Cordell Cleare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cordell Cleare
|
|
|---|---|
_NYS_Senator_Cordell_Cleare_(cropped).jpg)
Cleare in 2024
|
|
| Member of the New York State Senate from the 30th district |
|
| Assumed office November 30, 2021 |
|
| Preceded by | Brian Benjamin |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 5, 1965 |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Occupation | Politician Activist |
Cordell Cleare (born December 5, 1965) is an American activist and politician. She is from Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City. Cordell Cleare has been active in politics in Harlem since the late 1990s. She is currently a state senator for New York's 30th State Senate district. This means she helps make laws for New York State.
Contents
Early Life and Background
Cordell Cleare grew up in Harlem. Her family has lived in this historic neighborhood for four generations.
Political Career
Cordell Cleare worked for New York State Senator Bill Perkins for over 18 years. For several of those years, she was his chief of staff. This is a very important role, helping to manage his office.
Cleare also served on the District #3 Community Education Council. She was a Community School Board member for six years. These roles allowed her to help improve local schools.
Working on Presidential Campaigns
In 2008, Cordell Cleare helped with then-Senator Barack Obama's campaign for president. She also supported his re-election campaign in 2012. She was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention that year. This meant she represented her area at a big meeting for the Democratic Party.
Running for City Council
In 2017, Cleare ran for a seat on the New York City Council. She wanted to represent District 9. She ran again for the same seat in 2021.
Becoming a State Senator
On September 25, 2021, Cordell Cleare was chosen by the Manhattan Democratic Committee. She became the Democratic candidate for a special election. This election was for New York's 30th State Senate district. The previous senator, Brian Benjamin, had left the position.
The district is known for strongly supporting Democratic candidates. This meant Cleare was very likely to win. The special election happened on November 2, 2021. She won with more than 88% of the votes. This made her the new state senator.
In March 2022, Congress member Carolyn Maloney supported State Senator Cleare for re-election.
Activism and Community Work
Cordell Cleare has a strong history of working for her community. She was a tenant organizer, helping people who rent homes. Later, she became the chair of the New York City Coalition to End Lead Poisoning.
Fighting Lead Poisoning
Cleare became involved with the lead poisoning organization after her two-year-old son was diagnosed with lead poisoning. She called this problem "completely preventable." Lead poisoning can be very harmful, especially to children.
Cleare worked hard to raise awareness about lead poisoning. She held workshops at schools and community centers. She also organized health fairs and spoke with government officials. Her efforts helped many people learn about this danger.
In 1997, Cleare received the New York Public Library’s eleventh annual Brooke Russell Astor Award. This award recognized her important activism work. It also came with a $10,000 prize.
Cleare's advocacy helped create a new law. It was called the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Bill. The New York City Council passed this important bill in 2004.
Environmental Advocacy
During the 2021 New York City Council election, Cleare was supported by the New York League of Conservation Voters. This group works to protect the environment.
Her platform for the state senate election included important environmental goals. She wanted the Metropolitan Transit Authority to stop using fossil fuels. She also aimed to protect green spaces in the city.
Awards
- 1997: Brooke Russell Astor Award - for her work as Co-chair of the New York City Coalition to End Lead Poisoning
