LETTER: 'I’m rocking with Richard David'

Photo courtesy of Richard David

Dear editor, 

My heart is heavy and we are tired but we know there’s important work to do.  Even as health, justice and economic pandemics devastate my community, we keep working.  After all, there is no rest for the weary.  With elections on the horizon, I’m confident we will rise up together and put an end to the political crisis in our nation’s capital, and right here at home. 

In this landmark June election, I’m rocking with Richard David as our next Assembly Member in District 31.  This is the time for new leadership we can trust. 

I met Richard in the basement of my church at a National Action Network organizing meeting many years ago. We were discussing how to resist and cope during stop and frisk, reducing gun violence and giving space to credible messengers in our community.  One time I called on him to conduct a nonprofit funding working at the church, and he was there without hesitation.  There are no photos; there are no tweets.  It was never about the publicity. It was always about solutions. 

The more I got to know Richard, the more I became interested in working with and uplifting this young man who is a product of our great and diverse community in Southeast Queens.  He came here undocumented, raised by a single mother and went into leadership at three key city agencies while remaining on the community board and as an activist in his neighborhood. These are the change agents we have produced and we have a lot to be proud of as a community. 

It is with excitement that I support Richard and I urge you to join me in electing him as our next Assembly Member in District 31.  I’m also supporting Donovan Richards for Borough President and our Congressman, Gregory Meeks.  These are the leaders we need during these turbulent times. 

Better days are ahead of us.  But like I said, no rest for the weary. 

In solidarity, 

Reverend Dr. Phil Craig leads the Greater Springfield Community Church.