November 2008
Dear Friend,
As a concerned citizen and resident of Brooklyn, I am alarmed at the continued neglect of my community, which is overwhelmed with failing schools, massive crime, and joblessness. I find the current political leadership lacking the vision to address these problems.
We are at a crossroads. With the election of Barack Obama, there is a renewed interest and pride in our community unlike anything that has been experienced in recent time. I have decided to run for a seat in the 41st City Council District, encompassing the communities of Ocean Hill, Brownsville, Bedford Stuyvesant and East Flatbush. At this critical juncture in history, I am willing to step forward to bring the change we want to experience. I have come to this decision after careful consideration with family, friends, and political advisors. To date, I have received tremendous encouragement from constituents who are particularly concerned about the direction of this council district. I seek your support as well.
As the City Council member, I will commit to fostering relationships in city government that will enable the passing of legislation to create and sustain an empowered community. I will service the needs of the senior citizens, youth and adults of this district. It is my intention to advance an agenda dedicated to creating an education hub, a new green industry, and a cultural arts renaissance.
Winning this City Council seat will require a broad base of financial support. While I realize the impact of the present economic climate, it is necessary that I embark upon a fundraising drive to raise $20,000 by December 31, 2008. I am asking you to make a contribution to my campaign. Any amount that you are able to give will be deeply appreciated.
I want to thank you in advance for your generous donation. It will assist and support my commitment to serve my community with vision, passion, courage, and power.
Sincerely,
Tulani Kinard
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You may mail your contributions to:
Committee to Elect Tulani Kinard
593 Vanderbilt Ave
Suite 228
Brooklyn, NY 11238
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Who Is Tulani Kinard?
“Tulani” means peace. All my life I have been committed to the ideal and presence of peace in one’s life. It is a state of mind and an outlook on life that is powerful and empowering. I believe that we, as a community, have the power to bring forth the change that we envision for ourselves, our children, and our loved ones.
As a mother, I know what it is to desire the best for my children. I know what it takes to work and create a safe and nurturing environment for them to develop into strong and confident people. As a wife, I have been married for 26 years to Stanley Kinard, a committed education activist, writer, and progressive force serving the Brooklyn community for over 40 years.
As an advocate, I was the leading force behind the legislation that became the New York State law governing the natural hair care license. This license was the first of its kind in the United States. I was an architect of the natural hair care industry that is still thriving nationwide because I believe that women (and men) must seize the power to define their own standards of beauty.
As a business owner, I founded Tulani’s Regal Movement. It was the first natural hair care salon in Brooklyn. It provided training and job placement for many young women in the community. Several of my students followed in my footsteps and now own an award-winning natural hair care salon.
As an author, I wrote No Lye - one of the first books to support women of color on the path of celebrating holistic health and natural beauty.
As a performance artist, vocalist, and composer, I have produced two CD’s and I am an alumna of the world renowned a capella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. My music has supported the ministry of best-selling author Iyanla Vanzant; been used as a theme song for a television show; and featured on Oprah. I also wrote the musical score of the Brooklyn-based student play The African Wiz.
As a minister, I am committed to peace, social justice, and I am grounded in African spirituality. I have served as a dean at The New Seminary. I also founded the Ase of Peace Fellowship, a place where people gather for inspirational performances, empowering words, and to celebrate life.
