Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Public Advocate Letitia James wants to speak out for the disenfranchised
It was never Letitia James’ objective to be the first woman of color to hold citywide office, but now that she does fill that role, the Clinton Hill resident looks forward to “talking about issues and representing the interest of voices that have been ignored, invisible and that haven’t had a seat at the table.
“I look forward to raising the issues of income inequality, wage stagnation, homelessness and the crisis in affordable housing, as well as access to education and access to the American dream,” James said. “I’m a living witness that the dream is still alive.”
For James, the city’s first African American public advocate, Black History Month is not something to celebrate as an event, but rather a reminder to “celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans every day of the week and every day of the year [and to be reminded] of all the challenges moving forward.”