Black Power Players

Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn represents the 42nd assembly district in Brooklyn and is chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, the New York State assembly majority whip, chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of MWBEs and one of the top ten most effective legislators from the past session. A lifelong Brooklynite and daughter of Haitian immigrants, she is the first Haitian-American from New York City elected to the Assembly. She is Chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party — the first Black woman leading a party in New York City.

Larry Scott Blackmon is the CEO of the Blackmon Organization, a public affairs, government relations, lobbying, and strategic consulting firm. He is the chairman of the board for the Better Business Bureau of New York, on the board of 100 Black Men, and the president of the State Association of Chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Larry also served as vice president of FreshDirect and has over 25 years of public service experience.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Stay the course, ignore distractions, and remain young at heart. Spend more time with your loved ones and cherish every moment. Treat each day as if it could be the last one you see. Stay in good health and sound mind.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am most proud of the kind words that people share for me. In 2024, I look forward to the continued growth of my brand, the well being of my family and friends, and wishing nothing but success to all of us working to make the world a better place.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Books: “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein
Music: James Brown, “Live at Home With His Bad Self (Augusta, GA Live)”; Prince, “Sign O’ The Times” Remastered Full Release, and Cameo’s “Love You Anyway”, from the album “She’s Strange.”

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Life of Hope, Brooklyn, New York: They are doing phenomenal work for communities that need it most.

Throughout his tenure in Congress, Representative Jamaal Bowman has introduced over 50 bills, resolutions, and amendments, and has secured over $125 million for NY-16. He has successfully advocated for major investments in local community organizations, including Montefiore Medical Center, Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center, Yonkers YMCA, New Rochelle YMCA, Justice Innovation, and more. Prior to coming to Congress, he founded the Cornerstone Academy for Social Action Middle School (CASA) in the Bronx.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
The documentary “13th”, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X”, and the album “Edutainment” by Boogie Down Productions and KRS-One.

Alvin L. Bragg Jr. is the 37th district attorney elected in Manhattan. A lifelong Harlemite, Bragg 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. Bragg earned his A.B. from Harvard University, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Be serious, but not too serious! Meeting deadlines–and expectations–is essential. But, so is perspective and having the confidence to ask a boss if a deadline can be extended a day or two in order not to miss a family event is important.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
During my second year in office we continued to drive down gun violence, which remains our top priority. Shootings in Manhattan were down 38% compared to 2021 and murders in the borough were down 24% compared to 2021. Major crime is down in nearly every major category. I look forward to continued collaboration with law enforcement partners, community groups and local residents to push these numbers down even further and deliver lasting public safety.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” 

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
The Fortune Society is an incredible organization that supports reentry and alternative-to-incarceration services. Our office awarded them $3 million to create a network of court navigators to build trusting relationships with individuals arraigned in criminal court who may have a mental illness or substance use disorder. The aim of these investments is to reach those involved in the criminal justice system at the earliest moment to address the underlying drivers of crime and reduce recidivism.

Priscilla Sims Brown is the president and CEO of Amalgamated Bank. Ms. Brown is a multi-national board director with 30 years of financial services experience, including executive positions at Commonwealth Bank and AXA Financial. She sees social-impact banking as central to the bank’s mission to use banking as a force for good. Under her leadership, the bank has taken on critical initiatives including fighting climate change, addressing the racial wealth gap, and curbing gun violence.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Heed my mother’s call to “joy,” Jesus, others, yourself, and remember it’s okay to take care of yourself, too.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
In 2023, Amalgamated celebrated 100 years since our founding by a union of low-wage immigrant workers – a century of providing equal access to financial services and supporting nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and unions was a proud moment. I’m also proud that despite some difficulties in the banking industry this year, Amalgamated is thriving. For 2024, we’re looking forward to combatting the wealth gap in the U.S., a growing inequity that must be tackled.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
My son, Cole Brown, recently curated a book called “Black Love Letters”. It’s a collection of writing by leading Black Americans, love letters to our community, our leaders, our history and our future, an act of rebellion against the forces that seek to dehumanize us. These letters reflect the varied passions of Black people. Cole’s first book, “Greyboy”, is the story of those who grow up different in a white world.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
My family founded a comprehensive development organization in Ethiopia, Project Mercy, which includes schools – a high school and health sciences college–a hospital, cattle breeding program and more. Project Mercy’s innovative work serves as a model for eradicating poverty and empowering people worldwide.

Dr. Butts, EVP and CDIO, Mount Sinai Health System is a visionary leader responsible for oversight and integration of all aspects of diversity and equity for the largest health care system in NYC. Under his tenure, the medical school and system have been recognized regularly by Higher Education Excellence in Diversity, the Human Rights Campaign for LGBTQ inclusion and quality care, DiversityInc Top Hospitals and Health Systems and as a Forbes Top 20 employer for diversity.

Rodney S. Capel is vice president for government affairs for Charter Communication. Mr. Capel oversees all the legislative and telecommunications regulation within the New York City and New Jersey area. His career highlights include serving as the first African American executive director of the New York State Democratic Committee and serving as New York State director for Clinton-Kaine presidential campaign in 2016. Rodney resides in Harlem with his wife Fayola and their son Lucas.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Value Time! It’s the most precious resource one has. We all have no idea how much time we actually have so try to not waste it on things or people that don’t add value to your life.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am proud of my company partnering with NYC to create a program tackling the issue of bridging the digital divide with New York City Housing Authority facilities across our footprint. The pilot’s success led to the Adams Administration’s decision to grow the program from four locations in August 2022, to 119 developments today. Through this effort, many denied the skills and access will now have the opportunity to hone the skills needed to find employment and improve their education.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I recommend everyone watch a show on Netflix called “High on the Hog.” A show which tracks the historical path of African Americans in the US and the food legacy they carried through their journeys from the middle passage to the great migration. It has two seasons but is a fascinating watch on the influence Black culture has made on American cuisine. Highly recommend!

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I have to shine a light on Iesha Sekou, who does phenomenal work on behalf of her community, combating gun violence and gang activity in Harlem. As a longtime community activist, Iesha started a nonprofit organization called Street Corner Resources which provides young people with holistic activities and workshops dedicated to creating safe spaces. They also provide mental health services, employment and education training, and other wrap around services. We need more leaders like Iesha.

Governor Hochul designated Commissioner Rory M. Christian as the chair and CEO of the PSC. His career began as a civil engineer. As director of Energy Finance and Sustainability at New York Central Housing Authority (NYCHA), he oversaw a utility portfolio achieving mandated greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements. He was director of New York Clean Energy at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and taught energy efficiency courses at Columbia University. He also volunteers at Green City Force and was the chair of WE ACT for Environmental Justice’s board of directors.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Be willing to say yes to things that are outside your comfort zone. Every day of life is an opportunity to experience something new and those experiences help shape who you are and who you may become in the future. Don’t deny yourself the possibility of a future you can’t imagine by saying no to something today.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I’m proud of efforts keeping New York State on track to lessen our climate impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and to prepare for more significant weather events through improvements to emergency response efforts. The regulations and policies put forward in 2023, set the stage for greater success in 2024 and beyond.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
A book I’ve returned to time and time again has been Ta-Nehisi Coates “Between the World and Me”. It’s an introspective look on the Black American experience that is thought provoking to read, exploring the nature of the American Dream and efforts for achieving social justice.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I’ll always be inspired by the work of Green City Force, a workforce development group focused on the goal of training, preparing and empowering young leaders and communities who will power the green economy of the future. It is through people and their actions that we’ll address climate change, and GCF is doing an amazing job of preparing the people who will help make that a reality.

Darcel Denise Clark became the 13th district attorney for Bronx County on January 1, 2016. She is the first woman in that position and the first African American woman to be elected a district attorney in New York State. She was re-elected to her third term in November 2023.

Hailing from central Brooklyn, U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke serves as vice-chair of the congressional Black caucus, and as a senior member of the house committees on energy and commerce and homeland security. Clarke previously represented NYC’s 40th District on the City Council – a seat once held by her mother, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke. Since her time on the Council, Clarke has continued to champion the many causes close to her heart.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
The road to progress is paved with persistence and the willingness to meet any challenge. Many of the causes I’m fighting for today have persisted since my time on the NYC Council, from the availability of affordable housing, to disparities in health care, to the many inequities women and people of color face everyday. Progress happens over time. That is a truth every young advocate should prepare for if they hope to achieve true change.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
With the emergence of generative artificial intelligence, I’ve spent a great deal of this past year working to mitigate biases found within AI systems and the disinformation and misinformation that can be supercharged by this new technology. I’m proud to say my efforts in this space have contributed significantly to Congress’ attention towards the issue, and I look forward to continuing and expanding upon that work alongside my colleagues in the coming new year.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Throughout U.S. history, Black women have been the hidden figures behind advancements in science, math, and so much more. I recommend “Say Anarcha” – a compelling non-fiction reckoning with the birth of women’s health that illustrates the world-changing sacrifices of a young Black woman, who should be recognized as the centerpiece of the creation story of modern women’s health care.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
As a long-time advocate for menopause awareness and progress in women’s health, I’d like to highlight Let’s Talk Menopause and the many dedicated women it comprises. I recently partnered with this transformative organization for the introduction of my new legislation, the Menopause Research and Equity Act of 2023, and I can directly attribute their passion for this issue with the bipartisan momentum my bill currently carries.