February 1, 2018

FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award 2017

On Monday, January 29, 2018, the Council for Unity was recognized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with a Director’s Community Leadership Award. The award was presented to Council for Unity President and Founder Mr. Robert De Sena by Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Geraldine Hart from the FBI’s Long Island Resident Agency. Mr. De Sena will travel to Washington, D.C., in April to participate in a formal ceremony with FBI Director Christopher Wray.

The Council for Unity is a non-profit organization that addresses gang violence by educating youth and their families about the realities of gang life. One of the council’s goals is to reach children and families in gang-ridden neighborhoods before they become involved in gang activity. The council has a long history of working in partnership with local schools and law enforcement in furtherance of its mission. The council is currently working with the FBI’s New York Field Office to address MS-13 gang activity on Long Island.

“The brutal nature of MS-13 crimes has gained notoriety throughout the United States, and law enforcement continues to encounter unique challenges when addressing the MS-13 threat. Here in New York, the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force is part of the FBI’s national Safe Streets Task Force network. Since 2003, the task force has been dedicated to protecting the communities on Long Island from the threat of gang violence, and considers MS-13 to be a top priority. We’re extremely grateful for the relationship we share with the Council for Unity, and for all they do to promote tolerance and respect between law enforcement and the communities we serve,” said Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney Jr.

The Director’s Community Leadership Award is presented on behalf of the Director of the FBI and was formally created in 1990 as a way to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America. Each of the 56 field offices of the FBI nominates an outstanding community leader to receive the award every year.