In the wake of unrest during the Summer of 1991 in Crown Heights, Mayor David Dinkins arrives on campus to discuss the report, “Crown Heights: A Strategy for the Future” authored by a coalition of leaders from the African-American, Caribbean-American, and Hasidic Communities.

As described in a Feb 1st 1991 letter responding to an article in the NYTimes:

“[The coalition] was the first group to investigate the causes of violence. They recommended improvements in police-community relations, cultural understanding, youth services and economic opportunities.

The coalition lobbied City Hall for programs and services outlined in “Crown Heights: A Strategy for the Future,” a comprehensive report. Coalition initiatives, which have resulted in measurable improvements in public safety, employment and recreation for Crown Heights, have been lauded by former Mayor David Dinkins and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

As a result of the coalition’s work, the 71st Precinct received its full complement of community policing officers three years ahead of schedule. Crown Heights police officers receive additional cultural diversity and anti-bias training. “Safe corridors” have been established to protect high school students traveling to and from school. The Department of Employment has started a new Testing Assessment and Placement Center in the area. The St. John’s Recreation Center has reopened with many new programs.

It is difficult to understand why anyone would want to dismiss these and other valuable programs that have been implemented at the coalition’s strong urging. The coalition is working with the next generation — our youth — to eradicate and avoid precisely this type of cynical attitude.

The coalition remains a strong and forceful entity in Crown Heights. It meets regularly to deal with divisive issues in the community.

For example, the coalition, which early called for a Federal investigation of the Yankel Rosenbaum murder, continues to monitor the case. Bringing the murderers to justice is a priority for the entire community.

The coalition is also working to resolve a dispute raised over this year’s West Indian-American Day Parade and the Jewish observance of the eve of Rosh ha-Shanah, the Jewish New Year, which coincide on Labor Day. That the coalition has not yet told the press about these efforts does not mean that it is not addressing the problem. HOWARD GOLDEN (Rabbi) SHEA HECHT EDISON O. JACKSON Brooklyn, Feb. 1, 1994″

https://nyti.ms/3mlMA0G