The New York City Commission on Racial Equity (CORE) announced the appointment of 11 out of 14 inaugural commissioners, bringing together a variety of experienced civil servants and new voices to champion racial equity and social justice.
These individuals will play a key role in advancing racial equity across government operations and increase community voices in government decision making, according to a news release.
Established through the November 2022 ballot, CORE’s mission is to foster racial equity for all marginalized communities in New York City, including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) individuals, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, religious minorities, youth, seniors, people who are or have been incarcerated, and those with disabilities.
“When we came into office two years ago, we had a mission: protect public safety, rebuild our economy, and make this city more livable for hardworking New Yorkers. Every day, we are delivering on this vision, especially for marginalized communities, who for too long have been left out and excluded from the American Dream,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “I look forward to working with the commission to advance our administration’s day one agenda of advancing racial equity and justice — so everyone can participate in the prosperity and promise of our great city.”
Inaugural commissioners
- Mayoral appointees:
- Dr. Torian Easterling, Senior Vice President and Population and Community Health/Chief Strategic and Innovation Officer for One Brooklyn Health
- Drew Gabriel, Vice President Intergovernmental Affairs for CAMBA/CAMBA Housing Ventures (CHV); Appointee will also represent voices for people under the age of 25
- Grace Pyun, Strategic legal advisor to businesses and community-based organizations at GBP Law PLLC
- Ahmed Ali Uzir, Imam, Teacher and President at Iqra Masjid Community and Tradition Inc. and Auxiliary Captain in the 62nd Precinct
- NYC Council Designees:
- Adama Bah, Founder of Afrikana and representing the Bronx
- Cristobal Gutierrez, Lead Attorney at Make the Road NY and representing Manhattan
- Yesenia Mata, Executive Director at La Colmena and representing Staten Island
- Pesach Osina, Community Engagement Officer within the Emergency Services Division in the Office of the Speaker, New York City Council and representing Queens
- Francesca Perrone, Senior Policy Analyst with the Hispanic Federation, representing Brooklyn and people under the age of 25
- Public Advocate Designee
- Rev. Kirsten John Foy, Minister, Civil & Human Rights Activist and President & CEO at The Arc of Justice
- Comptroller Designee:
- Sadye L. Campoamor, Chief Equity Officer with the New York City Comptroller
CORE is tasked to create community equity priorities to reflect three fundamental values in the City’s charter’s preamble, which outlines how NYC government should operate:
- Our government justly values all talents and contributions;
- Our government ensures the condition of thriving for every person; and
- Our government embraces vigilance, remedy, and reconstruction.
Over the next few months, CORE is partnering with community-based organizations, faith-based groups to host a series of community conversations across New York City to collect feedback on these priorities. CORE encourages all New Yorkers to have their voices heard in this process.
New Yorkers and organizations can invite CORE to present at your local meetings or events, work with CORE to disseminate a survey to get feedback on the priorities and uplift CORE’s social media posts to collect feedback through digital channels.
New Yorkers and organizations can join this effort by emailing askcore@core.nyc.gov. Read the full list of Community Equity Priorities on CORE website.
