Jumaane Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jumaane Williams
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Williams in 2022
|
|
| 5th New York City Public Advocate | |
| Assumed office March 19, 2019 |
|
| Deputy | Nick E. Smith (2019-2024) Vacant (2024-present) |
| Preceded by | Corey Johnson (acting) Letitia James |
| Member of the New York City Council from the 45th district |
|
| In office January 1, 2010 – March 19, 2019 |
|
| Preceded by | Kendall Stewart |
| Succeeded by | Farah Louis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 11, 1976 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations |
Working Families Party Democratic Socialists of America |
| Education | Brooklyn College (BA, MA) |
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, he was a member of the New York City Council. He represented the 45th district in Brooklyn. This district includes neighborhoods like East Flatbush and Flatbush.
Williams was a City Council member from 2010 to 2019. He also served as Deputy Leader of the City Council. He was re-elected as Public Advocate in 2021.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jumaane Williams's parents, Greg and Patricia Williams, are from Grenada. His father was a sports player before he moved to the U.S. to study medicine.
Williams went to Brooklyn Technical High School. He then studied at Brooklyn College. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 2001. Later, he received a master's degree in urban policy and administration in 2005.
Political Career
Serving on the New York City Council (2010–2019)
Williams was first elected to the New York City Council in 2009. He won the general election with support from the Working Families Party. He was easily re-elected in 2013.
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. Williams often spoke out against the NYPD's "stop-and-frisk" policy.
In 2015, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Williams's Fair Chance Act. This law is also known as "Ban the Box." It stops employers from asking about a job applicant's past records until they offer them a job.
Williams also helped pass a law about "tenant relocation specialists." These are people landlords hire to convince tenants to move out. The new law set rules for these specialists.
Williams resigned from the City Council on March 19, 2019. He left to become the New York City Public Advocate.
Running for Lieutenant Governor (2018)
In 2018, Williams ran for Lieutenant Governor of New York. He challenged the person already in office, Kathy Hochul. He focused on fighting corruption, making housing affordable, and changing the justice system. Williams lost the election by a small number of votes.
New York City Public Advocate (2019-Present)
Williams ran in a special election for New York City Public Advocate in 2019. This happened when Letitia James left the position to become the New York state attorney general.
Many people ran in this election, with 18 other candidates. Williams won with 33% of the votes. He was sworn into office on March 19, 2019. As Public Advocate, he works to help New Yorkers and make sure their voices are heard in city government.
Running for Governor (2022)
On November 16, 2021, Williams announced he would run for governor. He sought the Democratic nomination in 2022. Williams finished second in the primary election. He lost to Governor Kathy Hochul.
Activism
Williams is known for his activism. In 2011, he was arrested during the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn. He was walking on a closed sidewalk after getting permission from other officers.
He supported the Occupy Wall Street movement. In 2012, he was hurt by a police officer at an Occupy Wall Street event.
In 2018, Williams was arrested again. This happened when he protested the detention of immigrant-rights activist Ravi Ragbir.
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
-
Williams speaks at a 2012 protest after the killing of Trayvon Martin
