Caribbean Life Newspaper recently had the privilege of sitting down with Charlene Gayle, a dynamic leader and influential figure in the Caribbean community. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Gayle is a first-generation Jamaican-American who studied Economics & Engineering at the University of Maryland. She has made it her mission to advocate for people of Caribbean descent, uplift marginalized communities, and create opportunities for those who may not have a voice.
In this interview, we discussed her political advocacy and community work. Gayle is currently a member of the NYC Mayor Eric Adam’s Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Advisory Council, the CEO of Macon Realty Real Estate Brokerage & Property Management LLC, and the Executive Director of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators, Inc. (NYSABPRHAL).
Since its establishment in 1985, NYSABPRHAL has fought for decades to empower Black and Brown communities and address their legislative concerns by pursuing an empowerment policy agenda. The Association consists of 77 members from the New York State Assembly and Senate. Its members represent the largest Legislative Caucus nonprofit organization in New York politics and government. They are engaged at the highest levels of state government with members who serve in its leadership, such as NYS Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins. “The Association is the premier nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) charitable organization in New York, with a fundamental purpose to promote the needs of the common good, to empower minority communities and to maintain an interest in racial justice within New York State. In addition, to educate and enhance access for economic mobility within our communities,” stated Gayle.
The Association has an annual legislative conference in February every year in Albany, New York. The conference, which takes place from Friday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb.16, 2025, is a remarkable event that will bring together a diverse group of leaders and advocates. Affectionately known as ‘Caucus Weekend,’ the Association convenes members of color within the New York State Assembly, Senate and other public officials, corporate executives, nonprofit advocates, labor unions, and thought leaders to discuss issues facing our state. “The Conference will unite New York City Council members, New York State Assembly members, State Senators, Members of Congress, lobbyists, policymakers, labor union leaders, business and community leaders to embark on discussions focused on issues impacting their constituents and stakeholders. In addition to elected officials, the conference will feature prominent advocacy leaders and other influential figures from various sectors, all working together to address pressing matters and create solutions that benefit their communities,” said Gayle.
Ms. Gayle shared her insights on the impact of the NYSABPRHAL College Scholarship Program, which provides scholarship funds to all New Yorkers who aspire to continue their learning experience beyond high school. Gayle is eager to promote this initiative within the Caribbean community and is dedicated to providing leadership, and opportunities for hundreds of students and young professionals.
(NYSABPRHAL).Photo: NYSABPRHAL
The scholarship is funded through a Scholarship Gala held during the annual legislative conference. This ceremony helps to raise funds to provide financial support to New York students pursuing higher education. Moreover, she highlighted that the scholarship program had a record-breaking collaboration of sponsors in 2024 and awarded over $130,000 in scholarships to students from diverse communities of color. The program has been active for over a decade, and last year saw the most significant increase in funding. Additionally, Gayle emphasized the importance of education and community service, underlining that the scholarship supports students in various fields and trades.
“The funds are vital for helping students facing financial barriers while pursuing their college education. It is about creating pathways for the next generation of leaders. The scholarship selection process is overseen by a committee of three members. To apply, students must submit an essay discussing their community service. One key requirement is that applicants must be actively engaged in their community or in politics. However, we also welcome students who are involved in extracurricular activities related to health, education and policy to apply.” she says.
Gayle further states that it is essential for students within the Caribbean diaspora to be aware of this scholarship opportunity and apply for it to support their educational goals. The uniqueness of this program is that it understands that not every student wants to go to college and thus supports those looking for a skill set or a trade. As a child of Jamaican immigrants, she understands firsthand the challenges of being a part of an immigrant family in the United States. Her journey has been shaped by the values of hard work, perseverance, and a deep sense of responsibility to help others. Through her various roles in the NYSABPRHAL scholarship initiative, she continues to be a source of hope and a champion for the Caribbean community.
For Gayle, the work is personal. She got involved through a friend, the Association’s Chairwoman, NYS Assemblywoman Latrice M. Walker (D-Brooklyn), who asked her to assist with the program six years ago. “When I look at the young people in our community, I see myself. I see my story. I want to ensure they have the same opportunities I did and more. I embarked on this journey to ensure the integrity and mission of this organization are intact. In addition, we serve as a conduit in education and enhance the lives of people of color throughout New York,” said Gayle.
As the 2025 NYSABPRHAL Annual Legislative Conference approaches, Gayle’s message to the Caribbean community is to get involved, support the scholarship, and encourage students to apply. Each year, the NYSABPRHAL College Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students from economically disadvantaged and low—or moderate-income families. To learn more about the scholarship program or apply, please visit the NYSABPRHAL College Scholarship Program website at www.nysabprlinc.org.
