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‘I Am Strong, I Am Invincible, I Am Woman’




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Reverend Dr. Margaret Elaine Flake gave a stirring presentation on how women can uplift themselves from poverty and restructure their lives to become successful.

Reverend Dr. Margaret Elaine Flake gave a stirring presentation on how women can uplift themselves from poverty and restructure their lives to become successful.

‘I Am Strong, I Am Invincible, I Am Woman’


The Coalition for Far Rockaway sponsored an economic development conference on November 15 at the Beach Club. The event celebrated the accomplishments of women in today’s society and the important roles they play. The conference placed particular emphasis on women from the Rockaway community, and how those dealing with issues such as low self-esteem and domestic violence can seek assistance through a number of free services.


“This conference is about how women can empower themselves and go on to become success stories,” said Reverend Dr. Margaret Elaine Flake of the A.M.E. Church in Jamaica, Queens. Flake is the wife of former Congressman Floyd Flake.


“We can no longer allow ourselves to be limited as women. We must rely on our talents, our unique insight, and our faith in God. Once we do this, there is nothing we cannot achieve.”


Those attending the conference included City Councilman James Sanders, Jr.; Julia Blair, President, Women and Children Family Enterprise – Far Rockaway; Harvey Gordon, President Coalition for Far Rockaway and Executive Director of the Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula (JCCRP); Reverend Henrietta Scott Fullard, Pastor – Bethel A.M.E. Church; and Ed Williams, Community Liaison from the office of Congressman Gregory W. Meeks.


The Coalition for Far Rockaway receives technical assistance from the Jewish Community Relations Council’s New York Center for Community and Coalition Building. The JCRC is a beneficiary of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Federation of New York.












Rev. Flake had the crowd riveted when she described how women create destructive patterns that prevent them from moving forward.

Rev. Flake had the crowd riveted when she described how women create destructive patterns that prevent them from moving forward.

There was not one empty seat at the Beach Club during the conference.

There was not one empty seat at the Beach Club during the conference.

Julia Blair talks about the

Julia Blair talks about the “untapped power” that many women possess.

Mia Allison and Harvey Gordon listen to one of the keynote speakers.

Mia Allison and Harvey Gordon listen to one of the keynote speakers.

Councilman Sanders presented a plaque to Rev. Flake for her dedication to community service. Left to right: Julia Blair, Sanders, Rev. Flake, and Harvey Gordon.

Councilman Sanders presented a plaque to Rev. Flake for her dedication to community service. Left to right: Julia Blair, Sanders, Rev. Flake, and Harvey Gordon.

Healthguard was one of many organizations that set up information and resource tables at the conference. Others included the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, the Social Security Administration, and the AIDS Center of Queens County.

Healthguard was one of many organizations that set up information and resource tables at the conference. Others included the Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, the Social Security Administration, and the AIDS Center of Queens County.

RDRC Executive Director Curtis Archer reacts to statements by Rev. Flake.

RDRC Executive Director Curtis Archer reacts to statements by Rev. Flake.

Community activist Valerie West was one of many Rockaway women who attended the conference.

Community activist Valerie West was one of many Rockaway women who attended the conference.

Queens Chair of the New York City Housing                   Authority, Connie Taylor (center) was also in attendance.                                      																														        Photos and story by Gary G.               Toms

Queens Chair of the New York City Housing Authority, Connie Taylor (center) was also in attendance. Photos and story by Gary G. Toms

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