Albert Vann
Albert Vann (born November 19, 1934) was a member of the New York City Council from Brooklyn representing the 36th Council District, which includes parts of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights.[1] He is a Democrat.
Biography
He was born on November 19, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York City.[2] He earned a BBA from Toledo University, and master's degrees from both Yeshiva University, and Long Island University. He has served in different capacities as a teacher and administrator in New York public schools over the course of his professional career.
Vann was a member of the New York State Assembly (56th D.) from 1975 to 2001, sitting in the 181st, 182nd, 183rd, 184th, 185th, 186th, 187th, 188th, 189th, 190th, 191st, 192nd, 193rd and 194th New York State Legislatures.
Vann exchanged seats with Annette Robinson after the New York City Council enacted a term limit.[3] Vann was elected to the New York City Council in November 2001, and Ex-City Councilwoman Robinson was elected to the State Assembly in 2002 to fill the vacancy. Both represented the 36th City Council District, and Vann remained in the City Council until 2013.
He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
He is one of the founders of Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York, and is also one of the founders of the African American Teachers Association. Vann is a former instructor at Vassar College's Urban Center for Black Studies.[4]
In the November 3, 2009 election Vann was challenged by Mark Winston Griffith (Drum Major Institute executive director), who ran on the Working Families Party ballot line.[5] Vann defeated Griffith and went on to serve until 2013, when term limits prevented him from seeking re-election. He was succeeded by fellow Democrat Robert Cornegy, Jr. on January 1, 2014.
Response To Sean Bell Shooting
In response to the death of Sean Bell - apparently from the guns of NYPD officers - Albert Vann alleged that his shooting was caused by "institutional racism." He then proceeded to mock the suggestion that African-American New Yorkers living in high-crime neighborhoods should adopt certain behaviors in order to avoid confrontations with police officers.
Term-Limit extension
On October 23, 2009[6] Vann voted to extend term limits for the mayor and the City Council.[7]
References
- ↑ Council Member- District: 36 Albert Vann- Democrat
- ↑ New York Red Book (1985–1986; pg. 287)
- ↑ Jostling for Position Starts Early in Race for Council Speaker in the New York Times on April 25, 2000 (pg. 2)
- ↑ http://council.nyc.gov/d36/html/members/home.shtml
- ↑ Kareem Fahim, "Once a Young Turk, Now Challenged by One" "New York Times," November 1, 2009 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/nyregion/02vann.html
- ↑ "Hello, Mayor Bloombergforever: City Council Votes to Pass Term Limits Extension, 29-22" http://gothamist.com/2008/10/23/city_council_votes_to.php
- ↑ "Mark Winston Griffith Wins Key Last Minute Endorsements, of Rev. Sharpton and NY Daily News" September 14, 2009 http://www.brooklynron.com/2009/09/mark-winston-griffith-wins-key-last-minute-endorsements-of-rev-sharpton-and-ny-daily-news.html
External links
- Official NYC Council Website about Albert Vann
- 2005 NYC Voter Guide: Candidate Profile: Albert Vann
- District boundaries for 36th Council district
- A Toy Gun, A Real Crime
- Playing Race Card In Brooklyn
| New York Assembly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Calvin Williams |
New York State Assembly 56th District 1975–2001 |
Succeeded by Annette Robinson |
| New York City Council | ||
| Preceded by Annette Robinson |
New York City Council 36th District 2002–2013 |
Succeeded by Robert Cornegy, Jr. |