STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — More than 100 community members, elected officials and candidates gathered Oct. 21 at the Central Family Life Center for the Staten Island Unity Coalition’s 2025 Legislative Forum — an event focused on civic engagement and the issues most affecting Staten Island’s communities of color.

The forum, organized by the Staten Island Unity Coalition (SIUC) — a collaboration of Black-led, community-based organizations — featured open discussions on housing affordability, education, healthcare access, youth empowerment and public safety.

“The turnout and energy in the room were inspiring,” said Nicole Meyers, coalition co-facilitator and president of the NAACP Staten Island, a member organization of SIUC. “It was a night that reflected both our community’s diversity and our shared desire to be heard, informed, and engaged in shaping Staten Island’s future.”

Seven elected officials and candidates participated in the forum, sharing their perspectives and policy priorities.

A representative from Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani also attended on behalf of the campaign, distributing literature and speaking with residents.

Courtesy Edwina MartinHon. Debi Rose and Margie Garvin were among the attendees.Courtesy Edwina Martin

A highlight of the evening was the participation of a group of young people from YouthBuild Staten Island, who came prepared with questions about affordability and other pressing local challenges.

Youth engagement, organizers said, underscored the growing commitment of Staten Island’s next generation to civic participation and leadership.

The event was moderated by Nicole Meyers, president of the Staten Island NAACP, and Letricia McCleary, immediate past president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Beta Pi Omega Chapter, Staten Island.

Forum participants included Pardeice McGoy, social action chair of the Staten Island Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Hon. Edwina Frances Martin, SIUC co-facilitator; and Dr. Henry Thompson, CEO of the Community Health Center of Richmond and a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Staten Island Interest Group.

Courtesy Edwina MartinMike Colombo, a candidate for Staten Island Borough President, addresses the crowd at Staten Island Unity Coalition Legislative Forum on Oct. 21.Courtesy Edwina MartinAbout the Staten Island Unity Coalition

Formed in 2021, the Staten Island Unity Coalition brings together Black-led, community-based organizations to strengthen advocacy, resource-sharing and civic engagement across Staten Island.

The coalition’s mission is to ensure that communities of color have a strong, unified voice in local and citywide decision-making.

Organizers said the 2025 legislative ofrum reflected the coalition’s continuing commitment to collaboration, advocacy and accountability around issues impacting Staten Island’s diverse communities of color.

Courtesy Edwina MartinCivil Court Candidate Hon. Remy Smith, right, addresses the crowd at Staten Island Unity Coalition Legislative Forum on Oct. 21. Courtesy Edwina MartinCourtesy Edwina MartinCouncilwoman Kamillah Hanks addresses the crowd at Staten Island Unity Coalition Legislative Forum on Oct. 21.Courtesy Edwina MartinCourtesy Edwina MartinCandidate Sarah Blas addresses the crowd at Staten Island Unity Coalition Legislative Forum on Oct. 21.Courtesy Edwina MartinCourtesy Edwina MartinScene from the Staten Island Unity Coalition Legislative Forum on Oct. 21.Courtesy Edwina MartinCourtesy Edwina MartinNYS Senator Jessica Scarcella Spanton addresses the crowd at Staten Island Unity Coalition Legislative Forum on Oct. 21.Courtesy Edwina MartinCourtesy Edwina MartinVirginia Allen addresses the crowd at Staten Island Unity Coalition Legislative Forum on Oct. 21.Courtesy Edwina MartinCourtesy Edwina MartinSupreme Court candidate Hon. Raymond Rodriguez addresses the crowd at Staten Island Unity Coalition Legislative Forum on Oct. 21.Courtesy Edwina MartinCourtesy Edwina MartinA young attendee asks a question at Staten Island Unity Coalition Legislative Forum on Oct. 21.Courtesy Edwina MartinCourtesy Edwina MartinCivil Court candidate Matthew Santamauro addresses the crowd at Staten Island Unity Coalition Legislative Forum on Oct. 21.Courtesy Edwina MartinCourtesy Edwina MartinForum moderators were Nicole Meyers, President, Staten Island NAACP, left, and Letricia McCleary, Immediate Past President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Beta Pi Omega Chapter, Staten Island.Courtesy Edwina Martin

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