Marietta Small

Marietta Small, a longstanding East Flatbush resident, has dedicated several decades of her life to the advancement and improvement of the Black community. Through her active engagement on various committees, she consistently endeavors to introduce essential services that contribute to community development, protection, education, and elevation.

During her distinguished career with the New York State Court System, Ms. Small achieved noteworthy milestones. As the inaugural African American and female to assume the role of Public Administratrix (Commissioner) of the Kings County Office of the Public Administrator, she adeptly managed the estates of numerous Brooklynites who passed away intestate. Her responsibilities encompassed overseeing estate sales, auctions, and property transactions to resolve the affairs of the deceased for their surviving family members.

Even in retirement, her impact on the community persists. As the Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Husain Institute, Ms. Small effectively secured grant funding and acquired Microsoft certification, enabling her to educate community members in word processing and other software functions. She also conducted job readiness classes, imparting crucial skills such as resume writing, interviewing techniques, and professional attire.

As an active member of Community Board 17, Ms. Small served on the Environmental Protection and Public Safety subcommittees. Her initiatives aimed to uphold a clean and disease-free community through rigorous sanitation practices, ensuring a healthy standard of living for residents. Additionally, in her role as the President of the Tenants Association of Flatbush Gardens, Ms. Small significantly contributed to the well-being of residents and neighboring communities by introducing the SHARE Food Program (Food Co-op), allowing residents to collectively purchase groceries and maximize their limited budgets.

Ms. Small's exemplary contributions have garnered her numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the Community Bible Institute and Seminary, City Council citations from both New York City Council and the Borough of Brooklyn, the Spirit of Leadership Award from the New York City Council, the Public Service Award for the Flatbush & East Flatbush Community Service Awards, and the Wesley McDonald Democratic Club Community Service Award.

Currently, she is actively engaged in the reconstruction efforts of her childhood hometown, Donalsonville, Georgia, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael last year. Despite the accolades she has received, Ms. Small's legacy of community service is poised to endure for decades, guided by the principles instilled in her by her father: "ALWAYS be helpful to others and treat others the way you want to be treated."

She is the proud mother of two children, Mohammed and Deidre Small, and grandmother to seven beautiful grandchildren.