Clarke, Bichotte Hermelyn, grateful to be re-elected

As former Republican President Donald J. Trump defeated Democratic Jamaican-American Vice President Kamala Harris in Tuesday’s Presidential Elections, two prominent Democratic leaders in Brooklyn have expressed gratitude for their re-election.

On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, thanked “the good and decent people of New York’s 9th District for entrusting me to another term representing you in Congress.”

While also grateful for her re-election, New York State Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte-Hermelyn, chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party and daughter of Haitian immigrants, noted, “Unfortunately, in politics, there are winners and losers.”

Clarke, whose 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn overwhelmingly comprises Caribbean immigrants, told Caribbean Life that she has devoted her life to public service for the families of Brooklyn. “I consider myself incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to fight for you—addressing the issues closest to your hearts and delivering the futures you deserve.

“This community has been my home since the day I was born,” she said. “Over my lifetime, we’ve witnessed great change take root. From the era of Shirley Chisholm to the days of Major R. Owens, we’ve met new neighbors with bold new ideas, and we have confronted and overcome countless hurdles. And, over the years, we have held fast to Brooklyn’s immovable identity.

“It has been a true privilege to serve you, and I look forward to my 10th term as your representative,” Clarke added. “Together, we will continue to advance our progressive agenda and serve as a bulwark against oppressive actions and regressive ideologies – fulfilling the highest ideals of all those who built this borough into the special and diverse community it is today.”

Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42ndAssembly District in Brooklyn, said that “when we woke up Wednesday morning, after the Nov. 5 General Elections, many of us did not expect this outcome, and were united in our hopeful efforts to make history by voting in the first female President of the United States.

“Many have expressed disappointment, even anger, but I urge you to keep maintaining that unity we held before the elections while remembering we live in a democracy: we can still find strength in our diversity, to keep moving forward, stronger together,” she said. “And I am honored to help lead these efforts as your Assembly Member for District 42 and the New York State Assembly Majority Whip. 

“I am extremely grateful and appreciative for your support this election season, and am honored to continue to serve our community,” she added. “As a lifelong Brooklynite who grew up in this district, there’s no greater privilege than engaging with constituents to represent your best interests by tirelessly working to uplift Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, and all Brooklynites.”

Bichotte Hermelyn said her focus “remains relentless on advocating for the evolving needs of our district and fighting for the issues affecting us, including housing, health, education, criminal justice, safety, and voting rights.  

“My public service is a lifelong commitment for our community, ever since my first election here in 2010 as District Leader,” she added. “The experience I’ve earned serving you as an Assembly Member for the past nine years has helped shape a better path forward for us all.”

Meantime, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, the daughter of a Trinidadian immigrant father, said that “the outcome of this 2024 Presidential Election represents a stark divide.

“It’s a sobering reminder of the work we need to do to bridge these divides and ensure that our voices are heard,” she said. “As we move forward, we must remain vigilant and committed to advocating for our residents.

“Regardless of who serves as Commander-in-Chief, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to protect the rights of our families and ensure that our community’s needs are prioritized,” Gibson added. “In these times of uncertainty, it’s vital that we come together, regardless of political affiliation, to safeguard our residents’ rights and well-being. Our strength lies in our unity, and we must not allow divisiveness to distract us from the work at hand.”

She urged residents to “stay engaged and informed,” stating that civic participation is “crucial as we navigate the challenges ahead.

“Together, we can advocate for the priorities that matter most to our community, ensuring that our voices are amplified and our rights protected,” the borough president said. “Let us stand together, remain focused on our goals, and work towards a brighter future for all.”