BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani visited central Brooklyn the morning of May 1 at Antioch Baptist Church, located at 828 Greene Ave.
The event, hosted by the African American Clergy and Elected Officials, a Brooklyn-based civic and political organization, was well-attended, with many elected officials and community members present.
In his nearly 20-minute speech, Mamdani shared his vision for the city and described what he has accomplished in his more than 120 days in office. Mamdani touted his universal childcare plan, which aims to make childcare in New York City free or very low cost for families. The initiative focuses on children from infancy through age five.
Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman and Dr. Divinah “Dee” Bailey. Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman/Brooklyn Eagle
“On my eighth day in office, we secured a historic $1.2 billion partnership with Gov. Kathy Hochul to make 3-K truly universal and deliver free childcare for two-year-olds for the very first time,” Mamdani said.
The mayor also spoke about the future of New York. “Looking forward, we will ensure that this city remains a city where every New Yorker has a voice, where democracy is strengthened and expanded,” he added. “We need to bring this city together as we are significantly stronger united.”
Mamdani quoted a gospel hymn to the church crowd as well, “Order My Steps,” a prayer for guidance, obedience and spiritual consistency.
“I want to walk worthy, my calling to fulfill. Please order my steps, Lord, and I’ll do your blessed will. The world is ever changing, but you are still the same. If you order my steps, I’ll praise your name,” the song says.
“Just like all of you, I too want to walk worthy,” Mamdani said. “Not just worthy of those who voted for me, those who believe in my politics or those who feel at home in a movement that we have helped build. I want to walk worthy of those who feel alone in a world, and in a city that is ever changing.”