On Sunday, June 8, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) and City Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D—Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Boro Park and Sunset Park) hosted their inaugural Men of Distinction event honoring men who through dedication and activism have made a difference in southwest Brooklyn.

The event, which was held at the Federation of Italian American Organizations’ Il Centro, 8711 18^th Avenue, shone a spotlight on the contributions of southwest Brooklyn’s unsung heroes whose selfless efforts help make the area a great place to live, work and raise a family. The awardees represent both the diversity of the area and a wide range of achievements.

Among the honorees were Dr. Tim Law, the founder of the Chinese American Social Services Center, as well as many other CASS representatives; Tom Neve, the founder and director of Reaching Out Community Services, which runs a food pantry that has served people in need in the neighborhood for over 30 years; Ross Brady, the first vice chairperson of Community Board 11; Ansen Tang of the United Chinese Association; photographer Arthur DeGaeta, who has covered the area for local newspapers for decades; Chaplain Carlos Rios of the Bay Ridge Tutoring Center; the Center for Justice Innovation’s Jamel Evans; Christopher Love of UA3, who delivers produce to food pantries; and local activists Igor Galanter and Vincent LaPorta. Also honored were members of the Castellammare del Golfo club; Jack Spatola, Joseph Rizzi and Charlie Gu from FIAO; numerous luminaries from the local Muslim community; and the Marlboro Center’s Nelson Gutierrez, Daniel Havis and Louis Raneri.

“I was delighted to recognize, today, many of our community’s quiet treasures – the men who work hard not only for their families but for their neighbors and friends,” said Assemblyman Colton. “That we have so many of these incredible men in southwest Brooklyn is our good fortune. They are what keeps our community together and makes our community great. So many people want to thank me, as a politician, for my work on behalf of the community. But that’s my job. You are the ones who make the difference. I don’t believe in saying, I did it. It’s you who did it, all of you, and for that we are incredibly grateful.”

“Our Men of Distinction have a strong track record of fighting for the community. They provide resources when needed, educate our children and so much more,” said Councilmember Zhuang. “Our award ceremony demonstrated that our community is a melting pot of many cultures all with similar values – making unity within the community.”