REMARKS
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams' opening remarks on racial equity
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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 has exacerbated existing disparities affecting Black New Yorkers.
- Williams criticizes recent federal policy changes and their potential impact on Black communities.
- He stresses the need for the city administration to address racial inequity through a citywide lens.
- The Public Advocate quotes James Baldwin to illustrate the high cost of poverty for marginalized communities.
Jumaane Williams
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Thank you very much, madam chair.
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As mentioned, my name is Jermana Williams, I'm a public advocate for the City Of New York.
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Thank you, chair Williams and members of the committee on civil and human rights for holding this hearing, allowing me the opportunity to provide a statement.
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I also wanna say, happy black history month, irrespective of what, our mayor Donald Trump, who I'm sorry, Freudian slip there, president Donald Trump has to say about it.
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The past few weeks have been overwhelming with the news cycle bringing constant and conflicting changes to our federal government policies, more than ever before, it is important that we listen to those who testify today and uplift black New Yorkers.
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For nearly five decades, the COVID nineteen pandemic exacerbated and exposed the racial inequities that have continued to impact New York City.
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While all New Yorkers have been impacted, data shows that once again black New Yorkers have been hit the hardest socially, economically and when it comes to the state of health.
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The systemic marginalization because of the color of the skin cuts across all areas of life at a time when they are feeling particularly vulnerable, we need to hear from administration about plans to address racial inequity viewed through a citywide lens.
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James Baldwin, one of our greatest New Yorkers once said, anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor.
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It's this cost and continued lack of investment that has put our black communities in peril.
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They suffer disproportionately from skyrocketing rent, predatory lending, and increasing evictions.