OpEd: Lu-Shawn Thompson

My husband, the late Kenneth Thompson, was a tireless advocate for underserved communities as Brooklyn District Attorney, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and founding partner of his law firm. He spent his lifetime working to end gun violence, prosecute police brutality, and decriminalize low level drug cases. I am proud to endorse Ray McGuire for Mayor because I am confident that he will continue my husband’s legacy to uplift the lives of Black and Brown New Yorkers, who have now been especially hard hit by the pandemic, have seen the persistence of police violence, and live in fear of shootings and other crimes in their own neighborhoods.

My husband tackled police misconduct throughout his career and I know that Ray will stay true to his commitment to hold police officers accountable, to empower the CCRB, and to restore trust in the NYPD. He will strive to end the criminalization of poverty and homelessness by launching an innovative system of Emergency Social Services. This system will deploy trained social workers in mental health and substance abuse to appropriately assist individuals in crisis, so that they receive the long term help they need to recover. This will allow them to no longer be a danger to themselves or others, and will make sure vulnerable folks do not get entangled in the criminal justice system.

To tackle the surge in gun violence, Ray has voiced his plans to shift police resources to more effectively crack down on illegal weapons and invest in community-based crisis management programs. My husband was also committed to safe streets, but knew justice meant treating each case on its merits. Ray recognizes that for too long we have tried to fight crime by imprisoning and incarcerating communities of color, which has further destroyed lives. What actually works are initiatives to expand critical services like mental health counseling, quality primary care, food security, and rental assistance, which Ray has already called for. Ray’s plans for large scale workforce development programs will make it easier for thousands of struggling New Yorkers to develop key skills to find well-paying jobs. His support for MWBE businesses will allow them to gain a bigger share of government contracting opportunities, and will give them greater financial stimulus through wage subsidies, rent relief, low interest loans, and less red tape.

Ray delivers a new approach to public safety that focuses on the root causes of disorder in underserved communities by providing them the resources they need to survive and prosper, while also tactically addressing serious crimes.

The lead in the New York City Democratic Primary race has switched hands. Eric Adams has just raced past Andrew Yang, a new GQR poll shows. This is the first time Yang has lost the lead since his entry in mid-January changed the race. The Washington, D.C.-based polling and strategy firm conducted a three-day survey which found Adams in first place with 21 percent, followed by Yang with 18 percent and City Comptroller Scott Stringer with 15 percent. The rest of the candidates were in the single digits. with 11 percent of those polled said they were undecided just seven weeks into the crucial June 22 primary.

In a previous recent poll by StudentsFirstNY, a charter schools organization, the Brooklyn Borough president was gradually closing the gap with just 6 points behind Yang, who recently lost the endorsement of an LGBTQ group to Scott Stringer because of his remarks that were perceived as “Tokenizing.”

Reacting to the polls, Evan Thies, spokesperson for Adams said the poll reflects the work they’ve been doing.  “The poll shows what we have been doing on the ground for months – that New Yorkers want Eric to be the next mayor because they share his vision for a safer, fairer city where prosperity is shared by all,” said Thies.

But Yang’s co-campaign manager, Chris Coffey, downplayed the polls. “Every other poll has us in first place, but we’ve always said this would be a close race. The only poll that really matters is the one on June 22 and we expect to win that one,” said Coffey.

Rick Fromberg, senior Shaun Donovan adviser said anyone can still come from behind and win this race. “It’s clear this race is wide open and will break late, and this poll is yet another that speaks to exactly that dynamic. It’s also important to remember that the candidate who was in Shaun Donovan’s position at this stage of the race in 2013 is the current mayor.”

Despite his big leap in the poll, Adams, who has been getting quite a good amount of media attention, has barely touched his campaign funds. According to the New York City campaign Finance Board, he still has almost $8 million to spend on TV ads.

Meanwhile, Adams picked up two significant endorsements. William Bell Sr., the father of Sean Bell who was shot and killed by NYPD officers in 2006, came out in full support of Adams. In a press conference at 1 Police Plaza, New York, Bell Sr. called Adams a very caring human being who was always there during those difficult times and that Adams has lived through the issues he wants to fix.

“He’s been on both sides of the fence. It’s not all about politics as all of these politicians. Most of these candidates are all about politics. They don’t know about what’s going on at the end of the street. They’ve never been in the hood. He has been there. They have not experienced the street. But this young man has,” said Bell Sr.

He added that it’s rare to have someone out there who comes to you with open arms when in need and that it’s his pleasure and honor to endorse him.

Accepting his endorsement, Adams, the former police officer who speaks openly about being assaulted by police officers when he was a teenager and at the same precinct where Sean Bell was killed, said he values how Bell Sr. and his family turned pain into purpose, becoming a symbol of strength and fortitude to ensure that our city becomes a safe place for all young people.

“I know it far too well, ironically. Sean was shot in the 103^rd Precinct, a precinct that is forever connected to me. That’s the same precinct where I was arrested and beat by police officers. 45 years later, it’s a continuation that continues to benchmark the lives of black and brown people and black and brown families. And that’s why I joined the police department to fight from within.”

Pointing out that officers who kill unarmed young black men are never brought to justice despite street protests, he said Sean’s death remains an open wound and we must start the process of healing it.

However, not everyone in the Bell family is Team Adams. Valerie Bell, Sean Bell’s mother backed Ray McGuire for Mayor just hours after Bell Sr. endorsed Adams.

Abner Louima, an NYPD assault survivor is another face of police brutality that has jumped onto the Team Adams wagon. Endorsing Adams at City Hall Park, Louima, the Haitian man who was physically attacked, brutalized, and sexually assaulted by New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in 1997 said New York needs a great leader with a big vision. “I believe he’ll be the greatest mayor for the great city. I happen to know Adams through my ordeal but he always stays to himself. He believes New Yorkers should live together. He’s gonna be a mayor to unite each and every one of us,” said Louima.

Relating to Louima’s assault experiences, Adams who served for 22 years in the NYPD said they were both in dark places but they turned those dark places not into barriers but into plantings, and the fruit of his harvest is igniting the call for justice for all the victims of police brutality,” Adams said. “I move by the memory of Mr. Louima sharing his story from a hospital bed. I can still see that picture of him talking about his story exposing injustice. It has been one of the honors of my life to call him a friend and fellow warrior for justice,” added Adams.

So far, eight labor organization, 32 elected officials, Celebrities, tons of clergymen and many individuals have backed Adams.

Focusing almost solely on the rise in gun violence across the city, Adams, who served 4 terms as a New York State Senator is positioning himself as the candidate vowing to tackle a steady spike in crime.

ByFlorence Mafomemeh

While Scott Stringer is losing ground in the Democratic primary race for NYC Mayor due to the sexual misconduct allegations against him, his rival, Eric Adams is gaining ground by picking up a slew of endorsements. Across the boroughs from The Bronx to Queens to Brooklyn and Staten Island, workers’ groups and elected officials are jumping on board Team Adams.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards just became the latest city heavyweight to join in the big push to get Eric Adams into City Hall. In the endorsement announcement in front of Queens Borough Hall, Richards touted Adams’ experience noting that the city is at a critical juncture and needs battle tested leadership that would not be afraid to make tough decisions. The Queens BP said that though he neither agrees with all of Adam’s policy decisions or platforms, he has watched him lead for nearly two decades.

“Eric has never shied away from being himself. He’s someone who listens, he’s a coalition builder, most importantly, he’s more than qualified to lead this city’s comeback story. Some would ask, ‘what separates Eric from the rest of the pack?’ the answer is simple. He was raised in South Jamaica and Brownsville. He’s what we call Fubu-For Us, By Us. So today, it brings me great honor from one BP to the next BP. It’s a Brooklyn-Queens thing,” Richards said.

Meanwhile, Transport Workers Union-TWU Local 100, the MTA’s largest union overwhelmingly endorsed the Borough President Eric Adams for mayor. The Local 100 executive board voted after hearing from eight leading candidates at the Union Hall in Brooklyn. “Our members and officers have known Eric for a long time. He’s stood with us in many battles and has always been there for us. He’s earned this endorsement and richly deserves it,” TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano said.

Accepting their endorsement, Adams said he was incredibly proud to have their support. “The men and women of TWU Local 100 have kept New York City moving every day and I’m ready to work alongside you as your Mayor. Welcome aboard #TeamAdams!” TWU Local 100 represents nearly 40,000 subway and bus workers.

Another big endorsement came from Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz Jr. who also threw his full support behind Adams. At a press conference at Grand Concourse in The Bronx, Diaz Jr. said he supports Adams because he knows him and his heart. “Eric Adams embodies the spirit of what we need to lead this City. Everything that the city of New York needs, every pain, every single issue that we face in the city of New York in one simple form, as the police captain, as a state Senator, as a fellow borough president, Eric Adams has been able to inform himself by living the life of a New Yorker, the right experiences have informed you and has been able to speak to the pains and issues of New Yorkers today,” said Diaz Jr.

Humbly accepting his support, Adams thanked Diaz Jr. for standing by him in this moment. Calling him a champion for Bronx and Latino New Yorkers, Adams said he’s so honored by Diaz Jr’s belief in him to get the job done for his community as Mayor.

“Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is the city’s strongest, most effective leader on behalf of the Bronx and Latino New Yorkers, and I’m honored to have his support. Ruben and I are from different boroughs, but we come from the same place, and together, we’ll fight to make this City fairer for all. And shout out to the Boogie Down Bronx — welcome to #TeamAdams!” Adams said.

Another group that has also joined the movement of Eric Adams for mayor is Rise Up New York, the Bangladeshi American community for rising up. Endorsing Adams at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, Queens, Saason Hog, one of the co-founders of Rise Up New York said Adams has devoted his entire life serving their community in New York City.

“He’s an honest man. He’s an experienced professional and a talented leader. He’s a dynamic, energetic and intelligent leader. He’s a true New Yorker. He’s not a new friend to our community. He’s a long-standing friend to Bangladeshi American community.” Hog also said that among other things Adams will do, their community can also rely on him for safety.

“For the past year and a half, the crimes in NYC have been going up. The shootings are going up. I believe I’m a family man and all of us here are family men. We want to make sure that our families are safe. We want to make sure that our neighbors are safe. We want to make sure our friends are safe in New York City. And the person who can keep us safe in New York City, the person who can reform the criminal justice system is in fact Mr. Adams,” Hog said.

Meanwhile, over 50 Latino community leaders and many others have also thrown their support behind Adams saying, together, they’re building the most diverse coalition in New York City. They include Assemblymember Erik Dilan, Assemblymember Jose Rivera, former Bronx Borough President Freddy Ferrer and Staten Island Assembly Member Charles Fall.

In his native Queens, politicians including Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman, Clyde Vanel, Council Members Adrienne Adams, Peter Koo from Flushing, Selvena Brooks-Powers, Ydanis Rodriguez, I. Daneek Miller all lined up behind Adams.

In a press conference in Jamaica where they endorsed him, Alicia Hyndman said she knows that the Borough President from Brooklyn is the person who will make sure that everyone across the city have opportunity.

Hyndman said, “I believe that Eric will aid my District 29 constituents, businesses, schools and homeowners to find relief and their new `normal’ as our Mayor. Adams can count on District 29 – because I’m sure we can count on him.” Hyndman added, “Eric has served this state as Senator, the City in the service of public safety and the borough of Brooklyn as Borough President over the past two decades. He is never too far to reach and most importantly, a man of his word.”

Assemblyman Clyde Vanel said Eric Adams, who has roots in Jamaica, Queens, with his parents still living there, “is the right leader at the right time, to lead New York City.”

“It’s very simple. This is a very important race. This is a very important time. We’re sitting here in Jamaica, Queens. In this race for mayor, this is one person from Jamaica, Queens. He has the heart, and he has the mind to be the next mayor of NYC. He went to school here. He understands what we’re going through,” said Assemblyman Vanel.

He added that Adams’ vision, experience and his ability to bring different people of New York City together is unmatched.”

Council Member Adrienne Adams said Eric’s dedication and commitment to the people of New York has been solid for over 30 years and he knows every corner of New York and that his leadership capabilities are unquestionable, his experience undeniable.

“Eric understands public safety; He understands economic recovery; He understands public health; He understands public housing; He understands education; He understands everything in New York City and he’s going to help us solve these problems.” Council Member Peter Koo said.

Adams, the Brooklyn Borough President who was born in Brownsville and raised in Jamaica, Queens said he was humbled to receive the endorsements of a series of elected activists, and such amazing leaders of Queens, people who he respects.

“Brooklyn is home, but Queens raised me, so the support of the people of Queens means everything to me,” Adams said. When I am elected mayor of our great city, the working people of Queens will have a friend in Gracie Mansion again. We are long overdue for a blue-collar mayor — and New Yorkers need a mayor who has lived the lives of the people he will serve,” said Adams.

“No more days when inequality becomes the signature of NYC. We are going to have a mayor who has gone through a lot so he can help people who are going through a lot. I know you and most importantly, you know me. When others fled, I led. Within two years as Mayor, I’m going to turn this city around,” stated the former State Senator.

At the presser, Adams also shared his experience at 15 years old when he was beaten in the 103rd Precinct, where an unarmed Sean Bell would later be shot and killed by police.

“Every time another Black person is beaten or killed by the Police, I relive that trauma. I didn’t want anyone else to go through what I went through, so I became a police officer to reshape the system. And my experiences have shown me how deep this crisis goes, how much work we have to do — and it’s what drives me every day to keep fighting for justice’” Adams stated.

Adams also announced his “Heart of the City Plan”, a plan for outer borough revitalization. Forward toward victory for our city.

At another press conference in Rockaway Park Beach in Queens, Eric Adams also picked up the endorsements of Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and Senator Joe Addabbo.

Amato said that in this time of COVID crisis, she wants somebody who can solve problems. “In this community, we don’t see results from City Hall. We are always at the end of everyone’s thought, that South Queens and South East Queens. We don’t get our fair share and enough is enough. I know Eric and he’s gonna listen to me. Aren’t you, Eric?”

Senator Addabbo said he proudly supports Eric Adams for our next Mayor of NYC because he personally knows Adams and that he has experience, this unique ability to work with everyone, knowing the intricacies and complexities of the NYS government and budget and all that has to do with NYC.

Dubbed “The people’s candidate” Adams said he is running a blue-collar working person campaign. “Elections after elections, decades after decades, we have witnessed the inequality. It has never improved. COVID hit the city. When we talk about having our city be happy again, no we will be happy again when we are all included in that happiness. I know this community well. I know what we need. I’m running for mayor because I see a bright future for tomorrow’” said Adams.

Meanwhile, the Working Families Party-WFP which recently threw its mighty weight behind Scott Stringer has withdrawn their endorsement. It remains to be seen what they do with it.

Latest polls show Andrew Yang leading with 22% closely followed by Eric Adams at 17% and Stringer who is battling sexual misconduct allegations, at 11%.

By Florence Mafomemeh

By Florence Mafomemeh

Ray McGuire may be a first timer in the political arena, but his mayoral run is gaining some traction. He has racked in three major endorsements from three of New York’s music legends. Jay-Z, Diddy and Nas came together in a campaign video to endorse McGuire for New York City mayor. They were joined by Steve Stoute, a veteran entrepreneur in the music industry, and radio personality Angie Martinez who moderated the conversation.

Throwing his full support behind McGuire, Diddy said New York cannot be New York unless it takes care of its people. “This mayoral race is something that I feel like, we have to realize that New York is in a state of emergency. New York could be the first city that really does something bold to take care of the people. That’s why I was excited about this conversation, just knowing Ray,” Diddy said.

Meanwhile Jay-Z said they are trying to protect the city. “People come from all over the world, like, ‘I got a chance, I got a chance to make it here. If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere,'” Jay-Z said in the video, adding that he was planning on doing some work with McGuire when he announced his run for mayor. “Recently, I was thinking about starting a fund and I reached out to Ray and I was like man, I wanna start a fund for black and brown people and I would love for you to come run the whole thing. Then he told me about his plan running for Mayor, I was like man, there goes that,” Jay-z said stating that it’s about how many people can be reached and what’s most urgent right now.

Nas, who is friends with Jay-Z said it’s about the greatness of New York City, the city of hope. “It’s like songs we used to sing in elementary school about the city, this great city that I can’t wait to venture into,” Nas said adding that this is the most diverse city in the world but somewhere along the lines, there is the racial divide. “The city is broken, and I haven’t heard anyone say anything about it, and everything he’s saying is everything I want to hear,” Nas said of McGuire who has also used his position as a one of the top-ranking black executives in the financial industry in recent months to speak to the entire industry on race and racial justice issues.

Describing his relationship with the trio which he said dates way back at least three to four decades, the 63-year-old Dayton, Ohio native, whose success story is similar to that of the three music moguls said, Diddy was one of the only persons who looked like him in the whole money game when he came into business. “How I came up? I’ve been blessed. Our kids shouldn’t have to get lucky, but right now our kids’ future depends on what zip code they come from,” McGuire said.

Diddy said the Harvard University Graduate who was raised by a single mother, has always cared about people. “Through those 30 years, no matter where we were at, outside, wherever we were at, Ray was always talking about the people,” Diddy said in the video. Jay-Z and Diddy said one of the reasons they endorsed McGuire was because of his plan for the city’s pandemic recovery, and the need to return the city to the status it once enjoyed as a hub for the arts, music and business.

Appreciating their support, the former Citigroup executive said, for him, this is a life of service. “I’ve been really fortunate. I’ve been blessed to get here. But getting here means I never forgot where I came from.”

Asked what the city will look like four years from now if he’s mayor, McGuire said it will be the most inclusive comeback, which means black and brown people would be included going forward. “We’ve been outside for so long that they give us crumbs and they want us to feel full,” he said. “I’m not interested in the crumbs. Matter of fact, I’m not interested in the cake. I’m interested in us owning the bakeries,” stated McGuire.

Jay-Z, Nas and Diddy are just three of many celebrities supporting McGuire. Movie director, Spike Lee narrated his campaign launch video with soundtrack by jazz musician and trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis. Gwen Carr, whose son, Eric Garner was killed by an NYPD officer using a prohibited chokehold, is also one of the familiar faces backing McGuire.

Though McGuire is a newcomer, little known among New Yorkers, and not participating in the city’s public matching funds program, his campaign has raised millions of dollars in private donations. The business mogul who made his name as one the highest-ranking Black executives on Wall Street stepped down from his position at Citigroup to launch his mayoral run last December.

In a crowded field of candidates and touting his business experience and Wall Street background as what makes him the best person to lead New York City in post-COVID recovery, McGuire presents himself as a moderate who understands the city’s need of reform in the police department and public safety.

With Andrew Yang leading in the polls and the other front runners also picking up major endorsements, it remains to be seen how much these celebrity endorsements would impact McGuire’s campaign.

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