The Source Magazine and the Hip Hop Caucus join Rep. Clarke in encouraging Brooklyn High School Students to Volunteer in Their Community.

(Brooklyn, NY)- Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke hosted the “Green the Block” event for National Service Day at Brooklyn Botanic Garden in remembrance of the Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“As our nation pauses to reflect the life and legacy of those whose lives were tragically altered or cut short as a result of the violent attacks on September 11, 2001, I am humbled at the opportunity to pay homage to the memory of those who perished in the attacks. We will never forget that almost 3,000 lives were lost on that day, including 343 firefighters and 23 police officers,” stated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Their contributions and legacies will forever be honored and revered. I salute the many World Trade Center and Pentagon workers who were an integral part of our thriving economy and communities. I salute the mothers, children, teachers, doctors, and other valuable members of our society that were taken from us on that tragic day.”
Today, the Source Magazine, the Hip Hop Caucus, and about 75 high school students joined Congresswoman Clarke and volunteered their time at the 9/11 Memorial at Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Brooklyn, N.Y. There, they participated in a planting exercise, mural project, and letter writing campaign to encourage our youth to protect the environment and serve their community, while commemorating the 8th Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
“We can take a tragic day in our nation’s history and give back to our community in remembrance of those who lost their lives,” stated Congresswoman Clarke. “The sacrifices and collective strength of these individuals, the fallen soldiers that we have lost in the war on terror, and the families they have all left behind remind us that while we are a diverse people, we are all Americans. We all have a common strength that runs through all of us as a part of this great nation.”
The Green the Block Campaign is focused on engaging students in “Going Green” initiatives that will fulfill President Obama’s call to service.
The Kennedy Serve America Act, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in March and signed into law by President Obama in April, expands national service and includes a Call to Service Campaign which launches a national campaign to encourage all Americans to engage in service and to observe September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.
“I would like to thank Councilwoman Letitia James for her support and other elected officials including Councilman Dr. Mathieu Eugene. I plan to continue to work with my colleagues in government to continue to encourage young people to contribute time to their communities and consider public service as a career and life path. I believe that this is the best way to honor the legacy of the brave men and women who lost their lives,” concluded Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.