BROOKLYN, New York – Thousands of local residents showed up today dressed in business suits with resumes in hand, looking for work at the job fair hosted by U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) and the Federation for Multicultural Programs Inc. On the day that the Labor Department reported a record national unemployment rate, eager residents began to line up to speak with potential employers at 6:45 a.m. outside the Brownsville Recreation Center. To many who attended, the job fair comes at a desperate time, especially for those who have no source of income and are struggling to make ends meet. By 11:00 a.m., nearly 5,000 residents filled the center’s gymnasium – an indication of Brooklyn’s dire 8.7 percent unemployment rate, as reported by the New York State Labor Department in March 2009.

Recognizing the urgency of the unemployment situation, Towns and Danny King, the chief executive officer at the Federation of Multicultural Programs Inc., collaborated to plan the fair several weeks ago.

“In all the years that I have been in Congress, I have never, ever seen anything like this,” said Rep. Towns.  “The sheer number of people who came out was astounding and indicates the severity of our economic times.  I wish that we had a job for every single person who showed up today.”

As the lines wrapped around Mother Gaston Street and continued for four blocks, people of all races and ages waited patiently for the opportunity to meet employers. Many residents said they came to the fair after having searched for a job for months. Some were seeking modest employment; some held master’s degrees and twenty years of work experience.  Others, who will graduate from college next week, are facing the grim reality that work opportunities are sparse during these difficult economic times.

“Because of the current economic situation, the communities already strapped for resources continue to lag behind,” said Danny King, the chief executive officer for Federation of Multicultural Programs Inc. “Oftentimes, the Black and Latino communities are unaware of jobs in the fields of mental health, social work and other important fields; that’s why this fair is so important.”

Bedford Stuyvesant resident Wanice, who was recently laid off from Administration for Children Services after having worked there for two years, said that she attended the fair after learning of the social work positions.

The fair offered up to four-hundred full- and part-time employment opportunities in positions, such as: clerk typist, receptionist, secretary, accountant, bookkeeper, office supervisor, manager, assistant manager, social worker, psychologist, dietitian, nurse, resident therapist, residential coordinator, recreation coordinator, housekeeping, and maintenance. The eight agencies who offered employment and employment readiness training included: Axa Financial Advisers, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Dish Network, Rapid Realty, United States Census Bureau, Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration, Federation of Multicultural Programs Inc., and Dress for Success.

Many left hopeful for a return call, an interview and ultimately a job.

Twenty-three year old Tashea Robinson of Bedford Stuyvesant, who was recently laid off from Home Depot as a cashier, said, “I really need a job – today. I am optimistic; I have to be.”

“Our community is great need of help,” said Gregg Jackson, the director of the Brownsville Recreation Center. “People got up early and waited in line because they need work now, and simply do not know where or how to find work.”

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