Velmanette Montgomery
Template:TOCnestleft Velmanette Montgomery is a State Senator representing the 18th District of New York.
New York State Legislature
Montgomery sponsored a law that prevents New Yorkers from being arbitrarily denied a license to barber or practice cosmetology just because they spent time in prison. She also authored a law that prohibits the shackling of a pregnant woman in prison while being transported to the hospital to deliver her baby. Standing Committee Assignments for 2011 are:Ranking Democrat, Children and Families; Agriculture; Crime Victims, Crime and Correction; Education; Finance; Health; Rules.[1]
United for Peace and Justice
Velmanette Montgomery was listed as an endorser of the Jan. 27, 2007 "Act Now to End the War" event, organized by Institute for Policy Studies partner organization, United for Peace & Justice.[2] Also endorsing the event was Democratic Socialists of America, Socialist Party USA, Committees of Correspondence for Democracy & Socialism, National Lawyers Guild, National Organization for Women and the Communist Party USA.[3] At the event, peace activists "converge[d] from all around the country in Washington, D.C. to send a strong, clear message to Congress and the Bush Administration: 'The people of this country want the war and occupation in Iraq to end and we want the troops brought home now!'".[4]
2011 Better World Awards banquet
Local People's World readers and contributors held their annual Better World Awards banquet May 29, focusing on the fight for quality public education.
Pioneering civil rights activist Dorothy Burnham was warmly received with a standing ovation after she received her award. At 96 years old, the program was not long enough to mention all her life's work, which began in the 1930s with the American Student Union and continued in the 1940s with the Southern Negro Youth Congress in Birmingham. She has long been active in women's and peace organizations, and is currently she is president of the Louis Burnham Awards Fund.
State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, another of the honorees, stayed to talk with Dorothy and took several pictures for their local paper. State Sen. Bill Perkins appeared to show his appreciation and respect for his colleague, Sen. Montgomery, who fought a hedge fund-backed opponent over the issue of public education in the recent election.
City Council Member Letitia James sent a tribute to the People's World, printed in the program's ad book. She praised the work of the World in making New York - and beyond - a better place in many ways. And she praised her "mentor" Velmanette Montgomery.[5]
References
- ↑ [1]Official State Bio. Accessed 06/07/11
- ↑ UFPJ website: January 27th Endorsers -- Individuals (accessed on Jan. 26, 2011)
- ↑ UFPJ website: January 27th Endorsers -- Organizations (accessed on Jan. 26, 2011)
- ↑ UFPJ website: Bring the Mandate for Peace to Washington DC on Jan. 27, Nov. 13, 2006 (accessed on Jan. 26, 2011)
- ↑ PW People’s World hosts awards banquet in New York, Gabe Falsetta June 2 2011