Borough Prez Eric Adams honored by Coney Island Hospital

New Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams was honored by Coney Island Hospital on Wednesday, February 19 for his exceptional community service and work with the NYPD. The event was part of the hospital’s recognition of Black History Month.

Adams received a plaque from Coney Island Hospital Executive Director Arthur Wagner. During his address, he discussed the significance of the month, noting, “Diversity is the term of the day in Brooklyn. I viewed Black History Month differently as a child from how I view it as an adult.”

During his speech to the nearly 100 hospital employees and fellow politicians in attendance, Adams stated that at some point in history, many races have experienced hardship and discrimination.

“Black History Month is a reflection of the human experience and how do we ensure that periods of subjugationand danger and unfair treatment of groups stop right here and right now under this generation. That’s what this is about,” he said.

The new borough president also touched on his long journey to Borough Hall and his understanding of the struggles experienced by Brooklynites. “The message that I am sending throughout Brooklyn is that I get it. I spent 22 years wearing a bulletproof vest standing on street corners protecting children and families. I get it that you relive Sandy. I get it that you’re concerned about the affordability of this borough and if you’re going to have a place to stay,” Adams explained.

Adams also joked about Brooklyn’s love for his predecessor. “I know some of you are going through separation anxiety that Marty Markowitz is not the borough president but I’m not going to try to fill his shoes. I’m bringing my own pair, and it’s a solid pair,” he said. “It’s a pair that walked through public school system so I know what parents go through when they talk about equality in public schools

Adams believes that despite the spike in Brooklyn’s popularity, residents must trade in apathy for passion in order to truly make a difference. “So much is happening in this borough and we are gauging our success merely because we have the Barclays Center on the corner of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues. That is not a gauge of success.

“The popularity of this brand must turn into prosperity for every Brooklynite,” Adams insisted, explaining that courage must be present for change. “I don’t want that to be my legacy — that we didn’t have courageous people around us. Not on my watch. Not in my Brooklyn. Not in my city.

“Our flame isn’t going to last forever,” said Adams. “How are we going to use our flame? The name of the game is just burning long enough to complete your task. I’m not going to serve in Borough Hall forever. I need to use the period that I’m here to light the way for those who are to come.”