In an era where understanding the fine print of the law can change the trajectory of a life, the East Kings County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. stepped up on Saturday, March 21st, to bridge the gap between the courtroom and the community.
They hosted a special educational event called “Street Smarts 2026: Know Your Rights” at P.S. 272 Curtis Estabrook, located at 101-24 Seaview Avenue. Students, concerned parents, young adults and local advocates attended the two-hour forum, which served as a master class in legal literacy, designed to strip away the intimidation factor of the justice system and replace it with actionable knowledge. The program, moderated by Antonya Jeffrey, director of Policy Campaigns and Government Affairs for Worth Rises, a non-profit advocacy organization, didn’t stick to abstract theories. Instead, it focused on the high-pressure moments where knowledge matters most: police encounters, the rights of the accused and the specific protections available to Brooklyn residents.
The panel featured a powerhouse lineup of voices from across the legal spectrum:
The Advocate’s Voice: Derrick Hamilton, co-founder of Friends and Families of the Wrongfully Convicted, spoke passionately about the necessity of justice reform and the power of community advocacy.
The Legal Shield: Julia Jenkins, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society, provided a road map for navigating the complexities of representation and ensuring that constitutional protections are upheld.
The Path Forward: Michael King from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office shed light on the Youth Diversion Program, highlighting critical alternatives designed to keep young people out of the “cradle-to-prison pipeline.”
For the East Kings County Alumnae Chapter, the “Street Smarts” initiative is a vital extension of their long-standing commitment to social action. By bringing the Brooklyn DA’s office and the Legal Aid Society directly into a neighborhood school, the organizers aimed to demystify legal institutions and foster a sense of mutual accountability. “Our goal is to empower residents with the kind of practical information that can change an outcome,” noted one of the organizers. “When you know your rights, you aren’t just a bystander in the legal process — you’re a participant.”
The event drew a diverse crowd from across Canarsie and its neighboring districts. Attendees left with more than just flyers; they left with a clearer understanding of how to protect themselves and their families. As the forum concluded, the sentiment in the room was clear: in the heart of Brooklyn, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s a prerequisite for progress. The East Kings County Deltas continue to prove that through education and advocacy, the community can navigate even the most challenging systems with confidence.
It was such an incredible event!! Thank you for this article highlighting it.