On Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, Brooklyn’s Boys and Girls High School celebrated the life and legacy of the Honorable Albert Vann.
Former Assemblyman and City Council member Vann, “a political bedrock of Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights,” died peacefully on July 14, 2022.
The wonderful Brooklyn-notables-packed event was hosted by Attorney General Letitia James. With typical Brooklyn flair and energy, she kept the full program flowing. Speakers included: the Rev. Herbert Daughtry; Vann family members including children such as daughter Binta Vann, grands Najah and Naim Vann; Dr. Esmeralda Simmons; the Hon. Annette Robinson; Dr. Adelaide Sandford by video; Debra Fraser-Howze; Marilyn Reid; Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman; City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams; Mayor Eric Adams; and NYS Speaker Carl Heastie.
Condolences came from Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, read by AG James. Also sending best wishes were Nandi Mandela, grand-daughter of Nelson; and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former deputy president of South Africa.
The next day on Saturday, Aug. 13, the Vann family and AG James hosted a community block party at Restoration Plaza with music, food, dancing, and powerful remembrances.