QUEENS, NY – On Saturday, February 6th, James Johnson, the leading Democratic candidate for City Council District 27, led a successful borough-wide rally to support NYC School Sports at Roy Wilkins Park. It was a fantastic turnout to support our student-athletes, and James Johnson is thankful for the great deal of support from students, parents, and coaches from throughout the borough.
“We are standing united to bring back public school sports,” said Johnson, a community leader.
Among those standing in solidarity with Johnson was student-athlete Braneyda Pierre, a Campus Magnet High School senior and track star.
“It’s important to play sports this year because it is our final year. This was the year that we scheduled to apply for scholarships for opportunities to play at the collegiate level. Sports have also developed our leadership and team-building skills needed to succeed in college and throughout life. Many of us need these scholarship opportunities because our families are experiencing financial difficulties during this pandemic,” said Braneyda.
Briana Augustin, a tennis player and junior at Springfield High School agreed.
“The main reason I came to advocate is that as a female, especially a black female, we don’t get any support. We don’t get funding and equipment. We come from a struggling working-class community, and we need those opportunities to display to the colleges who are looking to recruit for their respective programs,” said Briana.
“It’s time that City Hall puts communities first and that is why I’m running for City Council in District 27,” said Johnson.
