Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams on Tuesday paid tribute to former Council Member and State Sen. Bill Perkins, who died at his home in Harlem. He was 74.
“Bill Perkins was a force in New York politics and a champion in and of the Harlem community he served,” said Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants. “Throughout the city and up to Albany, his impact and example have helped to shape New York and inspire many, in the footprint of a legacy that stretches across three decades.
“He shepherded new leaders that will carry on that legacy, one of ensuring the Black community’s voices are heard and heeded in government,” Williams added. “For more than 30 years in elected office, he boldly pushed for progress on issues that the next generation now carries forward.
“It was a privilege to work alongside him in the City Council, to learn from him and see his commitment to his community reflected in the trust and support of the people he represented,” he continued. “I pray for peace, comfort, and strength for all of his loved ones and the Harlem neighbors he cherished, in the wake of this loss.”
The Council Speaker said she was “saddened by the loss of my former colleague, Council Member and State Senator Bill Perkins.
“A native son of Harlem, Bill served his community for decades as a dedicated and hard-working public servant,” she said. “He fought tirelessly to improve the health of our communities by tackling lead poisoning, advocated for more equitable education funding, and championed equal rights for all New Yorkers.
“I admired Bill for always fighting for his beliefs and never wavering from his convictions—a quality that we can all look up to,” added Adrienne Adams. “I had the honor of serving with Bill when we arrived in the Council together last term, and I will always cherish the memories we shared. My thoughts are with Bill’s family, loved ones, and the Harlem community that he loved so deeply. May he rest in peace.”
Perkins represented Harlem’s 9th District on two occasions. He was in the State Senate from 2007-2017.
Perkins retired after losing his city council seat to Kristin Richardson Jordan in 2021. She announced Tuesday she will not seek re-election, according to CBS News.
