Karim Camara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karim Camara
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| Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Faith Based Community Development Services | |
| In office February 2015 – June 2022 |
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| Preceded by | position established |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 43rd district |
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| In office November 2005 – February 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Clarence Norman Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Diana Richardson |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Karim Abdur-Razzaq
June 3, 1971 Crown Heights, Brooklyn |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Orelia Merchant |
| Children | 2 |
| Residences | Crown Heights, Brooklyn |
| Alma mater | Xavier University of Louisiana New York Theological Seminary |
| Profession | Politician |
Karim Camara (born June 3, 1971) is an American pastor and a former politician. He was a member of the New York State Assembly, which is part of New York's state government. He represented the 43rd Assembly District, covering parts of Brooklyn like Crown Heights, Lefferts Gardens, and East Flatbush.
Mr. Camara is also the founder and senior pastor of the Abundant Life Church in Brooklyn. Before that, he was an executive pastor at First Baptist Church of Crown Heights. He also helped with former U.S. Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008, working as the New York State Faith Director.
He was first elected to the State Assembly in November 2005 during a special election. He left his position in February 2015 to become the executive director of the Office of Faith-Based Community Development. This office helps connect faith groups with community projects. He held this role until June 2022.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in Brooklyn
Karim Camara was born Karim Abdur-Razzaq in Brooklyn, New York. He spent most of his childhood in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. This area is part of the district he later represented in the State Assembly. He also lived for a time in Queens and on a farm in Westtown, New York, which is in Orange County.
School and College Years
He finished high school at Brooklyn Friends School in 1988. After that, he went to Xavier University of Louisiana. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in both English Literature and Chemistry. Later, he continued his studies at the New York Theological Seminary, where he earned a Masters of Divinity degree.
Career and Family Life
Starting His Career
Before becoming a politician, Karim Camara worked as the fundraising director for the Cush Campus Schools in Brooklyn. His mother helped start these schools and is their principal. This role showed his early commitment to community and education.
Family Life
Karim Camara lives in Brooklyn with his wife, Orelia Merchant. His wife is a federal district court judge. They have two children together.
