CBH Talk | The Honorable Ed Towns in Conversation with Deputy Borough President Kim Council
For five decades former Congressman Ed Towns stood at the center of Brooklyn change as the first African American Deputy Borough president (1976 - 1982) and U.S. Representative for New York’s 10th congressional district (1983 - 2013). Representing historically Black neighborhoods including Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brownsville, East New York, Crown Heights, during his decades of public service Towns focused on improving his constituents’ access to affordable housing, education, and healthcare and witnessed the borough’s revitalization, social justice actions, and evolving racial dynamics. Join us as the former Congressman reflects on this history in a conversation led by Deputy Borough President Kim Council with greetings by Rev. Dr. Valerie Oliver-Durrah and a special musical performance by Carla Stewart.
Participants
Edolphus "Ed" Towns Jr., born on July 21, 1934, is a retired American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for New York's 10th congressional district from 1983 to 2013. During his tenure, Towns was known for his focus on urban issues, including housing, healthcare, and economic development, as well as his work on oversight and investigative committees. His legislative efforts included advocacy for the revitalization of Brooklyn and addressing social justice concerns. After his retirement, Towns remained engaged in public service and community advocacy. His career highlights the impact of long-term legislative work and commitment to urban and social issues in shaping public policy.
Rev. Kimberly Council is Deputy Brooklyn Borough President, appointed by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso in April 2023. Council is a Law Librarian, Assistant Pastor at Greater Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, former non-profit executive, and mom of two. She has dedicated her life to community service, led by her faith, focusing on finding ways to better lives and strengthen opportunities for all. As Deputy Borough President, she carries this work out on a borough-wide scale, working with Faith-Based and community leaders to find solutions for some of the biggest challenges facing our borough from housing to food insecurity and violence.
