Robert Cornegy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Cornegy
|
|
|---|---|
Cornegy in 2020
|
|
| Member of the New York City Council from the 36th District |
|
| In office January 1, 2014 – January 1, 2022 |
|
| Preceded by | Albert Vann |
| Succeeded by | Chi Ossé |
| Chairman of the New York City Council Democratic Conference |
|
| In office January 11, 2018 – December 31, 2021 |
|
| Speaker | Corey Johnson |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 24, 1965 Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Michelle Cornegy |
| Children | 6 |
| Residences | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater | St. John's University University of Alabama Mercy College |
Robert E. Cornegy Jr. (born September 24, 1965) is an American politician. He used to be a member of the New York City Council. He represented the 36th district, which includes Bedford-Stuyvesant and northern Crown Heights in Brooklyn.
He is a member of the Democratic Party. In 2021, he ran for Brooklyn Borough President but did not win.
Contents
Robert Cornegy's Early Life and Education
Robert Cornegy grew up in New York City. His father, Dr. Robert E. Cornegy Sr., was a pastor. His mother, Ellen J. Cornegy, was also very involved with their church.
Basketball Career and College Studies
Cornegy played basketball in high school as a center. He was good enough to be recruited by big universities. He played as a backup center for St. John's University's team. This team reached the Final Four in 1984-85.
Later, he earned a bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Mercy College. After college, he played professional basketball. He played in countries like Israel and Turkey.
After his basketball career, he continued his education. He earned a master's degree in Organizational Management from Mercy College.
Robert Cornegy's Time in the New York City Council
In 2009, Robert Cornegy first tried to become a member of the 36th district. He lost the election to the person already in office, Albert Vann. Four years later, in 2013, he ran again. This time, he won the Democratic nomination in a very close race. He then easily won the main election on November 5, 2013.
In 2017, Cornegy was reelected to his Council seat. He became the Chair of the Council's Committee on Housing and Buildings. He also chaired a task force for businesses owned by minorities and women. He was part of the team that negotiated the city's budget.
In 2017, Cornegy also tried to become the first Black Speaker of the New York City Council. In 2018, he was named the Democratic Conference Chair for the Council.
Important Laws and Projects
During his first term, Cornegy helped create many new laws. He was among the top 10 percent of Council members for sponsoring new legislation. Here are some of the important bills and projects he worked on:
- The Kalief Browder Bill: This bill asked the Department of Corrections to provide education and therapy. It was for people held in jail for more than 10 days.
- Commercial Tenant Protection: This law helped protect businesses renting spaces from unfair landlords. It allowed tenants to take legal action against landlords who harassed them. It also provided money to help with legal costs.
- Rent Freeze Programs: He supported programs like SCRIE and DRIE. These programs help senior citizens and people with disabilities. They can freeze their rent to make housing more affordable in NYC.
- Workforce Disclosure Bill: This bill required companies working on city projects to share information. They had to show details about their workers. This included if they were minority-owned or women-owned businesses.
Cornegy also sponsored a bill to rename a street in Brooklyn. The block of Stuyvesant Avenue between Lexington Avenue and Quincy Street was named "Do the Right Thing Way." This was after the famous 1989 movie directed by Spike Lee. It was special because it was the first time a New York City street was named after a work of art.
Other Ways Robert Cornegy Helped the Community
In 2012, Cornegy was a delegate for President Obama. This was at the Democratic National Convention. In the same year, he became a District Leader. He also joined a group to fight gun violence in New York City. This group gave ideas to the NYC Council Speaker on how to reduce gun violence.
In 2013, he worked with Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. They invested $20 million to help homeowners. This money helped protect people from scams related to home foreclosures.
In 2014, Cornegy started the "Chamber on the Go" program. This program helped small businesses by providing support services.
Cornegy also supported the "Age Friendly Neighborhood" Initiative. This project aimed to improve life for older adults. It helped them get important resources and support.
As Chair of the Committee on Small Business, Cornegy studied the retail economy in NYC. He then offered ideas to help stores in neighborhoods that needed more support.
In 2017-18, Cornegy was chosen as a MIT CoLab Mel King Community Fellow. This program recognizes leaders who work for social justice.
Robert Cornegy's Personal Life
Robert Cornegy and his wife, Michelle, have a family with six children. They live in Bedford Stuyvesant. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Cornegy is known for being very tall. He is 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 meters) tall. He used to be the tallest member of the New York City Council. From March 2019 to October 2019, he held a Guinness World Records title. He was named the World's Tallest Politician. However, this title now belongs to Jon Godfread, who is slightly taller.
Images for kids
-
Cornegy in 2020
