Black Power Players

Dennis M. Walcott has served as the president and CEO of Queens Public Library since March 2016. He has a long career in education and public service, starting as a kindergarten teacher. He served as chancellor of the New York City public school system and as deputy mayor for education and community development under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. In 2022, Mayor Eric Adams appointed Dennis as chair of the New York City districting commission.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
One would be to pay attention to my Spanish class in college. My teacher told me I would one day regret not taking it more seriously. He was right. The other, personally more meaningful advice would be to learn as much as possible about my ancestors from my parents. I buried my parents while I was in college, nine months apart. To this day, I regret not asking them more questions about our ancestral lines.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
We have a fantastic team at Queens Public Library and we always find new ways to make sure we are front and center responding to the needs of our communities. I am very proud of our staff’s commitment to continue to provide outstanding service to the public, even amid budget cuts.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Of all the songs that I like, two have always been my north stars – “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier.”

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I would like to spotlight The Havens Relief Fund Society, which provides financial support to struggling New Yorkers who desperately need help. They assist at-risk individuals and families experiencing a financial crisis by giving them a one-time grant, helping them get back on their feet.

Rev. Dr. Robert M. Waterman has been a pastor at Antioch Baptist Church Brooklyn, N.Y. for over two decades, 22 years. He obtained a doctorate from Drew University and a master’s from New York Theological Seminary. He received his bachelor’s degree from Hunter College CUNY, and an associate’s in political science and public administration. 

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
“Stop Waiting On Time, Because You End Up Losing Time. So Start Using Time.” I understand that it’s easy to get sidetracked, but staying focused will help you achieve your goal more efficiently. Make sure you use your time effectively to prioritize what’s important in your life. When you feel overwhelmed or unsure it’s okay to pause and start again. When you pause it’s just a reset button to start over again with focus.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Dr. Waterman is most proud of building community by empowering and developing leaders through the work of the African American Clergy Elected Officials (AACEO) and improving the health of the Central Brooklyn community through work as trustee of One Brooklyn Health (OBH). I’m looking forward to continuing the work of building community in Central Brooklyn and beyond.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“From Scattered to Unstoppable Dreams: Living a Limitless Life” by Robert Waterman

Lloyd Williams is president of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, the second oldest business organization in Manhattan – founded in 1896. He chair’s HARLEM WEEK, the largest summer festival in the northeast, now celebrating its 50th anniversary. Williams is president of Greater Harlem Housing Development Corporation which owns 14 mixed-use affordable housing properties. Serving on national boards, he has taught courses on urban development, business and history at colleges and universities across the nation.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Listen carefully, work hard, learn different skills, always be on time and have a good attitude.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Being a good husband, father, grandfather and a proud Harlemite.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Malcom X” directed by Spike Lee; “Songs in the Key of Life” by Stevie Wonder; and the Bible

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
The persons: Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey. The organization: HARLEM WEEK

Jumaane Williams is a first-generation Brooklynite of Grenadian heritage. He graduated from public school and earned a master’s degree from Brooklyn College. He began his career as a community organizer at the Greater Flatbush Beacon School and later served as the executive director of NYS Tenants and Neighbors. In the NYC Council, Jumaane championed landmark legislation that transformed policing in NYC. He was the former co-chair of the council’s task force to combat gun violence.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Your history, your life, is happening right now. Don’t wait around for it to begin, experience it and shape it and propel it forward in the moment, as it’s happening.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I’m proud of the 11 bills our office sponsored and were able to pass thanks to the City Council, on issues ranging from policing accountability, to conditions in our jails, to housing and homelessness, to green infrastructure. Looking ahead, I hope we’re able to continue to advance both a message and policies around public safety, and what it can be in our city, using a holistic strategy that doesn’t seemingly depend solely on law enforcement.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
My recommendation is to engage with the work of Black authors and artists far beyond the month of February. Black History and Black culture is not confined to a single month, and I hope people will continue to seek out important stories.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
There are so many groups doing great work right now – I’d highlight Arc of Justice for their efforts to reshape systems and Community Capacity Development for their work to build safer, stronger communities in our city and beyond and Life of Hope for showing how hyper-local work can impact an entire community.

Keith L. T. Wright has served as the leader of New York County Democrats since 2009. Wright is a lifelong resident of Harlem and served as the 70th district of New York’s assembly member from 1992 to 2016. While serving as chair of the Labor Committee, Wright fought for worker’s rights, increased unemployment coverage and fair pay throughout New York State, and was the prime sponsor of the “Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights”.  He is a graduate of Rutgers Law School, Tufts University, the Fieldston School and the Ethical Culture School. 

Sheena Wright was appointed as first deputy mayor by Mayor Eric Adams in January 2023. Previously, she served as deputy mayor for strategic initiatives. Before joining city government, she led numerous nonprofit organizations in the city, including United Way of New York City and Abyssinian Development Corporation. Wright completed both her undergraduate and J.D. at Columbia University, and is a member of the New York State Bar.