NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks at Brooklyn church
'It is only by coming together, by believing together, that we can build a city worthy of those who call it home'
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Councilmember Crystal Hudson, Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman, Hon. Robin Sheares, Hon. Cenceria Edwards and members of the African American Clergy and Elected Officials. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited Antioch Baptist Church in central Brooklyn on Friday morning.
The event, hosted by the African American Clergy and Elected Officials, a Brooklyn-based civic and political organization, was well-attended, with many elected officials and community members present.
In his nearly 20-minute speech, Mamdani shared his vision for the city and described what he has accomplished in his more than 120 days in office. Mamdani touted his universal childcare plan, which aims to make childcare in New York City free or very low cost for families. The initiative focuses on children from infancy through age 5.
Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman and Dr. Divinah “Dee” Bailey. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
“On my eighth day in office, we secured a historic $1.2 billion partnership with Gov. Kathy Hochul to make 3-K truly universal and deliver free childcare for two-year-olds for the very first time,” Mamdani said.
The mayor also spoke about the future of New York. “Looking forward, we will ensure that this city remains a city where every New Yorker has a voice, where democracy is strengthened and expanded,” he said. “We need to bring this city together as we are significantly stronger united.”
Mamdani quoted a gospel hymn to the church crowd as well, “Order My Steps,” a prayer for guidance, obedience and spiritual consistency.
“I want to walk worthy, my calling to fulfill. Please order my steps, Lord, and I’ll do your blessed will. The world is ever changing, but you are still the same. If you order my steps, I’ll praise your name,” the song says.
“Just like all of you, I too want to walk worthy,” Mamdani said. “Not just worthy of those who voted for me, those who believe in my politics or those who feel at home in a movement that we have helped build. I want to walk worthy of those who feel alone in a world, and in a city that is ever changing.”
The mayor continued, “I am talking about those who feel left behind and betrayed by their government, those who hear gunshots outside their windows and cannot afford the bus fare or the rent. I want to walk worthy of every New Yorker, and I know that I cannot walk worthy alone. It is only by coming together, by believing together, that we can build a city worthy of those who call it home.”
Mamdani also emphasized safety and policing, telling the audience that he wants to ensure New Yorkers look around and see a city that is working for them. “I know that a primary concern that often comes up is safety. You cannot walk worthy if you cannot walk safely,” he said.
Mamdani said crime is down under his watch as mayor. “Since taking office, we have seen murders hit record lows,” he said. “We have seen the [New York Police Department] take more than 1,000 guns off of our streets and are on pace for some of the lowest levels of shootings in our city.”
Mamdani revealed that his Office of Community Safety, a proposed public safety reform concept that would create a city agency focused on responding to certain non-violent emergencies without police involvement, will play a key role in omitting gun violence. “We intend to deliver this by working with each and every one of you across this room,” he said.
The mayor has been an outspoken critic of current policing practices, arguing that traditional policing often fails to address the root causes of crime. More broadly, Mamdani’s position tends to emphasize investing in social services, education and community-based programs as a means of improving public safety rather than relying primarily on law enforcement.
“As much as there is progress that has been done in this city, it is only a reminder of all that is still left to be done,” Mamdani said.
The AACEO’s goal is to bring together religious leaders, elected officials and community leaders to advocate on community issues such as housing, public safety and education. The organization plays a role in local politics and endorsements; organizes events, forums and outreach efforts; and serves as a bridge between government and neighborhoods, especially in central Brooklyn.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
