“Today is about putting the people of Brooklyn first and moving toward a new future with new leadership,” said Khari Edwards, son of parents from Trinidad and Guyana, who has announced his run for Brooklyn Borough president.
The community leader, who grew up in Crown Heights and has spent two decades crafting a career dedicated to community empowerment and political action throughout the City and State of New York, noted that, “Before COVID, Brooklyn faced a lack of affordability, a lack of true access to healthcare, and many of our communities were forgotten.”
“This inequality was amplified by the pandemic. Now we are looking at the future with uncertainty with many of the same characters playing the same roles.” I have called Brooklyn home since the moment I was born. I have seen the borough’s highs and its lows, and I know that Brooklyn needs a hands-on leader who believes in sitting down face-to-face with people to get to the bottom of the overwhelming challenges we face,” said Edwards.
Married to his wife Jahmila Edwards in 2018 and has three children; Ethan 17, Niah 16, and Myles 12, Edwards said, “I am running to represent Brooklynites from Brownsville to Bay Ridge and beyond. From my stoop, to the G train platform, to the corner store, I hope you’ll take this journey with me as I fight for a better future for Brooklyn.”
The up and coming politician who has worked with elected officials, non-profit organizations and city agencies, developing a deep understanding of what Brooklyn families need, and how to strengthen and connect its communities, most recently served as vice president of External Affairs at the Brookdale Hospital Medical Center of the One Brooklyn Health System, where he was the first vice president of color.
During his tenure at Brookdale, he was credited with opening the doors of the hospital as a community resource, starting several community-based initiatives in order to re-engage and realign the needs of the community.
Edwards has several key priorities as Brooklyn Borough President. At the forefront is addressing Brooklyn’s crises of the lack of affordable housing and homelessness. He wants to make Brooklyn the healthiest borough and lead the charge to eliminate health disparities citywide.
According to a release, Edwards wants to provide more opportunities for our youth by connecting them with after school programs, jobs, and paid internships.
The young man said he has worked hard to create a stronger partnership and grow trust with the surrounding community by working hand-in-hand with elected officials, unions, and community and faith-based organizations to increase economic resources and opportunities. Edwards crafted and executed detailed plans to educate, market, and disseminate information about the hospital’s programs to 1.3 million Brooklynites.
Edwards is the Brooklyn Council President for Make-A-Wish New York and led a two-year campaign to enlist volunteers to increase support and enrollment for wish granters of children in Brooklyn, has joined the crowded race for Brooklyn Hall.
He plans to use his many experiences gained, such as working with “It Starts Here,” a program he creation geared to address gun violence throughout Brooklyn, which has hosted more than 1200 students to date.
Edwards has also announced the endorsements of famed educator, Dr. Nadia Lopez, Sheepshead Bay Houses Tenant Association President, Barbara McFadden, and small business owner Ariana DeRoche.
“I’m proud to stand with Khari Edwards for Brooklyn Borough President. He has a vision for Brooklyn that will bring us into the future, without leaving anyone behind. We bring a shared commitment to the people of our community,” said Dr. Nadia Lopez, educator and founder of Mott Hall Bridges Academy in Brownsville.”
“Khari Edwards will fight for the people of Brooklyn. Every day, more and more people are struggling to feed their families and keep a roof over their head. Khari is the one who will stand up and fight for a Brooklyn for EVERYONE!,” said Barbara McFadden, Sheepshead Bay Houses Tenant Association president.
“Small business owners are facing some of the most difficult times in recent history. Throughout the years Khari Edwards has proven that he will for small businesses and MWBe’s. He is the advocate that we need and as a small business owner, that is why I am supporting him for Brooklyn Borough President,” said Ariana DeRoche, owner of Nostrand Station.
