WILLIAMS HONORS FORMER STAFFERS AT BROOKLYN COMMUNITY PRIDE PARTY

NEW YORK, NY:  Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn) , Deputy Leader and co-chair of the Council's Task Force to Combat Gun Violence, honored two former staffers at Brooklyn Pride Party on June 7. 

 

Stefan Ringel and William Gerlich both served as Communications Directors for Council Member Williams, and have since then made great strides in their careers. Ringel currently serves as Communications Director to Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. Gerlich is a Creative Media Strategist for Marathon Strategies, a NYC-based communications and research firm.

"I wanted to honor pride month by honoring two people who are very close to me," said Council Member Williams. "They have both made a positive impact on my life and I am happy for the opportunity to celebrate their work and achievements."

 

Brooklyn Community Pride provides a special opportunity to celebrate the history and contributions of people in the LGBT community. The kickoff will feature an oral history project presented by Brooklyn Community Pride Center, an exhibition by photographer and fashion blogger Gabrielle Royal and art by Elise Peebles.

"As Pride kicked off in New York City, I couldn't be more honored to receive this incredible distinction," stated Gerlich. "As a gay man in America, I am grateful for what our LGBT elders have accomplished, and appreciate the opportunity to build on them so that all people are granted the freedom, rights and dignity that they deserve."

"I'm honored - and humbled - to be recognized by Council Member Williams, a man I'm proud to call my close friend and partner in public service," added Ringel. "I accept this proclamation as a product of the important work we have done and continue to do together. With pride in my soul, I commit to channeling this commendation into fuel that will power the hard work to come for advancing my community forward."

"It was an honor to have Council Member Jumaane D. Williams join us for our Brooklyn Pride Party, the kick-off to Brooklyn Pride Week, on June 7th. The theme of the night was "Telling Our Stories" - a chance for us to collectively claim and honor our identities and experiences as a diverse community - a time for us to share in our triumphs and to collectively articulate and address our remaining challenges. This was accomplished in a number of ways," said Wilfredo Hernandez, Arts & Culture Group Leader of Brooklyn Community Pride. "The Council Member's presence and support of our community means so much to our staff, volunteers and the artists who presented their work at the event. We welcome all New Yorkers  to visit our center, learn about our services and to support our growing program areas. On behalf of the Brooklyn Community Pride Center, we wish to thank Council Member Williams for his continued support of the LGBTQ community and wish everyone a safe and happy Pride month!"

"History shows hatred can't be contained in a box," said Council Member Williams. "In light of this weekend's tragic events, we are reminded how hatred can manifest and affect us all. Let us all work towards a more inclusive society, where no one has to fear for their life because of who they are."