Born and raised in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, Councilman Albert Vann has served his home community in the New York State Legislature from 1974-2001. Vann attended New York City public schools and graduated from the Franklin K. Lane High School. He earned his B.B.A. from Toledo University, his Master's in Education from Yeshiva University and his Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Long Island University.

Prior to attending college, Vann joined the United States Marine Corps where he rose to the rank of sergeant. Following his return to civilian life, he had a distinguished career in the field of education as an administrator, teacher and advocate. His experience included teaching at P.S. 256, JHS 35 and JHS 271, all in Brooklyn.

Vann is also a founder of the African American Teachers Association and a former instructor at Vassar College's Urban Center for Black Studies. A former member of Community School Board #13, he played an instrumental role in the creation of Boys & Girls Memorial High School and Medgar Evers College. Because of Vann's leadership, Medgar Evers College had its status as a four-year institution restored in 1994.

As Chairman of the New York State Black & Puerto Rican Caucus in 1981, Vann led the U.S. Supreme Court fight that prevented the racial gerrymandering of the New York City Council. The decision led to increased minority representation on the Council. In addition, Vann filed a 1982 lawsuit that forced the State Legislature to significantly increase minority representation on the state and federal levels. His landmark victory, led to the creation of two additional Congressional Districts, three minority State Senatorial Districts, and six additional minority Assembly Districts.

In November of 2001, Vann was elected to the New York City Council, representing the 36th Council District of Brooklyn. CM Vann Chairs the Select Committee on Community Development. He was instrumental in the co-naming of Fulton Street to Harriet Ross Tubman Avenue in 2004 and for establishing an Annual Community Celebration in recognition of Harriet Tubman Day in New York State.

As a Council Member, Vann has founded The 36th Council District Katrina Relief Effort, the Black Brooklyn Empowerment Convention, New York City Council initiative called New York City Works, which targets communities of highest unemployment, and a faith-based New York City Council initiative to partner churches and community based organizations in the prevention of H.I.V./AIDS.

He has also been instrumental in establishing the following Task Forces in order to better serve the constituents of the 36th Council District: Education; Health; Seniors; Community Safety; Early Childhood Education; Housing & Economic Development and Youth Task Forces.

Vann is married to Mildred Vann, has four children and eight grandchildren. His hobbies include traveling, basketball, collecting African art and listening to jazz.

Entered City Council: 01/01/2002
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2009

Represents: Parts of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights

Committees: Community Development (Chair); Economic Development; Education; Finance; Health; Land Use; Zoning & Franchises