to the Brooklyn Arts Council this past Monday to expand arts programs in six Brooklyn public schools.
The programs include arts education workshops designed at preventing juvenile delinquency and violence, a drama program on public speaking at the Bushwick-based P.S. 257 (60 Cook Street), a drama program focused on conflict resolution at P.S. 145 (100 Noll Street) in Bushwick, and a mural restoration program at P.S. 15 (71 Sullivan Street) in Red Hook.
At a ceremony at P.S. 257 John F. Hylan School, principals, staff, and students who received the funding were entertained by the school’s drumline and Afro-Caribbean dance troupe before greeting the congresswoman and thanking her for her advocacy.
“This is what gives meaning to my work in Washington,” Velazquez said. “I hear you and I hear your passion. This is our future. If we don’t take care of our children today, what will happen tomorrow? Nothing will end the cycle of poverty except education.” –Aaron Short
