2025 Black Power Players

Adrienne Adams is the speaker of the NYC Council, leading the most diverse women-majority body in history as the first African American speaker and the first woman to represent District 28 in Southeast Queens. Under Speaker Adams, the Council has been tackling inequities, advancing women’s health, confronting racial disparities in maternal health, supporting underserved crime victims, expanding access to economic and educational opportunities. Speaker Adams is a wife, mother, and grandmother within her beloved blended family. 

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration has been my parents, who I lost nine months apart during the pandemic. At the time of these excruciating losses, I was in the middle of the biggest political challenges of my life – running to maintain my seat as the first woman elected to be council member of District 28, Queens AND running to be the first Black speaker of the New York City Council. Although in spirit, the strength and comfort of my first teachers, my 2 best friends, propelled me to unimagined places of courage, stamina and indomitable faith. The foundation they instilled in me continues to be my driving force toward excellence, compassion, and wisdom.    

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Oh my goodness! There are so many to name to just name one, and I don’t want to slight any of them out. 

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
There are so many proud moments for me to consider, but CUNY Reconnect immediately comes to mind. Now in its third year, this innovative initiative has enabled over 40,000 individuals who left a CUNY school prior to graduating, to return to complete their degrees. The inspiration of my father, who drove an 18-wheeler for UPS during the day and attended (York) college at night to complete his bachelor’s degree in economics, brought this program to life. It brings me great joy and pride to deliver life-changing investments like this to thousands – a majority of whom are women and people of color, who would not otherwise be able to continue their pursuit of higher education.

Mayor Eric Adams has served the people of New York City as an NYPD officer, state senator, Brooklyn borough president, and now as the 110th Mayor of the City of New York. Mayor Adams is a lifelong New Yorker and a proud product of New York City public schools, including Bayside High School in Queen. His administration is committed to empowering a diverse coalition of working families in all five boroughs and is leading the fight to bring back New York City’s economy, reduce inequality, improve public safety, and build a stronger, healthier city that delivers for all New Yorkers.

Jomo Akono is a council representative for the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. He has been a representative for nine years and a Carpenters Local 276 member for 19. He serves as a committee member of the NASRCC Executive Board, a trustee of the North Atlantic States Carpenters Labor Management Program, a trustee for Local 276, a member of the NASRCC NY Member Assistance Program and a board member of the BECWIB in WNY.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I. He was crowned Light of the World and he used every opportunity to shine bright and true, even during the darkest of days. When the faith and courage of a whole nation was tested and heavily burdened, he exemplified complete trust in GOD, good over evil, right over might and unity over division. I draw strength from his ethics in building leaders and uniting Africans.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I would like to spotlight the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo. This organization is responsible for creating one of the largest and longest festivals focusing on celebrating African American emancipation. 2025 will be the 50th consecutive festival and it is timely to face the future in truth and dignity. The national and international attention that western New York has gained from inspiring and maintaining freedom over the history of America is great and worth celebrating.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
The proudest moment is developing pre apprentice training to bring inner city High School graduates directly into the Carpenters Union. The collaboration with Buffalo Public Schools, Local 276, the Buffalo Urban League and the Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board is proof that we have the tools and the teams to make significant economic and career progress. It makes a difference when we provide opportunities and skills to those who are already moving forward.

Machelle Allen, M.D., is senior vice president and chief medical officer of NYC Health + Hospitals. A veteran in health care, she trained in obstetrics and gynecology at Jacobi and served at Harlem and Bellevue hospitals. Dr. Allen pioneered systemwide clinical initiatives, including pandemic response strategies and teleradiology. She also founded the Office of Women’s Health, improving maternal care and substance use treatment for families.

Abdou Bah is the senior vice president of medical management and chief health equity officer at EmblemHealth, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health insurers, serving over three million people across New York City and the tri-state area. Recognized for his impactful leadership, Abdou was honored as a City and State 40 Under 40 recipient in 2024 and was named a Crain’s Notable Leader in both 2024 and 2023.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Nelson Mandela is an enduring inspiration because he epitomized resilience, forgiveness, and the unwavering pursuit of justice. His life story is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds and was essential for building a better future. His legacy continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the world.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I would like to highlight 100 Black Men of America, Inc. for the incredible work they do in mentoring and empowering Black youth. Their focus on education, economic development, and community service has made a significant impact on creating opportunities and fostering leadership among young Black individuals across the nation. Their dedication to developing future leaders is truly inspiring and worth recognizing.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
I played a pivotal role in securing Health Equity Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for EmblemHealth’s commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare HMO products, making it the first New York insurer to earn this distinction across three product lines. This accreditation reflects my team’s commitment to advancing health equity by improving language services, provider networks, and data-driven care solutions. Their work continues to close gaps and enhance health outcomes for diverse communities.

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn is the assembly member for Brooklyn’s 42nd Assembly District and chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party. She is also the Assembly’s majority whip, the chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of MWBEs, and serves on several committees, alongside Mayor Adams’ MWBE Advisory Council. Born and raised in Flatbush, and the daughter of Haitian immigrants, Bichotte Hermelyn is the first Haitian American woman elected to the legislature in NYC, and first the Black woman to chair a NYC County Party.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why? 
The late Rep. Shirley Chisholm. As the 1st Black congresswoman (and 1st to run for president), she paved the pathway for me and countless trailblazers. Chisholm was truly “unbought and unbossed” – never taking no for an answer while putting people first. City Council just declared Shirley Chisholm Day on what would’ve been her 100th birthday – and her legacy is thriving; with a booming namesake Democratic club, Flatbush’s state-of-the-art $141M Shirley Chisholm Rec. Center halfway constructed, a smash hit on Netflix, and women and girls inspired everywhere.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight? 
Little Haiti BK. They preserve, harness, showcase, and celebrate the commercial and socio-cultural institutions in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, which has the largest concentration of stakeholders of Haitian ancestry. As a proud Haitian American who spearheaded the designation of Little Haiti in Flatbush, this empowering organization is near and dear to my heart and the home country/diaspora that needs help.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far? 
Countless moments uplifting others make me proud, but in the spirit of Black History, I’ll highlight NYC achieving back-to-back record-breaking years for MWBE utilization, spending and success. That’s $6.4 billion awarded to MWBEs – and our whole state hit record spending too, with nation-leading utilization rates. I’m honored to uplift Black/minority, and women entrepreneurs, especially with my legislation that has tripled the MWBE discretionary contract award limit (now at $1.5M) which made a massive multiplying impact.

Larry Scott Blackmon is the CEO of the Blackmon Organization, and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, currently serving as state president. Larry is chairman of the Board for the Better Business Bureau of NY and is a member of 100 Black Men. Larry is recognized as one of the 100 top Political Consultants in NY, and as one of the “Black Power 100” in City and State, and Schneps Media. 

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration are my ancestors, who I attempt to remember and pay homage to every day, as I know that they walk with me daily. All of my lengthy accomplishments are due to their constant covering and protection.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
The Hip Hop Museum, opening in 2026, stands to become a cultural destination for the City of New York, in the borough where Hip Hop began, the Bronx. I am extremely proud of the work we’ve done with the museum to date, and will eagerly anticipate construction completion.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
Thus far, the proudest moment in my career has been the establishment of my firm, and working with an amazing team who accomplishes transformational work.

Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. is the 37th district attorney elected in Manhattan. A lifelong Harlemite, Alvin made history as the first Black Manhattan district attorney. He has spent more than two decades as a federal, state, and local prosecutor and civil rights attorney fighting to make our communities safer and our criminal justice system fairer. Alvin earned his A.B. from Harvard University, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
In the three years that I’ve been in office, we have worked with the NYPD to drive down gun violence substantially. Shootings in Manhattan are down 45% compared to 2021 and murders are down 20% compared to 2021. There is more work to do, but I look forward to continued collaboration with our law enforcement partners, community groups and local residents to push these numbers down even further and deliver lasting public safety.

Robert B. Brown is a distinguished finance executive, community leader, and dedicated family man. Born in South Carolina and raised in the Bronx, he served as CFO and VP of the New York Yankees (1989–2022), driving financial success and diversity in sports. As president of 100 Black Men of NYC, he empowers youth through mentorship and advocacy. A devoted husband and father, he is also an active Prince Hall Mason, committed to service and community impact.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Roscoe C. Brown inspires me as a trailblazing Tuskegee Airman. Despite the segregated military and prevailing racism of his time, Roscoe demonstrated not only skill and unmatched bravery. His motto was excellence would challenge stereotypes and open doors. After the war he continued to lead as an educator, becoming a college president and later president of OHBM. For someone like me, Roscoe Brown’s legacy ties directly to my mission of fostering leadership, achievement and mentorship.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I would spotlight One Hundred Black Men, a national organization started in NYC in 1963. OHBM is committed to empowering Black communities through mentorship, education, health initiatives and economic empowerment. With a focus on leadership and service, our chapters work to inspire and support future generations, addressing challenges like equity and opportunity. OHBM plays a vital role in fostering positive change and development across diverse communities. I’m proud to serve as the founding chapter President.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
One of the proudest moments of my career was receiving the first of five World Series rings on the steps of City Hall in NYC. In that moment, I wasn’t just celebrating a championship – I was representing every young person who grew up in the shadows of Yankee Stadium, dreaming of the magic inside. That ring symbolized hard work, perseverance, and the realization that dreams are possible, no matter where you start. It was truly unforgettable.

Rocky Bucano is the CEO of The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, New York, set to open summer 2026. A Bronx native, he has deep roots in Hip Hop and decades of experience in music, digital entertainment, and nonprofit leadership. Bucano has secured significant funding and partnerships, earning a spot on the Bronx Power 100 list. Under his leadership, the museum will be a landmark, preserving Hip Hop’s legacy and impact.