More than 70 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) tenant leaders and local clergy members from central Brooklyn and Queens came to Downtown Brooklyn today to show their support for Assemblywoman Latrice Walker‘s (D-Brownsville) announced run for New York City Public Advocate.
Born and raised in Prospect Plaza, a NYCHA development in Brownsville that was demolished under a Federal HOPE VI grant, Walker spoke passionately how she has experienced firsthand the effects of displacement and the need for adequate representation and housing.
“Having grown up in NYCHA housing in Brooklyn, I am extremely proud to have the endorsement of over 70 NYCHA tenants and clergy members,” said Walker on the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall. “Our city has failed NYCHA residents, neglecting their right to adequate housing and endangering their health and well-being. As your Public Advocate, I will stand up for all New Yorkers and fight inequality and injustice wherever it may be. In the face of hardship, we will do the right thing for those in need – and I will be your advocate, your agitator, your litigator and your legislator.”
Supporters spoke how Walker has dedicated her life’s work to advocacy for the marginalized and how she has worked with local elected officials to preserve affordable housing. As a litigator, she has helped tenants avoid eviction and defended young minority victims of “stop-and-frisk” practices, supporters said at the rally.
Among her biggest supporters at the rally was her former chief of staff and now City Councilwoman Alicka Ampry-Samuel (D-Brownsville, East Flatbush, Crown Heights, Bedford-Stuyvesant).
“We have watched Latrice Walker for decades, advocating on behalf of young people, advocating on behalf of our seniors, advocating on behalf of the most marginalized people in society,” said Ampry-Samuel. “And we know she is a fighter – and it didn’t just start last week, it didn’t just start last year or four years ago. She’s a born leader, and we need her right here in New York City.”
“I know Latrice is the best choice for Public Advocate,” said Lisa Kenner, President of the Van Dyke Residents Association, 392 Blake Avenue in Brownsville. “Latrice will not only go out and fight for us in Brownsville, she will go out and fight across the entire City of New York, because she’s an all-around person.”
“Assemblywoman Latrice Walker has been someone I have always observed to be true to the community,” Pastor Kermit Williams of Agape Christian Center in Ridgewood Queens said. “ And that’s important because if you’re going to be the Public Advocate, you need to be for the public – and she fits that bill.”
The public advocate seat opened up with the election of current Pubic Advocate Letitia James to State Attorney General.
Walker joins a crowded field of candidates for the position in what is an expected February special election. The main candidates in the field thus far includes Brooklyn City Council Members Jumaane Williams and Rafael Espinal, former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito – all Democrats and Queens Republican City Council Member Eric Ulrich.
Walker is expected to get the support of U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke and possibly James. Both lawmakers are close to Walker.
