Dr. Albert (Al) Vann has a long and distinguished career as a public servant, elected official, educator, and community activist in his home community of Bedford-Stuyvesant, where he was born and raised.
Originally an educator, Dr. Vann served as both teacher and administrator in Brooklyn public schools, and founded the African American Teachers Association. He is a former member of Community School Board #13 and played an instrumental role in the creation of Boys & Girls Memorial High School. While in the New York City School System, Dr. Vann was acting principal of IS 271 during the Ocean-Hill Brownsville Struggle.
Elected to the New York State Assembly in 1975 as a representative of his beloved Bedford-Stuyvesant, he chaired the Assembly's Committee on Children, Youth and Family Services. Dr. Vann was also the longest serving Chair of the NYS Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus. In 2001, he was elected to the New York City Council, where he created the Council's Committee on Community Development, and served as its Chair for twelve years.
Dr. Vann created the 36th Council District Katrina Relief Effort, the Black Brooklyn Empowerment Convention, was a leader in addressing the public health crisis of HIV/AIDS in Black and Latino communities in the city through a faith-based initiative, and notably is a founder of Medgar Evers College.
Originally an educator, Dr. Vann served as both teacher and administrator in Brooklyn public schools, and founded the African American Teachers Association. He is a former member of Community School Board #13 and played an instrumental role in the creation of Boys & Girls Memorial High School. While in the New York City School System, Dr. Vann was acting principal of IS 271 during the Ocean-Hill Brownsville Struggle.
Elected to the New York State Assembly in 1975 as a representative of his beloved Bedford-Stuyvesant, he chaired the Assembly's Committee on Children, Youth and Family Services. Dr. Vann was also the longest serving Chair of the NYS Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus. In 2001, he was elected to the New York City Council, where he created the Council's Committee on Community Development, and served as its Chair for twelve years.
Dr. Vann created the 36th Council District Katrina Relief Effort, the Black Brooklyn Empowerment Convention, was a leader in addressing the public health crisis of HIV/AIDS in Black and Latino communities in the city through a faith-based initiative, and notably is a founder of Medgar Evers College.