NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Wednesday was a historic day for the New York City Council. It’s probably the most various council in historical past and for the primary time an African-American girl has been elected speaker.
Change has swept the council. For the primary time ladies make up the bulk. Of the 51 members, 31 are feminine, and 34 members are model new, CBS2’s Cindy Hsu reported.
READ MORE: Queens Democrat Adrienne Adams Named New York City Council Speaker
Adrienne Adams, no relation to Mayor Eric Adams, was elected the primary African-American council speaker, with solely two members voting towards her, together with Charles Baron.
“We don’t desire a change within the complexion. We wish a change within the route of management,” Baron stated.
In all, 49 members voted in favor of Adams. Gayle Brewer was one.
“A majority of us supported the great Adrienne Adams as a result of she is ready to unify us across the concept of a speaker who would hearken to and symbolize everybody,” Brewer stated.
“Historical past has its eyes on this Metropolis Council. We meet right here at this time as probably the most various council in historical past, led by the primary African-American speaker,” Adams stated.
Christine Quinn, who was the primary feminine and first overtly homosexual speaker, stated Wednesday was an unimaginable day for thus many, particularly younger women of colour.
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“As they watch this information present tonight, they may see that they, too, can rise to the best ranks of presidency within the best metropolis of the world,” Quinn stated.
Adams, 61, grew up in Hollis, Queens, graduated from Spelman School with a level in psychology, and had an extended profession within the non-public sector in administration and company coaching. Nonetheless, she stated she felt the pull of public service and joined Neighborhood Board 12 in Queens, after which was elected to Metropolis Council in 2017. She’s additionally the primary mom to change into speaker, and she or he’s a grandmother.
She thanked the unions for his or her assist and spoke of her dad and mom.
“My father spent 14 hours a time out of the home as a proud Teamster. My mom labored for 20 years as a correction officer, serving town that she liked with distinction and retiring as a captain in that division,” Adams stated.
She spoke of the COVID-19 disaster, well being care, and the racial reckoning the nation faces, including the council will get issues executed by bringing folks collectively.
“Thanks, colleagues. We’re going to run this chamber collectively. We’re going to do that. We’re going to do that,” Adams stated to applause.
Speaker Adams will announce her management group within the coming days.
