BY: Liliana Rocio, Senior Editor for World Liberty TV, @ 1 Center St NYC, Monday Feb 9th 2026
Jumaane D. Williams is the Public Advocate of the City of New York. Previously, he served on the NYC Council representing the 45th District. Jumaane is a first-generation Brooklynite of Grenadian heritage.
He graduated from the public school system, overcoming the difficulties of Tourette’s and ADHD to earn a Master’s Degree from Brooklyn College.
The Logo says it all
He began his career as a community organizer at the Greater Flatbush Beacon School and later served as the Executive Director of NYS Tenants & Neighbors. There, he fought for truly affordable, income-targeted housing across New York City and State.
In the NYC Council, Jumaane championed landmark legislation that fundamentally transformed policing in NYC.
2016 Black History Month Honorees & Guests
Jumaane sponsored the Community Safety Act, reforming the City’s Police Department to address the abuse of Stop, Question & Frisk in communities of color and creating the NYPD’s Office of Inspector General to investigate unlawful & unethical behavior.
R-L Mr. Williams with a student & Ms.Gibson
As former Co-Chair of the Council’s Task Force to Combat Gun Violence, he helped create New York’s Crisis Management System, which funds Cure Violence Groups that work to reduce shootings through a multi-pronged approach.
Mr Jumaane introducing students
The program fundamentally transformed the city’s approach to gun violence prevention, and as Public Advocate he continues to work for its expansion and improvement today.
Jumaane has led the fight for better policing and safer streets, affordable housing, and transparency and accountability in City government.
Dr Adal with Jumaane Williams
As Public Advocate, Jumaane continues to be an activist-elected official who brings the voices of everyday New Yorkers to City government and makes New York a truly progressive beacon for all.
Dr Adal with Brad Hoylman Sigal MBP
New York City Public Advocate, Jumaane D. Williams Black History Month Celebration-2026, took at 1 Center St New York City, on Feb 9th 2026.
Jumaane D. Williams, welcomed everyone and went on to say that a lot of black people had to struggle in America and continue to do so until now.
Dr Adal with Vanessa Gibson Bronx Boro President
He went also to say he is very happy to honor many people tonight who are part of the struggle, he also went on to say he went to Brooklyn Tech as an student and is honored to honor many of the students and their teachers here tonight during Black history month.
Many other community leaders were honored with a proclamation, presented, personally by Jumaane D. Williams.
Dr Adal with Council Member Yusef Salaam
Other honored guests included, Brad Holyman Sigal , newly elected Manhattan Borough President, he went on to say, he was very honored to be invited by the NYC Public Advocate, and he sits in the same seat as the 2 pioneering Black politicians , who were Manhattan Borough Presidents, before him.
Opening remarks by Jumaane D. Williams NYCPA
We was talking about David Dinkins, who also went on to become the first black mayor of New York City, and Percy Sutton, well known business man and former lawyer for Civil rights icon Malcom X.
Close to 100 people in attendance
He finished his remarks by saying we are all happy being here at 1 Centre Street and The David Dinkins Municipal building, which was named after him.
Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Boro President, delivered one of the most moving speeches one can listen to, she went on to say, when I attend meetings and don’t see people like myself in that meeting, I go ahead with the meeting and know that I am breaking the ceiling for many other African-Americans who will follow me.
Mr Williams Presenting award to honoree
She also recognized many of the employees, who are working for the Jumaane D. Williams. She also went on to say she would like to see the Public Advocate attend her Black history Month celebration in the Bronx, later in the month.
Honored guest Vanessa Gibson BBP
Yusef Salaam, New York City Council Member; Former one of the Central park five who was exonerated and went on to become a council member.
He shared that when he was in prison, he would write positive poetry , and when he would get depressed he would go back to read it and that would help him to get uplifted .He also went to on to read a poem he wrote for this celebration.
One of the students being honored
There were Representatives, from Letitia James New York State attorney Generals, office in attendance supporting this wonderful celebration.
It was a wonderful event, close to 100 people were in attendance, food and refreshments were served throughout the night.
Proclamation’s each honoree received
See more about NYC Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams Black History Month Celebration-2026, in our World Liberty TV, Political Channels by clicking here.
