Marty Markowitz, in his tenure as Brooklyn Borough President, was a passionate advocate for all things Brooklyn. While Rosetta Stone aided my journey in learning a foreign language, Marty enriched the experience by sharing Yiddish on numerous occasions, inspiring me to persevere and dream boldly.

The Rotunda at Borough Hall became a hub for my efforts to promote the Goree Challenge—a rowing endeavor from Africa to Brooklyn—and Marty was a consistent supporter. We also bonded over our shared love for one of Brooklyn’s iconic desserts. After taking my first steps at Brooklyn Bridge Park and undergoing recovery at Methodist Hospital, Marty joined our group to savor a slice of Juniors cheesecake, making the moment all the more memorable.