The Historic Districts Council honored the Duffield Street coalition yesterday at their 2008 Grassroots Preservation Awards. The event got off to a strong start with Reverend Billy, who gave a rousing defense of the importance of free speech icons such as Union Square. Here is a video of Rev. Billy's defense of public space, or as he would say, Preservaluliah. The other awardees were Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn, DUMBO Neighborhood Association, Juniper Park Civic Association, Council Member Jessica Lappin and Brownstoner.The advocates for 227 Duffield closed the event with several moving speeches by FUREE, Jennifer Levy, Lewis Greenstein and Joy Chatel. Many groups and individuals deserve credit for our efforts to promote Brooklyn through the celebration of the heroic defiance against slavery all along Duffield Street. HDC has long been an advocate, and we would like to thank them. There are too many people to thank, but one group that does deserve recognition is Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance.
Here is a photo essay from the awards.
