Earlier today we were at a press conference in Chinatown, where the influential community organization, Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE), announced it has become a charter member of NeighborWorks America. A non-profit created by Congress. NeighborWorks provides financial support and training for community-driven revitalization projects. As a start, AAFE was presented with a check for nearly a a quarter of a million dollars. On hand to celebrate the occasion, a wide range of elected officials. Among them: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Rep. Nydia Velazquez, State Sen. Daniel Squadron, Assembly member Grace Meng and City Councilmember Rosie mendez.. Margaret Chin, District 1's new City councilmember and a former AAFE executive was there, as well.

AAFE is a community advocacy organization, as well as a major developer of low income housing. The money received today will not be earmarked for any specific purpose – but used to support and enhance the group's many housing programs throughout the city.

We conducted a wide-ranging interview with AAFE executive director, Chris Kui, yesterday. L for that interview on Monday.