Jumaane Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jumaane Williams
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Williams in 2022
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| 5th New York City Public Advocate | |
| Assumed office March 19, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Letitia James Corey Johnson (acting) |
| Member of the New York City Council from the 45th district |
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| In office January 1, 2010 – March 19, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Kendall Stewart |
| Succeeded by | Farah Louis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 11, 1976 New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Working Families Party Democratic Socialists of America |
| Education | Brooklyn College (BA, MA) |
| Salary | US4,800 (2021) |
Jumaane D. Williams (born May 11, 1976) is an American activist and politician. He has served as the New York City Public Advocate since 2019. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Before becoming Public Advocate, Williams was a member of the New York City Council. He represented the 45th district in Brooklyn from 2010 to 2019. This district includes neighborhoods like East Flatbush and Flatbush. Williams was re-elected as Public Advocate in 2021.
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Early Life and Education
Jumaane Williams's parents, Greg and Patricia Williams, came from Grenada. His father was a talented athlete in football and cricket. He later moved to the U.S. to study medicine.
Williams attended Brooklyn Technical High School. He then went to Brooklyn College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2001. Later, in 2005, he received a Master of Arts degree in urban policy and administration.
Political Career
Serving on the City Council (2010–2019)
Williams was first elected to the New York City Council in 2009. He won the Democratic primary election and then the general election. He was easily reelected in 2013.
As a Council member, Williams worked on important laws. He served as Deputy Leader of the City Council. He also chaired the Task Force on City Workforce Equity.
Making Communities Safer
In 2013, the City Council passed Williams's Community Safety Act. This law created an Inspector General to watch over the New York Police Department (NYPD). It also made it illegal for police to stop people based on unfair reasons. This law was passed even though the mayor at the time, Michael Bloomberg, did not agree with it. Williams has often spoken out against the NYPD's "stop-and-frisk" policy.
In 2015, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Williams's Fair Chance Act into law. This law is also known as "Ban the Box." It stops employers from asking about a job applicant's criminal history too early. They can only ask after they have offered the person a job.
Williams also helped pass a law to protect tenants. This law set rules for "tenant relocation specialists." These are people hired by landlords to convince tenants to move out. Williams left the City Council in 2019 to become the Public Advocate.
Standing Up for Rights
Williams has been involved in many protests and acts of activism. In 2011, he was arrested during the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn. He and another official were walking on a closed sidewalk after getting permission.
He supported the Occupy Wall Street movement. In 2012, he was hurt by an NYPD officer at an Occupy Wall Street event.
In 2018, Williams was arrested again. This time, he was protesting the detention of an immigrant-rights activist. The activist had been held by ICE.
Running for Lieutenant Governor (2018)
In 2018, Williams ran for Lieutenant Governor of New York. He challenged the person who held the job at the time, Kathy Hochul. Williams's campaign focused on fighting corruption, making housing affordable, and improving the justice system. He lost the election by a small number of votes.
Becoming New York City Public Advocate (2019-Present)
Williams ran in a special election for New York City Public Advocate in 2019. This election happened because Letitia James left the job to become the New York State Attorney General. Many people ran for the position.
Williams won the election with 33% of the votes. He was sworn into office on March 19, 2019. As Public Advocate, he works to make sure the city government serves the people of New York. He acts as a watchdog for the city.
In 2024, Williams shared his views on a proposed zoning change. He was against a plan that would have removed parking requirements for new housing buildings.
Running for Governor (2022)
In 2021, Williams announced he would run for governor of New York in 2022. He challenged Kathy Hochul again, who had become governor after the previous one resigned. However, his campaign ended in July 2022 when he was removed from the ballot.
Personal Life
Jumaane Williams was diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Tourette syndrome when he was a child. He has spoken out to support people with these conditions.
Williams is a Baptist.
Images for kids
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Williams speaking at a 2012 protest following the killing of Trayvon Martin
