With the new mayoral election approaching, candidates have been open about their stance on several issues facing the city, including affordability, public safety, and even what their possible relationship with President Trump could look like. Yet, one issue that doesn’t surface as often is what the next mayor will do for the arts and cultural institutions in the city. 

In January of this year, during his State of the City Address, Mayor Eric Adams announced that he would introduce five new members to the city-funded Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) program. He followed through on his statements by the end of September in adding the new members, an action that hasn’t been done since 1978, which was the last time five members were added at once. 

“Our cultural institutions bring families together [and] empower our economy. To strengthen our culture sector even further, this year, we will designate five more organizations as cultural institution groups to ensure they get the support they need to thrive,” said Adams. 

As members, the organizations will be better supported by the city, including receiving nearly $3 million annually, and will no longer pay rent in their spaces, according to a press release from the Mayor’s Office. Mayor Adams also showed his support for the city’s arts and culture scene by allotting $254 million for the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA), which will be put towards 1,000 cultural nonprofit organizations in the city. 

During his time as Governor, Andrew Cuomo introduced art initiatives that would benefit the artists of New York. In 2020, he announced the artistic redesign of LaGuardia Airport, which included a partnership with the New York Public Art Fund to bring in large art installations. The project was a part of LaGuardia’s $8 billion Terminal B construction, and provided installations to “four of the world’s leading artists”. 

In 2021, Cuomo announced that $105 million in grants would be put towards critical arts and cultural funding through the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA). There would also be new programming that would help revitalize the arts and culture scene in New York State after the hits from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“We must build New York back better than it was before, and part of that process will be strengthening and reinvigorating our state’s creative economy,” Governor Cuomo said in a press release on the ny.gov website. “These grants will pay dividends through the economic activity generated by our creative ecosystem, which will continue to flourish and inspire us as we work together to make New York stronger than ever.”

Though there aren’t any new updates on what Cuomo will do for NYC’s arts as mayor, several figures in the art world donated to his campaign. 

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa has not been shy about his support for the arts, as he made his stance clear in a questionnaire from the NYC Arts in Education Roundtable. Sliwa would see the arts as a fundamental part of a child’s development and education, and cites the arts as “an amazing galvanizing force for children in the educational setting because it allows expression in an open format with no parameters.” 

When asked if he were elected, would he require that public schools implement and follow the city and state arts and learning mandates, he stated he would. According to NYCAIER, 69% of middle school students did not meet the NYSED Arts Learning Requirements in the 2024-2025 school year. Sliwa stated that he would create targeted support and monitoring of schools failing to meet the requirements, and provide financial assistance to the art curriculum. 

“It is unjust to rob students of the arts — a vital part of a well-rounded education that nurtures creativity, confidence, and emotional expression,” said Sliwa. “We must do better to create an environment where every student has the opportunity to explore their artistic passions and flourish.” 

Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani has the closest connection to the arts, as his mother, Mira Nair, is a filmmaker, and his wife, Rama Duwaji, is an artist and illustrator as well. In February, Mamdani was featured in a panel discussion with other mayoral candidates surrounding arts and culture, hosted by BRIC and NY4CA, and the Culture and Arts Policy Institute. 

Along with his connection to the arts through blood, his background as an immigrant from Uganda informs his stance on the representation of people of color in the art sector. He shares his perspective on art as more than a business, but rather an act of storytelling, and that artists of all backgrounds should have an equal opportunity to share their stories. 

“What I’m committed to doing as the mayor is to understanding art beyond simply tourism, beyond the fiscal impacts, because so much of the beauty and the value of art is found in neighborhoods far from Museum Mile,” Mamdani said, “and what we need is an administration that looks at those community-based organizations that are providing art to their neighbors as being equally valuable as the same ones that we visit on Sundays.”

Mamdani cites his affordable housing plan as a way of helping artists in New York City, through relieving the burden of housing, so that they can focus on their art.

“I think art, in many ways, at its core, is an act of dreaming, and you cannot afford to dream if you cannot afford your rent, if you cannot afford your child care, your groceries, your Metro card,” Mamdani said. “And when we think about how do we make this a city where artists could not just survive but thrive and prosper, it is one where we have to ensure that artists can actually afford where they live.” 

During the second New York City mayoral debate on October 22, Democratic candidate and frontrunner Zohran Mamdani confirmed that he would ask New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch to stay at the department if elected, putting an end to months of rumors regarding who would lead the department under his administration. Tisch’s hard on crime playbook has caused some to worry her retention at the department will prevent the administration from achieving pledged police reforms. 

Speaking during the debate about his decision to retain Tisch, Mamdani said in order to ensure a safe city for New Yorkers, his team would need to be composed of “the best and the brightest.” Mamdani noted how Tisch, the head of a department that Mayor Eric Adams seeded with “corruption and incompetence,” started to deliver accountability for the department and reduced crime across NYC. 

However, critics feel that the decision to retain Tisch could sabotage opportunities to reform a corrupt department. Tisch “has done nothing to change the basic functioning of the department and is seen as highly loyal to the institution and its worldview,” wrote author and police reform advocate Alex Vitale for The Nation, adding that these loyalties run contrary to Mamdani’s stated goals. 

During a live event with reporters from NYC news outlet Hell Gate, Mamdani reiterated that his administration sees an opportunity to expand on what Tisch had already accomplished. This could lead to the administration reaching their promises to create a Department of Community Safety and disband the Strategic Response Group, a protest response group created during the de Blasio administration that became notorious for use of excessive force. 

“Every pick that I will make, will be a pick to further the agenda that I’ve been running on,” said Mamdani when questioned by Hell Gate reporters Nick Pinto and Christopher Robbins about his decision. He added that he strives to build a team that can work together to deliver results, though they may not agree on every policy position. “There will be people in my administration to the left of me and to the right of me. And the thing that will unite all of them is the very clear agenda.”

Shortly after her appointment by Adams in November 2024, Tisch began purging the department of allegedly corrupt officials. Since then, she has spearheaded efforts to strengthen the department and crack down on low-level crimes. 

Mamdani, who maintains a double digit lead in the mayoral race, has pledged to address public safety – which is a key issue among NYC voters – by creating a Department of Community Safety, which would deploy specialized teams instead of police to mental health-related 911 calls. 

This position is in contrast to candidates Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, who have both pledged that they would hire more officers if elected. During the second debate both Cuomo and Sliwa said they would ask Tisch to stay at the department, but questioned whether she would want the job under Mamdani’s administration. 

Tisch, when questioned by reporters in a video posted on October 29, declined to comment on whether she would accept Mamdani’s offer to stay in her role if he is elected, saying she does not speak to the press about electoral matters. 

Critics of Mamdani have warned that his administration would cause a lack of trust with the department, leading to an exodus of cops in a department that is already losing officers at record levels. In an interview with Gothamist, former NYPD officer Sal Greco disputed these claims, saying that while he didn’t think most officers wanted Mamdani to be the mayor, “they’ll just deal with whoever is the mayor. It’s not going to make or break their career.” 

During the first mayoral debate on October 16, Cuomo butted heads with Mamdani over his past stance on policing: “He is a divisive personality across the board,” said Cuomo. “NYPD are racist, Barack Obama is evil.” 

In a series of tweets published in 2020, Mamdani called to defund the NYPD, decrying them as racist and homophobic. He has since distanced himself from the tweets, saying that they do not represent his current stance, and apologized to the department during an interview with FOX News in October. 

Community Board 15, which covers areas of southeast Brooklyn, met on Oct. 28 to discuss the electoral ballot proposals that could reshape city land-use policy, the reopening of the Gerritsen Beach Public Library, and other key issues. 

Speaking for the City Council’s Planning & Land Use Division, Frank Julca from the NYC Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy gave an in-depth presentation on Proposals 2, 3, and 4, which he claimed could significantly reduce local control over housing and development decisions.

Julca argued that the proposals would transfer power from the City Council to the mayor’s office and unelected planning bodies, limiting community oversight in the city’s land-use process. He noted that the proposals would “fast-track” affordable housing but warned that most of the new units would still be market-rate, with only 20-30% designated as affordable.

“Your local council member is usually the one that negotiates for the deeply affordable housing, and this does not guarantee it,” said Julca. “Again, a yes would eliminate the only vote that your elected representative would have.”

Julca warned that proposed changes could weaken zoning protections for single and two-family homes and remove the City Council’s formal vote on development projects, replacing it with an advisory review. He noted that past projects like the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan and the Gowanus rezoning demonstrated the council’s ability to negotiate affordable housing and infrastructure, which would be challenging under the new system.

“These are not your local representatives, and therefore they do not know your community best,” said Julca. “And it weakens communities’ negotiating power to be more affordable housing and investments to local parks, schools, and transits. Do we trust the developers to listen to our community needs and make these happen? I guess you can answer that.” 

Julca provided a website where residents can go to learn the pros and cons of each proposal.

When asked by Community Board 15 Chairperson Theresa Scavo whether City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams had taken a position on the proposals, Julca said she had not. “We are not allowed to tell people how to vote,” Julca said. “During my presentation, what I’ve done is give you our side and the facts, but it is up to you all to decide how to vote.”

The meeting also included updates on the Gerritsen Beach Public Library, which is preparing to reopen on Nov. 12 after renovations. Assistant Branch Manager Marisa Kuras shared that the library will offer both its traditional materials and an expanded range of programs and community services. 

“We’ll have our quality selection of books, periodicals, DVDs, newspapers,” said Kuras, “but we’ll also provide services and programs for children, teens, adults, and older adults.”

Some of those services include notary, resume writing, arts and crafts, and more.  

Christopher Greif, who is part of the New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC) and an advocate for improving accessibility on public transit, discussed the Access-A-Ride (AAR) program. AAR is shared-ride transportation that allows people with disabilities to avoid public buses and trains. The fares are the same as public transit and trips can be booked online. Greif handed out leaflets with more information about AAR.

Public transportation was a hot topic during the public session. Allan Rosen, former director of MTA NYCT Bus Planning, informed attendees of the MTA’s Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign, which is in its final stages. 

“Last month I requested that the board request from the MTA that they issue a second draft as opposed to a proposed final plan for the Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign, which they intend to do,” said Rosen.

Chairperson Scavo took offense, responding, “How do you know I didn’t do it?” She confirmed that she requested the MTA to release a second draft, but did not provide any updates.

Rosen is a longtime opponent of the redesign, which would consist of eliminating bus stops in favor of improving travel time, and changing some of the bus routes. Rosen has written about his stance before. 

Other speakers included representatives from the 41st Assembly District, the 48th Council District, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and the Brooklyn Borough President’s office, who each provided updates for ongoing projects. 

Community Board 15’s next meeting is Nov. 18.

Millions of Black women across the nation on social media have decided to check out and focus on their self-preservation following the outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election. With the consequences of a Trump win weighing heavily on Black women, many feel betrayed by communities they helped advocate for.

“We said we are no longer supporting y’all. We never said we wished ill will against your people. That is your fight. That is something y’all need to handle. Why are you so focused that Black people pulled out?” said popular TikToker @Jusnene in reference to the Pro-Palestinian movement.

Historically, Black women have been on the front lines of most social justice movements in America. Black women are still voting overwhelmingly for Democrats since obtaining the right to vote. In the 2024 Presidential election, exit polls showed that 91% of Black women supported Kamala Harris’ presidential bid. The polls also dismissed claims of division in the Black community as Black men also overwhelmingly voted for Vice President Kamala Harris at 77%. However, when exit polls showed how other marginalized people voted, the Black community was collectively stunned. 

With Trump’s controversial stances on race, women’s reproductive rights, immigration, LGBTQ rights, and the Israel and Gaza war, he still polled better than Harris with key demographics. Exit polls showed that 53% of white women voted for Trump, 21% of Black men voted for Trump, and 43% of Latino men voted for Trump despite 60% of Latina women voting for Harris.

According to a tweet by Chris Evans, a small business owner and popular political commentator,

“Black people have no allies,” he stated.

The exit polls also showed that Trump polled overwhelmingly better with Arab Americans in Dearborn, Michigan, due to their frustration with the Biden/Harris administration’s response to the Israel/Gaza war. The polls showed that Trump received 55% of the Arab vote compared to Harris’ 13%, while Jill Stein received 18%. 

These results infuriated Black female voters, particularly because they have been heavily advocating for the war to stop, joining protests, and raising awareness. They also continued to warn the Arab community of the consequences of a Trump vote for Black women. Some even took to TikTok to voice their frustrations and advocated for the Black community to end their boycott of Starbucks, which led to a huge trend of Black creators filming themselves enjoying the products, which also led to criticism from other Black people.

“I understand it, but I don’t think it’s the right move because so much of our power is already gone,” states Alicia Thomas, a student at Brooklyn College.

Despite feeling defeated and terrified, there have been initiatives to help Black women cope with their grief at the Vice President’s election loss and whatever may come with the new incoming Trump administration. Win with Black Women, an intergenerational and intersectional advocacy group comprised of Black women from various industries, which also helped the Vice President raise millions of dollars for her campaign, held a Zoom call to help Black women cope and plan for the next four years. More importantly, the call aimed to help shift the focus from the election loss and focus on key election wins for Black women.

On the call, U.S. Senators-elect Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland – the first Black person to be elected as a senator in her state and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, the first Black woman to be elected to the Senate from her state, sent messages of hope to Black women across the country.

“Never forget your power; you truly have the power,” stated Senator-elect Alsobrooks.

Also on the call, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) reflected on how upset she was at the election defeat. She also spoke about how the Vice President called when she was distraught and did not want to leave her home and sent messages of hope.

“For those of you who don’t know what the path forward is, because I think we all need to take our rest, we all need to make sure we need to redirect and to lean in and rediscover what our purpose is,” said Crockett.

On the night of one of the most unpredictable elections in American history, hundreds of millions of people were glued to their screens, waiting to see whether Donald Trump would retake the Oval Office or if Americans would elect their first female president. One small bar in Queens was full of people who were hoping for the latter. 

Nettie’s Bar and Restaurant is a small, black-owned establishment in Queens Village on the eastern edge of the borough. Nettie’s is a bar with peculiar hours. Every other week it’s closed from Monday to Wednesday, but Nettie’s decided to break from their usual routine on election night, staying open that Tuesday from 8pm to midnight. 

There was a packed crowd at the bar for the start of the evening, almost all of the attendees were wearing red or blue letterman jackets, though. Nothing on the event poster or the Nettie’s Instagram post for the watch party indicated that it would be specifically held for or by any fraternities or sororities. 

According to Danny Lumis, owner of Nettie’s Restaurant and Bar and Brooklyn College alumnus, he was just as surprised as anyone. “Well, each one told [another] one, and they all happened to be fraternities, and that’s basically what literally happened,” said Lumis. “It wasn’t exclusively to frats or sororities but they showed up.”

Through word of mouth, this event at a local bar turned from a standard watch party to a reunion of sorts for members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) or the Divine Nine. The Divine Nine is a council of four sororities and five fraternities all founded at Howard University. Kamala Harris herself is a notable member of one of these sororities, Alpha Kappa Alpha (commonly referred to as the AKAs). It seems some members of other parts of the Divine Nine decided this bar would be the place to cheer on a candidate who was one of their own. 

Throughout the night, the crowd hooted and hollered whenever a state was called for Harris, the largest cheers being when New York went blue. These were small, predictable victories but they still meant a lot to those in the crowd. Each state Harris picked up added to the chances that a member of the Divine Nine could become president.

But as the night wore on, those chances started to slim dramatically.

At a certain point reality started to set in, and the mood in the bar shifted. North Carolina was going to Trump, Georgia was doing the same, and many other key swing states like Pennsylvania and Michigan weren’t looking too good either. By 11 pm, it was becoming clear that Kamala Harris, VP and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, would not be the President of the United States Of America. 

Slices of a cake with the words “Madam President!!” started to be handed out, the number of red and blue letterman jackets started dwindling from the bar, and the 2024 election was coming to a close. Something that wasn’t lost, however, was community. Danny Lumis opened Nettie’s Restaurant and Bar two years ago as a place to bring the local community together, and on election night, regardless of the outcome, he did just that. One sorority member could be heard saying “At least I have a group of people to go crazy with me!” as she was leaving the restaurant. “Just to see so many people involved in the election process was mind blowing,” said Lumis. 

As early results of the 2024 presidential election rolled in on Tuesday, Nov. 5, a calm but anxious crowd gathered once again at Good Judy’s, a popular queer bar in Brooklyn, NY. The gay gasps and “yasss queen” calls that marked the ebullient watch party for the Harris-Trump presidential debate two months earlier now turned into an atmosphere of whispered anticipation, nervous energy and reassurance, where patrons held their breath, clinging to each other and the hope of a brighter future.

This time around, the crowd knew it would be a long, dragged-out night filled with waves of emotion and uncertainty. The bar brought in reinforcements to help relax the tension in the room by having two drag queens host the watch party.

“Scream if you voted,” said Roque, a local drag queen who was one of the hosts for the night. “Scream if you’re gonna leave the country if Trump wins.”

Drag queens are not known for being politically correct. They tend to bring humor to tough situations, while still acknowledging the seriousness of what is happening. Roque, who frequently hosts drag shows at Good Judy’s, lip synced to the National Anthem performed by the singer, Fergie, at the NBA All-Star game in 2018. Fergie’s performance became a memorable moment due to her unique rendition of the song.

“Is this bitch for real?” said Roque, who described her reaction when she first saw Fergie’s performance. “I knew I had to perform this song tonight because what we are seeing right now has me question if America is for real right now.”

Roque’s drag performance was held in the back of the bar away from the televisions that were broadcasting MSNBC’s coverage of the results. Nearly half of the crowd moved to the back to give themselves a break from increasingly grim updates.

There were times when the pace of local election results slowed down. MSNBC had a countdown clock on the bottom right corner of the screen to let the viewers know when each state’s polling station would officially close. People at the bar started to verbally count down the number of seconds as if they were watching the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop.

The televised election returns and the music playing at the bar would change volume levels throughout the evening, but closed captioning was on the screen for people who might have a hearing disability. At one point, Zi, 24, who uses they/them pronouns, jumped out of their seat at the bar, pointing at the TV, and started to scream over the music, catching many people’s attention.

“Did any of you just see that?” asked Zi. “F-ing bombs? What the —–?”

MSNBC reported that there were faked bomb threats being made at polling stations in each swing state, allegedly coming from Russia.

“If Trump wins then this is rigged,” said Zi. “We are talking about fake bomb threats from Russia. This can’t be f-ing happening.”

Accusations of a rigged 2020 presidential election, proven not to be true, were started by Donald Trump, after he lost to President Joe Biden.

As polling stations across America officially closed and results continued to roll in, emotions ran high at the bar. People started to tear up, leaning on each other’s shoulders, holding hands, and gently rubbing each other’s backs in comfort.

John, 53, was among the patrons. He had attended the debate watch party at Good Judy’s in September and warned then that the country should “be ready for hell” if younger voters believed that not voting for Harris was a good idea, due to their views on how the Biden-Harris Administration was handling the fight between Israel and Gaza.

“Remember when I said get ready for hell? Well, it’s time to get ready,” said John. “We’ll have to fight against the chaos Trump is about to bring us, whether he likes it or not.”

While there was not yet an official announcement declaring Trump the victor, people at the watch party appeared to believe that it was soon to happen, as some began to cry while leaving the bar. Other individuals left hopeful for the future of the country and began to focus on the 2026 midterm elections.

“It will be ok,” said Roy, 39. “Guess what? We get to vote again in two years for the midterms.”

Before the night was over, the Republican Party would have the majority of seats in the Senate. Republicans flipped Montana, Ohio, and West Virginia, giving them at least a 52-seat majority.

“This is temporary, we have to hold on,” said Roy, referring to the fear people expressed throughout the night of Trumps election win. “There’s no other choice.”

The City Council’s checks and balances power is now limited after New York City voters passed four election proposals Tuesday night, November 5th, 2024. The Councilmembers charge that voters were misled.

Propositions Two through Five on the city election ballots passed, along with Proposition One on the statewide ballot on Election Day. Members of the City Council warned their constituents about the proposals, signaling that they were a power grab by Mayor Adams. They also believed these measures passed because the language written on the ballots confused voters. 

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said in a statement, “It’s unfortunate that Mayor Adams’ commission advanced anti-democratic proposals and inaccurately worded questions onto the ballot to mislead New Yorkers.”

Proposition One, which will amend the state’s constitution to protect all citizens against discrimination and enshrine legal abortion, passed with over 4 million votes. Propositions Two through Five passed with over a million votes from the city. The latter three will restructure how the City Council operates. Critics of the proposals claim it will give the mayor excessive power.

Mayor Adams convened a Charter Commission to formulate the proposals back in July, which left little time for input.

“I’m just frustrated that the mayor took the opportunity and squandered a moment to bring the Council and the executive together to work with these important issues facing the residents of the city of New York,” said Councilmember Chris Banks of 42nd Council District.

Proposition Two will give the Department of Sanitation more authority to enforce regulations on garbage disposals and ticket street vendors. In East New York, residents already deal with illegal dumping and have been issued excessive tickets because of this fact. According to long-time resident Soheir Hasan, “The dumplings occur at least three times a week, and I’ve received two sanitation tickets because of it,” she stated.

“To give this level of enforcement to the administration unchecked, I believe it’s something that’s going to come back to haunt a lot of our property owners and small businesses in the district,” says Councilmember Banks.

Critics are concerned that the other propositions will put City Hall at a standstill. Prop Three gives the mayor authority to submit a Fiscal Impact Statement to go over the budget of a proposed bill before a public hearing can take place. Critics fear this will disrupt the law-making process.

Proposition Four will give the mayor advanced notice on proposals involving public safety so that he can give his input and hold hearings on the issue. Prop 5 will expand the city’s report on facilities that need expansion and maintenance. It will also require an additional report recording and updating that information every two years.

According to Councilmember Banks, “It’s a waste of taxpayers money, and you’re putting extra strain on top of the city workforce to now take these powers that already exist or procedures or processes that relate to certain Council side.”

Proposals Two through Five will go into effect in January 2025.

Just one week before Election Day, the Green Party hosted its final virtual town hall, with presidential candidate Jill Stein and vice presidential candidate Rudolph Ware using the livestream to rally support for their grassroots campaign. The candidates focused on the climate crisis and their anti-war stance, while highlighting the party’s goal of securing at least 5% of the national vote to secure ballot access in future elections. Despite this goal, the party received 0.4% of the national vote this year. 

No candidate for the party has ever received 5% of the national vote in a presidential election and has struggled to surpass the 1% threshold. Stein did capture 1.1% of the vote in 2016, but Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins garnered just 0.2% in 2020. These trends continued this election season. 

According to the party’s ballot access map, the party was on the ballot in 39 states in 2024, with write-in status in six states including New York, and officially off the ballot in five states. Advocates for the Democratic Party worried that support for Stein would decrease the votes for Vice President Kamala Harris, putting Donald Trump in a greater chance for victory. However, Trump won the 2024 election with a margin of more than double the votes of all independent parties combined.

During the town hall event, Stein, along with campaign advisor Mark Elbourno and campaign manager Jason Call, argued that climate change is an existential threat exacerbated by U.S. domestic and foreign policies. According to Elbourno, the U.S. has a history of prioritizing corporate and military interests over environmental sustainability. Call criticized current leaders for contributing to environmental degradation and failing to meet the needs of marginalized communities affected by climate-related disasters.

“The fight is here at home,” Stein emphasized, “against oligarchy, neocolonialism… and the climate crisis.” Stein, known for her outspoken climate platform since 2012, claimed that the U.S. has escalated fossil fuel extraction under both major parties, failing to uphold international climate targets and ignoring calls from scientists to reduce emissions. 

Central to the party’s climate policy is the Green New Deal, which calls for a rapid and aggressive transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030. The deal involves the dismantling of the fossil fuel industry, ending subsidies for polluting corporations, and imposing a carbon tax to hold companies accountable for emissions.

Call highlighted the ongoing effects of climate change on indigenous communities in Alaska, who are experiencing unprecedented floods and glacial melt. According to the World Glacier Monitoring Service, the largest contributor to rising sea levels are melting glaciers in Alaska. “We are already seeing climate refugees, even within our borders,” Call stated. 

The conversation repeatedly returned to the Green Party’s opposition to U.S. militarism. Ware highlighted recent conflicts that have accelerated climate degradation, arguing that military pollution is an overlooked source of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Ware asserted that Israel’s bombing of Gaza has released more greenhouse gasses in three months than the combined annual emissions of more than 20 of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries. According to Ware, U.S. military support for global conflicts undermines their credibility in addressing climate change, given the environmental toll of warfare.

The Green Party called for supporters to donate and build a “peaceful revolution.” Citing Martin Luther King Jr.’s words, Stein emphasized “the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” As the town hall reached its goal of $60,000 in donations, Stein argued that a stronger Green Party could pressure both major parties to adopt climate policies that counter corporate dominance of U.S. politics. 

Stein’s presidential campaign amassed international attention, with bids from the European Greens asking her to step down from the race. Made up of green parties from across Europe, the transnational political party asserts no link with the U.S. Green Party. The European Greens argued that Vice President Harris is the only candidate with the potential to beat Trump, declaring that a Trump presidency has the potential to be catastrophic to human rights and environmental justice.

This Election Day, federal policies weighed heavily on the minds of many undocumented immigrants, who face constant uncertainty in their lives. Interviews with immigrants and their advocates found many struggling with fears of deportation and family separation. 

Judith Dolcé, assistant director at the Haitian Studies Institute, expressed deep concern for family members living. “Pathways to legalization would make a huge difference in their lives,” she says, emphasizing how limited options for citizenship or legal status restrict access to employment and education. For Dolcé and many like her, immigration policy isn’t just an abstract issue; it affects their families’ survival.

This year, Dolcé feels especially anxious because of rising anti-Haitian rhetoric in political discourse. “Before, it was mostly about deportation. Now it’s about our safety,” she explained. She noted that Haitians have been labeled “cat eaters” and portrayed as threats to communities, a dangerous narrative that goes beyond immigration policy and touches daily life. “We feel trapped, caught between anti-Haitian sentiment here and the instability back in Haiti,” Dolcé said, her voice conveying despair.

A New York City college senior, who asked not to be identified by name, echoed Dolcé’s concerns. “The fear of deportation and family separation affects my view of this election,” she said. Pathways to citizenship are often difficult and uncertain. “Even programs meant to help immigrants gain residency don’t guarantee anything,” she explained, adding that she worries about losing job security and basic rights. “It’s disheartening to be an immigrant in America,” she said. “But we are resilient.”

Aharon Grama, an administrative coordinator at Brooklyn College, saw this election as crucial for immigrant communities. “I support immigration, but it must be legal, and the current system is overwhelmed,” he stated, advocating for more resources to process asylum cases. Grama, who is not an immigrant himself, empathized with the community’s resilience while acknowledging frustrations with resource limitations and instability. “The stakes are real,” he noted, referencing the strain on New York City, a sanctuary city that receives limited federal support. “The Democratic loss reflects the public’s frustration with policies that haven’t effectively addressed community needs.”

For a Nigerian student at Brooklyn College who identifies as an immigrant, the stakes feel particularly high. “If pathways to citizenship or green cards were removed or challenged, that would change everything for my family and me,” the student explained. Deportation feels unimaginable after building a life here. “I have so much here,” the student added, worrying that continued anti-immigrant rhetoric could fuel more misunderstanding of immigrant contributions.

Each person hoped voters would recognize the humanity and complexity in the immigrant experience, remembering the dreams that have brought earlier and current immigrants to America. As Dolcé reflected, “Immigrants built this country, contributing greatly to its progress. America wouldn’t be what it is without immigrants.”

On an uncharacteristically warm Election Day, while millions of New Yorkers took to the polls to cast their votes, dozens of kids and their caregivers flocked to Manhattan’s Battery Park to participate in their very own mock election. The candidates? Pearl the Squirrel, Luz the Goose, Fin the Oyster Toadfish, and Pippin the Pigeon. 

Election Day Art and Play is an annual free tradition put on by Battery Park City Authority, a public benefit corporation that oversees the 92-acres of lower Manhattan commercial, retail, residential and park space. At the event, kids were encouraged to participate in art projects and games while getting hands-on voting experience. Participants read short bios of four candidates for President of Battery Park City and then filled in ballots to cast their votes. 

Battery Park City Authority outdoor educator Marieke Bender has participated in the event for four years, teaching kids about civic engagement. “The kids love the art projects anyway, but to see them really get into the election process, casting their vote and learning about the candidates, this is a cool way to get involved,” she said. 

Gigi, a four-year-old first-time voter, proudly wore a “vote” badge, covered in rainbows that she crafted out of construction paper and crayons provided by the park. “I voted for a fish,” she shared, a candidate with a platform centered on clean and accessible drinking water. She expressed enthusiasm over being able to vote, like her grandparents, who brought her to the event as a distraction from the stress of the presidential election. 

Eight-year-old Luna, who attended with her nanny, was inspired to vote in the Battery Park City election after watching her friend’s mother vote, which she shared was her favorite part of her day. 

The event held as much significance to some adult attendees as it did to their child counterparts. Nath Jones, a volunteer with the group Pennsylvania Dems, came across the event while walking in the park. “You know, they’re reading the platforms, they’re considering their votes, and they’re very conscientious about what they’re doing,” she said. “It gives you hope for the future of our country, seeing so many young people involved.”

For many attendees, the event was a way to get out of the house and spend time in the park, on a day when many Americans experience increased stress levels. Jones hoped that an event like Election Day Art and Play “really does help with the peacemaking for the country to just have events like this that are for everybody.”

By 3:45 PM, all of the ballots were counted, and Pearl the Squirrel was declared to be the President of Battery Park City. She ran on a campaign that ensured access to playgrounds and parks for all New Yorkers. Battery Park City’s youth voters appeared happy with their choice, and motivated to participate in elections.

As election day nears, immigrants across the United States are carefully considering the potential impact of each candidate’s policies on key issues such as social justice, healthcare, and immigration reform. Three New York immigrants voiced their concerns in interviews with Brooklyn News Service. 

Luz Medrano, a supervising attorney with CUNY Citizenship Now, was vocal about the significance of the election for the immigrant population.  For Medrano, a long-time advocate for immigrant rights, the differences between the candidates were stark. “One candidate has immigrants’ interests in mind,” she noted, emphasizing how both policy and rhetoric influence the daily lives of millions. Medrano warned that the stakes are particularly high, with many immigrants fearing what a second Trump term might mean for their lives.

“Our vote is our tool,” Medrano said, underscoring the power of collective voices in the voting booth.

Josephine Moses, who arrived nine years ago from Guyana, sees this election as crucial. Working to save for college, Moses dreamed of a stable future in the U.S., hoping the new administration will expand pathways to citizenship and bolster protections for immigrants. “I just want to feel safe and know that if I work hard, I can have a future here,” she explained. Her goal is simple yet profound: the freedom to build a life without fear.

The candidates’ stances on immigration reform present two contrasting visions. One advocates increased border security with a pathway to citizenship for young immigrants, including DACA recipients, while the other suggests stricter policies, including ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and expanding deportations. Medrano, who has seen the struggles of undocumented families firsthand, highlights the need for reform: “The country hasn’t had an amnesty since 1986. We need a pathway, even if it’s limited, for those who have been here for decades.”

Healthcare also remains a contentious issue. One candidate supports expanding healthcare access, particularly for underserved communities, while the other favors budget cuts to federal programs. Medrano underlined how such policies affect immigrant communities, who already face barriers to healthcare. “Healthcare shouldn’t be something immigrants are afraid to ask for,” she said, hoping for more inclusive policies in the near future.

With election day five days away, Medrano urged immigrants, especially those undocumented, to remain cautious and prepared. “Have copies of your important documents ready and accessible, and if you have U.S. citizen children, plan for emergencies,” she advised, underscoring the importance of mental wellness during this period. Meanwhile, Moses, despite the uncertainty, remained focused on her goals: “Whether this changes my life soon or not, I’ll keep working toward what I want.”

Toshiko Vil, a 29-year-old who recently moved to the United States from Haiti, brought a fresh perspective to the conversation about political leadership. With limited English, she passionately advocated for the importance of female representation in government. Her experiences have shaped her belief that women must support one another in the quest for empowerment and equality. Vil thoughts reflected a desire for compassionate leadership that aligns with her values, particularly in the face of challenging political figures.

Vil’s perspective highlights the importance of female leadership and the need for women to support one another in politics.  “As women, we must uplift each other to create a better future,” she stated. Her emphasis on aligning votes with personal and religious beliefs underscored a common sentiment among voters seeking candidates who reflect their values. It was clear that she hoped for a change in leadership that embodies empathy and respect, especially towards women.

With 19 days left until Election Day, Brooklyn Democrats are working on their final pitch to Black men reluctant to vote this cycle. In East New York, Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas (D-NY) is teaming up with male District Leader Michael Rosendary and Councilwoman Darlene Mealy, hoping to galvanize Black male Brooklyn residents to ensure their voices and concerns are represented in the political discourse. On an October 14 Zoom meeting with local voters, Nikki Lucas stated, “The concern for us is really creating more of an impact for Black men in society.”

With more than 6 million early votes already cast in 39 states, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump battle in the final leg of their race. Harris is making an extra effort to reach Black men who are not yet sold on her campaign through Black media appearances and by releasing a new campaign agenda specifically for Black men. 

However, voters had a mixed reaction to comments by former President Barack Obama at a Pittsburgh rally last week, where he criticized Black men for being reluctant to vote for Harris due to gender and shamed them for being willing to vote for Trump. But in Brooklyn, local Democrats are trying to find a different approach to appeal to this demographic. “Where Black men lead, everyone else is sure to follow,” said Councilwoman Darlene Mealy.

On the October 14 Zoom call, Democratic District Leader Michael Rosendary co-hosted the second installment of “Black Men for Politics”  with Lucas in an effort to reach Black men in East New York. “We were very intentional to call it Black men in Politics because we know not everyone is pushing for a particular candidate,” stated Lucas. Nearly 20 constituents expressed their concerns and fears going into the election as well as over the potential outcome. Some even voiced their concerns about talking to their neighbors, friends, and relatives who they believe are being fed misinformation. According to East New York resident Mike Tucker, a member of Lay the Guns Down, a foundation dedicated to ending gun violence, “When I talk to people, sometimes I have to walk away from them because I can’t believe the misinformation, and they run with it.” 

In an audio town hall on October 15, Vice President Harris reiterated that one of the struggles her campaign is facing is misinformation about her record, mainly about her tenure as San Francisco district attorney. “I’ve had over a 100 arguments with 100 people on this particular reason on why Black men are not voting for the Vice President,” Tucker said. “The first thing they say is that ‘Oh, I’m not voting for her because she was locking brothers up,’ so what I would like to do is invite 1,000 Black men and ask them this important question: If not her, why him?”

“A lot of people talk about Kamala locking brothers up, but they forget that Trump was instrumental in the Central Park Five,” said Roger Mackie, an East New York resident. He was confused as to why Black men were reluctant to vote for Harris yet willing to support Trump. In 1989, after the brutal rape of a New York jogger, Donald Trump took out a full-page ad in all the city’s major newspapers calling for the execution of the Black and Hispanic teens accused. In 2002, all five men were exonerated. 

Despite their political beliefs, members of the group were in lockstep about engaging voters from both sides of the political aisle. They even encouraged participants leaning towards Trump to engage in the conversation, although none did. All participants also agreed that the link between Black voters and disengagement was election misinformation. Frankson asked, “How do we engage Black men, equip members of our vote, and combat the disinformation?”

Assemblywoman Lucas proposed creating a fact sheet or report card about the candidates to combat the misinformation out there. In addition to the fact sheet, Frankson suggested going to the local barbershops – culturally a hub for Black men – and talking to the owners and patrons. Then Lucas suggested what she calls a “lifestyle tour” where community leaders and elected officials can canvass the area and go to different barbershops to talk to people, but emphasized that the factual information be provided in small doses and that the messaging be conveyed through empathy and understanding. She stated, “We want people who are registered to vote to go out and vote and vote on the issues based on fact and not fiction.”

Lucas will head the lifestyle tour, which will meet at her campaign office and kick off on Saturday, October 19th, 2024, in East New York. The tours will continue throughout the remainder of the year beyond the 2024 election. Lucas, Rosendary, Mealy, and other community organizers hope that this initiative has a ripple effect on Black male engagement in politics.

As election season approaches, the importance of voting is once again at the forefront of public discourse. On September 25, 2024, the New York City Council held a meeting to discuss the role of libraries in empowering New Yorkers to become informed voters and engaged citizens. Representatives from the Brooklyn Public Library, the New York Public Library, and the Queens Public Library came together to present their initiatives aimed at educating New Yorkers.

These libraries emphasized the importance of programs that promote civic engagement, starting from early childhood education. They highlighted their efforts in creating learning opportunities that guide individuals in understanding their rights and responsibilities as voters. 

“Public libraries are the truly democratic institution,” said Scott McLeod, director of Civic Engagement at Queens Public Library.

During the City Council meeting, the library leaders emphasized the importance of reading and access to knowledge for all, and the vital role public libraries play in this. They focused on teen engagement, with libraries aiming to foster a love for reading and civic participation among young people.

Recent book bans are depriving teens of valuable learning opportunities. To counter this, the Queens Public Library representative said they are taking proactive measures, such as creating blog posts and offering classes specifically for teens.

In her testimony, Dr. Brandy McNeil, NYPL Deputy Director, Branch Programs and Services emphasized that at the heart of democracy is every citizen’s responsibility to engage in the political process at all levels of government. Alarmingly, she said, voter turnout in New York City remains low. Citing the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB), she said only 60.8% of eligible voters participate in presidential elections, with even lower turnout for local elections. Just 29.6% of eligible voters take part in mayoral elections, and these numbers drop further in low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, among youth, older adults, and voters with disabilities.

Additionally, the New York Public Library provides internships that help teenagers develop job readiness and leadership skills. The program focuses on library resources, civics, and peer-to-peer engagement, equipping teens with the tools they need to become informed and active members of their communities.

An active library fosters an engaged community, providing a reliable space for teens to discover and apply the knowledge they gain, said McLeod. With the freedom to access knowledge, teens are empowered to reflect on their potential and the impact they can have within their communities.

Tens of millions of Americans turned their attention to the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on September 10th, and it was every bit as entertaining as they hoped it would be. 

According to Nielsen, over 67 million people tuned in to watch the first (and possibly only) presidential debate on Tuesday night. A good amount of this viewership came in the form of the sacred social pastime known as a watch party, where people decide to gather in a specific location, huddle around a screen, and communally experience a particular live event. Watch parties are commonly held for award shows, major sporting events, the series finale of a cult TV show, and (least excitingly) for political events like a debate or the night of an election. But on this occasion, people gathered all around the country to watch Harris and Trump duke it out on national television. 

One of these watch parties was held in Terraza 7, a sort of live music venue/restaurant/bar in Jackson Heights, Queens. The party was hosted by the Working Families Party (WFP), a progressive third party with chapters across the country. Notable members of the party include local political figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman. The WFP, unlike other secondary political parties like the Libertarian or Green parties, mostly stick to small local elections and thus is not choosing to run a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, instead opting to endorse and encourage people to vote for the Democratic ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. 

  At its most crowded, the venue held about 20-30 people crammed inside of the building; 40-60 eyeballs all fixated intently on the screen (not including the people who would pass in and out of the building and the people who were seated at an outside eating area, watching the same debate on a separate screen).This might be one of the most consequential moments in one the most consequential elections in modern history. It didn’t take long, however, for the tension to be knocked out of the air. The first big laugh of the night came 23 minutes into the debate when Trump was asked a question concerning his running mate, JD Vance and chose to answer as if he didn’t have much association with Vance at all. The answer was seen as sloppy, seemed to show that the debate was already getting under Trump’s skin, and set the tone for the rest of the night.

The WFP, being a left-wing party, was very clearly not fond of Donald Trump so they took great delight whenever they felt he had a bad moment, and this seemed to happen a lot over the course of the two hours in the debate. A large majority of polls, including polls specifically targeting uncommitted swing state voters, seemed to lean in favor of Harris as the winner of the debate. If you were one of the 67 million people watching Tuesday night, it’s not hard to see why. Overall, members of the Democratic party and the Harris campaign ended the night with their heads held high and their energy way up. It wasn’t all cheers and laughs for the more progressive members of the Working Families Party, however. The crowd, made up mostly of young people and people of color, around half of which being women, were very responsive when issues like abortion, climate change, and immigration came up. On the other hand, there was a noticeable shift in energy when certain topics like Israel and fracking came up, both of which being issues where Harris strayed to the center. There was a palpable tension in the air whenever issues like these came up, with the bar suddenly becoming quiet, the only sounds being the noise of the debate and the rumbling of the E train passing overhead. Nonetheless, a new topic would come along, Trump would give a bad answer and/or Harris would give a good one and the mood suddenly picked back up. And this elevated mood was where the debate left off. Both candidates delivered their closing statements, the crowd shared one last round of cheers and applause, and one of the WFP officials took a microphone and gave a brief statement to thank everyone who came to the event and amp up the crowd to vote in two months. One person in attendance that night was WFP co-director Jasmine Gripper, who stayed after the debate to have one-on-one talks with members of the audience, shake hands, give out t-shirts, and encourage people to put in a vote for Harris in November under the Working Families Party.

The debate put this new burst of energy into the air, but it seems like the Harris and Trump campaigns will have to coast off this energy until November, as Trump made it clear that he was not interested in a rematch almost as soon as the debate ended. As of now, he seems to be firmly stuck in this position, posting “THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!” on his social media site TruthSocial earlier today, despite Harris being more than willing to have a second sparring match with Trump. Although Trump and Harris may not debate each other again, their running mates, Minnesota governor Tim Walz and Ohio senator JD Vance respectively, are set to have their own debate on October 1st. Walz has become an integral part of the Harris campaign since his selection for Vice President and Vance has been shown to be one of the most polarizing VP picks in decades. That debate will, no doubt, turn out to be its own spectacle.

Crowds gathered at a popular queer bar in Brooklyn, NY to attend a watch party for the highly anticipated presidential debate this week where the sounds of gay gasps, “yass queen” and a few “boos” were heard throughout the night.

“There was no way I was gonna be watching this alone, I had to be with my girlies [friends].” said Eric, 35, who lives several blocks away from the bar.

Dozens filed in Tuesday night at Good Judy’s in Park Slope Brooklyn to watch former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris battle it out in their first debate for the 2024 election, that was moderated by ABC News. The bar is more typically known for their outlandish themed events throughout the week, including Drag Queen Bingo and piano karaoke night, that was scheduled to take place on the second level after the debate.

Eric and his four friends were tucked into a corner of the cozy dimly lit narrow bar sipping their cocktails waiting for the debate to begin.

“I’m going to need a couple more of these,” said Steph, 24, as she pointed to her cosmopolitan. “These boys are great support, but it doesn’t hurt to have extra reinforcements.”

 Not everyone there went to watch the debate. Some were unaware of the event.

“Oh no, I’m not here to watch the debate tonight,” said Kia, 38, sitting in the back end of the bar. “I have no interest to watch the shit show. I didn’t know they [the bar] was going to show it, once it starts, I’m out of here.”

Around 30 minutes before the start of the debate, people started to look for a place to stand or sit to get a good view of one of the two 55” inch TVs. The level of people’s voices was at a moderate level, with the latest pop song lightly playing in the background. Discussions of how they expect the debate to go and concerns for what would be addressed was the popular conversation.

“I know I’m not voting for Trump but I’m on the fence with Kamala,” said Jace, 21, who will be voting for the first time. “She’s not doing enough for the families in Gaza. I want to know her plan on a cease fire.”

Judy’s is known for having wide range of ages sharing the space.

“If these kids think not voting for Vice President Harris is a smart idea, then they should get ready for hell.” said John, 53, while rolling his eyes.

While waiting in line to use one of the gender-neutral restrooms, Elena, 29, is confident on who she will vote for.

“We dropped the ball with Hillary [Clinton], we can’t let that happen again,” said Elena “I’m voting for Kamala, strong Black women get shit done.”

Elena who is white, isn’t only voting for Harris because she’s Black. She was impressed by Harris’s previous positions in government.

“Look at her resume. When she was a Senator, she had these men shook,” said Elena, referring to Harris’s senate hearings when she questioned Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court confirmation hearing.

The TVs were set on CNN. With 30 seconds left until the start of the debate, the music stopped, and the TVs were unmuted. Conversations slowly came to a halt and all attention was on the debate.

Once Harris stood in front of her podium with the camera on her, an attendee shouted, “Yass queen,” one of the many slang terms used for encouragement in the LGBT+ community.

Throughout the night the crowd mostly stayed silent to listen to what Harris had to say. When former president Trump spoke, a smattering number of conversations started back up.

“Look how orange you look, bitch,” screamed an attendee, referencing a popular line from the show RuPaul’s Drag Race.

For most of the debate, the crowd vocally showed their support for Harris. When she declared her support for fracking, many people in the bar began to boo. She also received negative reactions from a smaller amount of people when questioned about her stance on the war between Israel and Gaza.

During the first half of the debate, the two men working the bar focused on making the drinks. But as the debate heated up, they started to sneak more glances at the TVs. Request for drinks dwindled, and they started to focus on the debate, only occasionally glancing along the bar to see if anyone wanted a refresher.

When Trump was questioned on immigration, he mentioned immigrants are “taking jobs.” Several attendees in unison shouted, “Black jobs.”

The crowed laughed whenever Harris made facial expressions in reaction to Trump’s answers, or when she would call him out on his lies.

“Read her,” yelled another attendee, which is a gay term that means to call someone out on their flaws.

Trump brought up a debunked dehumanizing allegation saying that Haitians immigrants in Springfield, Ohio were eating “the dogs, the cats, the pets.” Some people in the crowd gasped in disbelief.

Nearing the end of the debate, people started to return their empty glasses. One of the bartenders shut off the TVs and announced that piano karaoke would be starting upstairs.

While John was making his way to the stairs, he wasn’t surprised about how Trump fared.

“He lied, he lost,” he said while Harris “told people her plan. She won,” said John. “Trump would be stupid to debate her again.”

Jace, who was undecided on whether he would vote for Harris, was still unsure after the debate.

“I heard what she had to say but it’s just words,” said Jace “I need to see her do something, I’ll vote for her if she actually does something.”