Senator Parker with participants and supporters of the Advocacy Academy, a program sponsored by the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College. Also pictured with the group is Senator Velmanette Montgomery.

Academy participants, who are comprised of faith and community based organization leaders, came to Albany as part of their 16 week-learning experience in advocating for their groups and the issues that are important to them. Among other things, the Advocacy Academy offered practical instruction on how to impact government policies through effective interaction with elected officials and governmental agencies.