Markowitz Says Respect Is A Brooklyn Attitude

The steps of Borough Hall, with their diverse smattering of Brooklynites adorned in t-shirts that read, “Respect, It’s a Brooklyn Attitude”, could have been a postcard, especially with Borough President Marty Markowitz at the forefront of the crowd, encouraging onlookers and those shuffling by to step up to the challenge that those on the stairs had already embraced. “If you see a tiny bit of garbage on your neighbors lawn, pick it up for them,” BP Markowitz said. “Big deal!” BP Markowitz says some Brooklynites have allowed the urban lifestyle to make them communicate less with their neighbors. However, this sort of interaction is vital—for the well being of Brooklyn residents and the attitude we radiate out to others as a unified community.

Before the press conference’s start, senior citizens from the Sunset Park 8th Avenue Chinese Senior Center stood alongside the Crown Heights Youth Collective, the Brooklyn Heights Association, teens from the Catholic Charity Choose Abstinence with Peers (CAPS), the Jewish Community Relations Council, and many other people of all ages, delineations, and colors fixed their Brooklyn “Respect” t-shirts in a manner that fit them best. Business men fit them over their shirt and tie. Kids chose sizes so large they hung close to their knees. And many other onlookers, just walking by, joined the posse by accepting free bracelets and t-shirts broadcasting the same slogan.

Markowitz walked up to the podium, and, addressing the crowd on the stairs said, “This looks like Brooklyn to me.” Speaking to the diversity of Brooklyn he said, “Even though we speak 136 languages we still can use the same motto given to us by the Dutch settlers. ‘In Unity There is Strength’.”
There was much applause as BP Markowitz’s speech went on to address the need for Brooklyn’s continued tolerance and respect for one another that will bring about a safer, more hospitable environment. Among those who joined him at the podium were Special Assistant to the Borough President Yvonne Graham, Councilmember Letitia James, Councilmember Karim Camara, and Bob Kaplan, director of the Jewish Community Relation Council and also We Are All Brooklyn.

Everyone spoke to the importance of respect from different vantage points—from socioeconomic bias, to racism, ageism, and religious tolerance. Every Brooklyn individual deserves their own brand of respect, depending on who they are and where they come from.
“As different as we are, there is one thing that we all want, one thing that we all need, and one thing that we all deserve—and that is respect,” says BP Markowitz. “Respect is an essential ingredient of that ‘Brooklyn attitude.’” BP Markowitz is urging all Brooklynites to organize—and invite him to—“Respect” events in their own neighborhoods this summer, and those that attended today’s event are being encouraged to wear their “Respect—It’s a Brooklyn Attitude!” shirts and wristbands at upcoming National Night Out events on August 5.