New York City Council
Committee on Civil and Human Rights
Feb 20, 2025
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 22 min
Summary
A hearing on the state of Black New York and racial equity planning, focusing on systemic inequities faced by Black New Yorkers and updates on the city's racial equity planning efforts mandated by recent ballot measures.
Discussions covered ongoing disparities in housing, education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for Black New Yorkers, as well as challenges in data collection, community engagement, and ensuring agency compliance with racial equity goals.
Features testimony from the Mayor's Office of Equity and Racial Justice (MOERJ), the Commission on Racial Equity (CORE), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Williams opens hearing on the state of Black New York and racial equity planning
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams opens the Committee on Civil and Human Rights hearing focused on the state of Black New York and updates on racial equity planning efforts. She …
0:00:46
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4 min
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams' opening remarks on racial equity
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams opens the hearing by acknowledging Black History Month and emphasizing the importance of addressing racial inequities in New York City. He highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic …
0:04:57
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74 sec
Housing and economic challenges facing Black New Yorkers
Public Advocate Williams outlines the severe housing and economic challenges facing Black New Yorkers, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of rising costs and displacement on Black communities. - He highlights issues …
0:06:11
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41 sec
Education and childcare issues affecting Black New Yorkers
Public Advocate Williams addresses the importance of education and childcare in supporting Black New Yorkers, calling for increased funding and support for these critical services. - He emphasizes the need …
0:06:52
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27 sec
Legislation to address housing issues and protect Black homeownership
Public Advocate Williams discusses several pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Black homeownership and addressing housing issues in New York City. - He introduces Intro 67, which would require city …
0:07:19
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49 sec
Youth support and employment opportunities for Black New Yorkers
Public Advocate Williams emphasizes the importance of providing support and employment opportunities for Black youth in New York City. - He highlights the need for viable support and programming to …
0:08:08
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16 sec
Addressing maternal health disparities for Black women in New York City
Public Advocate Williams highlights the significant racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly affecting Black women in New York City and across the United States. - He cites recent statistics …
0:08:24
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40 sec
Interconnected systemic issues affecting Black communities in New York City
Public Advocate Williams discusses the interconnected nature of various systemic issues disproportionately affecting Black communities in New York City, based on a report from his office. - He highlights that …
0:09:03
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24 sec
Call for clear racial equity planning from the administration
Public Advocate Williams calls on the city administration to provide clear plans for advancing racial equity in New York City. - He notes that the administration is behind schedule on …
0:09:27
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14 sec
Challenges and responsibilities of increased Black leadership
Public Advocate Williams discusses the complexities surrounding increased Black representation in leadership positions across city, state, and federal government. - He notes that while there is more Black leadership than …
0:09:45
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58 sec
Addressing anti-blackness and the importance of historical context
Public Advocate Williams concludes his remarks by emphasizing the deep-rooted nature of anti-blackness in American history and the importance of acknowledging this context in addressing current inequities. - He stresses …
0:10:43
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31 sec
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams' response on systemic racism
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams responds to Public Advocate Jumaane Williams' testimony, agreeing with and expanding on his points about systemic racism. - She references a colleague's perspective on the …
0:11:16
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36 sec
Introduction of NYC's Chief Equity Officer and Black History Month context
Sideya Sherman introduces herself as New York City's Chief Equity Officer and Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Equity and Racial Justice. She contextualizes her testimony within Black History Month …
0:12:31
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58 sec
Progress on citywide racial equity planning process
Sideya Sherman provides an update on the citywide racial equity planning process, highlighting the implementation of racial justice charter amendments and the development of a preliminary citywide racial equity plan. …
0:13:30
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95 sec
Current state of inequities facing Black New Yorkers
Sideya Sherman addresses the current state of Black New Yorkers, acknowledging progress made while highlighting persistent inequities that limit opportunities for advancement. - Recognizes ongoing health and economic disparities - …
0:15:06
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28 sec
Youth-focused initiatives addressing educational and career opportunities
Sideya Sherman details various youth-focused initiatives aimed at improving educational attainment, literacy, and career opportunities for young New Yorkers. - Highlights programs like NYC Men's Teach, CUNY Fatherhood Academy, and …
0:15:36
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68 sec
Addressing Black maternal health disparities
Sideya Sherman discusses initiatives aimed at addressing the crucial issue of Black maternal health in New York City. - Mentions the implementation of a doula training program - Highlights collaboration …
0:16:44
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20 sec
Economic initiatives addressing the racial wealth gap
Sideya Sherman outlines various economic initiatives aimed at addressing the persistent racial wealth gap and promoting financial stability for Black New Yorkers. - Highlights the administration's focus on affordability, housing, …
0:17:06
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74 sec
Ongoing structural reforms and future racial equity work
Sideya Sherman concludes by discussing ongoing structural reform efforts and future work aimed at addressing systemic inequities and promoting racial justice in New York City. - Emphasizes the importance of …
0:18:21
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50 sec
MOERJ's public engagement and community consultation practices
Council Member Williams inquires about MOERJ's engagement with the public and consultation with community leaders. Commissioner Sherman explains their various engagement methods, including outreach events, resource fairs, and advisory bodies. …
0:19:33
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71 sec
MOERJ's collaboration with other offices and community organizations
Commissioner Sherman elaborates on MOERJ's collaborations with various offices and community organizations. Council Member Williams requests a list of nonprofit organizations MOERJ works with. - MOERJ collaborates with the Civic …
0:20:44
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89 sec
MOERJ's approach to town halls and public forums
Council Member Williams inquires about MOERJ's use of town halls or public forums to engage with average New Yorkers. Commissioner Sherman explains their alternative approaches to community engagement. - MOERJ …
0:22:14
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72 sec
MOERJ's mechanisms for receiving feedback from New Yorkers
Council Member Williams asks about MOERJ's mechanisms for receiving direct feedback or suggestions from New Yorkers. Commissioner Sherman outlines their current feedback channels and future plans. - MOERJ primarily receives …
0:23:29
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43 sec
MOERJ's use of social media and outreach efforts
Council Member Williams inquires about MOERJ's use of social media to engage with New Yorkers and share their work, particularly with Black New Yorkers. Commissioner Sherman details their outreach strategies …
0:24:13
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120 sec
Public Advocate's comment on black joy and community resilience
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams makes a comment emphasizing the importance of recognizing black joy and community resilience amidst discussions of systemic challenges. - Williams stresses the need to highlight the …
0:26:13
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36 sec
Council Member Stevens questions MOERJ on collaboration and challenges to equity work
Council Member Althea V. Stevens engages in a Q&A session with Sideya Sherman from the Mayor's Office of Equity and Racial Justice. Stevens inquires about potential collaboration between her office …
0:26:55
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165 sec
MOERJ's intersectional approach and coordination of equity-focused entities
Council Member Williams inquires about MOERJ's intersectional approach to equity work across various city offices and commissions. Commissioner Sherman explains how different offices within MOERJ work together to ensure a …
0:29:42
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163 sec
Overview of the Task Force on Racial Inclusion and Equity (TRIE)
Council Member Williams asks about the ongoing work of TRIE, and Commissioner Sherman provides an overview of its purpose and activities. - TRIE was formed during the pandemic to address …
0:32:28
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102 sec
Community engagement workshops and coordination between equity-focused entities
Council Member Williams inquires about community engagement workshops in The Bronx and plans for other boroughs. Commissioner Sherman explains the process and addresses concerns about potential overlap between different equity-focused …
0:34:13
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173 sec
Preliminary recommendations and investments based on community feedback
Council Member Williams asks about preliminary recommendations and investments made based on community feedback from workshops. Commissioner Sherman provides examples of initiatives implemented in response to community input. - Workshops …
0:37:07
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8 min
Data collection on discrimination and MOERJ's work with the private sector
Council Member Williams inquires about MOERJ's data collection on institutional discrimination and its work with the private sector. Commissioner Sherman explains the office's limited role in these areas. - MOERJ …
0:45:29
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148 sec
Collaboration with Department of Health on healthcare equity initiatives
Council Member Williams asks about MOERJ's work with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to address healthcare equity. Commissioner Sherman outlines various collaborative efforts and initiatives. - MOERJ works …
0:47:57
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93 sec
Timeline for racial equity planning and its impact on budget processes
Council Member Williams inquires about the timeline for the racial equity planning process and how it will impact the FY2026 budget. Commissioner Sherman provides updates on the plan's progress and …
0:49:33
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171 sec
City Council engagement and ensuring agency compliance in racial equity planning
Council Member Williams asks about opportunities for City Council engagement in the racial equity planning process and expresses concerns about agency compliance and accountability. Commissioner Sherman addresses these points and …
0:52:25
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7 min
MOERJ staffing, resources, and office space needs
Council Member Williams inquires about MOERJ's staffing, resources, and office space. Commissioner Sherman provides details on the office's current capacity and future needs. - The racial equity planning team includes: …
0:59:40
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125 sec
Incorporating racial equity indicators into agency reporting and MOERJ's expansion plans
Council Member Williams asks about incorporating racial equity indicators into agency reporting, such as the Mayor's Management Report (MMR). Commissioner Sherman explains MOERJ's approach to integrating racial equity metrics into …
1:01:46
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150 sec
Closing remarks and expression of support for MOERJ's work
Council Member Williams concludes the session with closing remarks, expressing support for MOERJ's work and commitment to advancing racial equity in New York City. Commissioner Sherman acknowledges the council member's …
1:04:19
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39 sec
Introduction and overview of CORE's role in racial equity planning
Linda Tigani, Chair and Executive Director of the New York City Commission on Racial Equity (CORE), introduces herself and provides an overview of CORE's role in the racial equity planning …
1:05:50
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37 sec
Establishment of CORE and its charter mandates
Linda Tigani explains the establishment of the New York City Commission on Racial Equity (CORE) and its charter mandates. CORE was created to hold NYC government accountable for advancing racial …
1:06:28
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62 sec
Delays in the racial equity planning process and revised timeline
Linda Tigani outlines the significant delays in the racial equity planning process and the revised timeline for the 2024 cycle. These delays have impacted the city's ability to incorporate racial …
1:07:32
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121 sec
Development and release of community equity priorities
Linda Tigani explains CORE's process for developing and releasing community equity priorities, which are central to the city's racial equity planning process. These priorities focus on the needs of communities …
1:09:34
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136 sec
Community engagement efforts and feedback collection methods
Linda Tigani details CORE's extensive community engagement efforts and the various methods used to collect feedback on the draft community equity priorities. These efforts aimed to ensure broad community input …
1:11:52
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122 sec
Demographic breakdown of respondents to CORE's engagement efforts
Linda Tigani provides a detailed demographic breakdown of the 4,212 respondents who participated in CORE's community engagement efforts. This diverse pool of respondents helps ensure that the community equity priorities …
1:13:55
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5 min
Challenges faced in the 2024 racial equity planning process
Linda Tigani outlines the significant challenges CORE faced in fulfilling its New York City charter mandate during the 2024 racial equity planning process. These challenges impacted CORE's ability to conduct …
1:19:51
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43 sec
Data accessibility and disaggregation issues in racial equity planning
Linda Tigani highlights the significant challenges CORE faced due to limited data accessibility and insufficient data disaggregation within publicly available datasets. These issues hindered CORE's ability to conduct thorough analysis …
1:20:36
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54 sec
Importance of structural change and accountability in advancing racial equity
Linda Tigani emphasizes the critical need for structural changes and accountability in government operations to achieve true racial equity. She highlights the public's vision for transformative change when they voted …
1:21:31
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86 sec
Intersection of racial equity planning with the city's budget process
Linda Tigani discusses the crucial intersection between racial equity planning and the city's budget process. She emphasizes the importance of aligning these processes to ensure effective resource allocation for advancing …
1:22:57
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51 sec
Case of police misconduct and call for accountability (Alan Feliz case)
Linda Tigani concludes her testimony by highlighting a recent case of police misconduct and calling for accountability. She uses this example to underscore the importance of holding city employees, including …
1:23:49
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58 sec
Council Member Williams' introduction and initial questions
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams begins the questioning session, thanking the testifiers for their work and expressing appreciation for the comprehensive answers provided. She introduces her first question about CORE's …
1:27:19
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54 sec
CORE's access to agency data and data personnel
Linda Tigani discusses CORE's current limitations in accessing agency data and their strategies for working with available data sources. She also explains the composition of CORE's data team. - CORE …
1:28:13
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94 sec
Data disaggregation and publicly available data
The discussion focuses on the importance of data disaggregation across city agencies and the role of MOERJ in developing guidelines for this process. Tigani explains the current state of data …
1:29:50
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7 min
CORE's staffing and expansion plans
Linda Tigani provides details on CORE's current staffing situation and plans for future expansion. She explains the organization's growth strategy and the reasons behind their staffing requests. - CORE currently …
1:37:32
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119 sec
CORE's engagement in the budget process
Linda Tigani discusses CORE's involvement in the budget process, both for its own budget and in promoting budget equity across city agencies. She outlines CORE's plans for engaging with city …
1:39:32
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5 min
True cost of living measure and community feedback on costs
Linda Tigani discusses the feedback CORE has received from community members regarding the cost of living in New York City. She highlights the challenges faced by residents in affording basic …
1:44:49
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148 sec
CORE's online engagement and community input methods
Linda Tigani explains CORE's online engagement strategies, including surveys and feedback forms. She discusses the response rates, challenges faced, and insights gained from this digital outreach. - CORE offered online …
1:47:19
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6 min
Language access and translation services provided by CORE
Linda Tigani details CORE's approach to language access and translation services, highlighting their efforts to make information accessible to diverse communities and their plans for improving these services. - CORE …
1:54:17
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151 sec
Potential duplication of work across racial equity initiatives
Council Member Williams expresses concerns about potential duplication of work across various racial equity initiatives in the city government. Linda Tigani addresses these concerns and explains the current state of …
1:56:48
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3 min
Impact of delayed racial equity plans on the budget cycle
Linda Tigani discusses the potential impact of delayed racial equity plans on the current budget cycle. She emphasizes the importance of having these plans in place for informed decision-making and …
2:00:44
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4 min
Testimony by Jimmy Pan, Former Policy Director of the Racial Justice Commission, on the State of Racial Equity in New York City
Jimmy Pan, former Policy Director of the Racial Justice Commission, testifies on the delays in implementing racial equity plans mandated by 2022 ballot measures. He emphasizes the importance of upholding …
2:07:31
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6 min
Impact of delayed racial equity plans and true cost of living analysis
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams asks Jimmy Pan about the impact of delays in releasing racial equity plans and the true cost of living analysis on the budget cycle and …
2:13:41
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3 min
Council member's closing remarks
Council Member Nantasha M. Williams concludes the Q&A session with Jimmy Pan. - The council member briefly thanks Pan for his responses - No additional questions or comments are raised
2:17:21
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2 sec
Testimony by Sharon Brown on Racial Equity Data and Civil Rights
Sharon Brown provided testimony on the importance of accurate data collection for racial equity initiatives and emphasized the need for civil rights protections for all races and ethnicities. She also …
2:17:28
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4 min