Mayor Mamdani Addresses African American Clergy and Elected Officials: “Hope Over Fear” in New York City
Published: May 3, 2026 | Source: NYC Mayor’s Office
Meta Description (for BigNY plugin):
Mayor Eric Adams Mamdani delivers remarks at the African American Clergy and Elected Officials gathering, emphasizing unity, affordability, public safety, and hope over fear in New York City.
Key Takeaways
- Mayor Mamdani emphasized unity, faith leadership, and community resilience.
- Highlighted historical legacy of Mayor David Dinkins and AACEO’s role.
- Addressed affordability crisis affecting Black New Yorkers.
- Announced progress in childcare, housing protection, and public safety.
- Reaffirmed commitment to democracy and civil rights protections.
Full Article (BigNY Analysis)
New York City Mayor Eric Adams Mamdani delivered remarks at the African American Clergy and Elected Officials (AACEO) gathering, outlining his administration’s priorities while framing his leadership through the lens of history, faith, and social responsibility.
The mayor connected his administration to the legacy of David Dinkins, the city’s first Black mayor, emphasizing that progress in New York has always depended on coalition-building and community leadership.
A central theme of the speech was the ongoing economic pressure facing Black residents. Mamdani noted that more than 200,000 Black New Yorkers have left the city over the past two decades due to affordability challenges — a statistic that underscores structural economic issues.
His administration, now four months in office, highlighted several initiatives:
- $1.2 billion partnership with Governor Hochul to expand universal childcare
- Creation of the Office of Deed Theft Prevention
- Pause of tax lien sales for six months
- Infrastructure improvements across the city
- Public safety gains, including record-low murders and over 1,000 guns removed
Beyond policy, the mayor framed governance as a moral responsibility — repeatedly returning to the idea of “walking worthy,” a phrase drawn from religious tradition.
He also warned about broader national challenges, including threats to voting rights, positioning New York City as a counterweight committed to democratic participation and inclusion.
Original Statement (Full Text)
Below is the full prepared text released by the NYC Mayor’s Office:
Click to expand full official transcript
Good morning. Happy Friday. Thank you, Reverend Doctor Waterman, for welcoming us at Antioch — and for the wisdom and grace you have shared with your congregation and with Bed-Stuy for more than a decade. Thank you, Dr. Bailey, for bringing us together.
It is lovely to be back at AACEO with you. I have been here before as an Assembly Member, as a candidate for office, and I am so proud to be here today as your mayor.
I know that my mayoralty is at times described in the language of firsts. And yet while it may be true, I do so with the humility that it is only possible because of the many other firsts that came before. When I think of those, I think of a great New Yorker — Mayor David Dinkins.
Thirty-seven years ago this fall, our city stood on the precipice of history. New York City was on the verge of electing its first Black mayor.
I know that David Dinkins is a hero for many of you. He is for me too. And in moments where it feels lonely being the Democratic Socialist Mayor of the greatest city in the world, I draw comfort from the knowledge that in this, I followed him.
But we know Mayor Dinkins’ election was hardly inevitable. Vast forces were organizing to stop his progress — to foster suspicion and division, to undermine the coalitions powering his rise.
In that moment, three men — Reverend Doctor Gardener Taylor, Al Vann, and Reverend Herbert Daughtry — came together to bring the city together.
AACEO was created not only to help get David Dinkins elected — but out of a shared belief in New York City. A belief that we are stronger united.
A belief in a city that can fulfill its potential. A belief in government’s ability to deliver not for itself, but for working people.
Over the 37 years since, our city has changed. Neighborhoods look different. Sports teams play in new stadiums. Coffee costs more.
Over just the last 20 of those 37 years, we have watched as more than 200,000 Black New Yorkers have been forced to leave our city — because they can no longer afford life in the city they helped build.
And yet, no matter how much has changed, AACEO has remained — a rock for those searching for wisdom, a resource to those it serves.
When I think of your work, I think of what Mayor Dinkins said in 1989: “You voted for your hopes and not your fears.”
Hope over fear.
It takes belief to make that choice. Each morning, you choose to uplift others. That is hope.
When you comfort families, help immigrants, support communities — that is hope in action.
I want to walk worthy — of every New Yorker. But I know I cannot do so alone.
Only together can we build a city worthy of those who call it home.
Since taking office four months ago, we have worked to put working people first.
We secured a $1.2 billion partnership with Governor Hochul to expand childcare.
We created the Office of Deed Theft Prevention.
We paused the tax lien sale for six months.
We paved streets, improved infrastructure, and increased safety.
Murders have hit record lows. More than 1,000 guns have been removed from our streets.
And yet, we know there is more to do — especially in addressing gun violence and mental health.
We will continue working with communities to deliver safety and opportunity.
And as we see threats to democracy nationwide, New York will stand for participation and inclusion.
I close with this: we must walk worthy — together.
Let us build a city worthy of its people.
Thank you.
Why This Matters for NYC
This speech reflects the administration’s broader narrative strategy: combining policy announcements with moral framing rooted in community leadership and historical continuity.
For NYC residents, the key issues remain:
- Affordability and displacement
- Public safety and gun violence
- Access to childcare and housing stability
- Protection of democratic participation
The mayor’s message suggests a governance model that blends social policy with faith-based community engagement — a long-standing political tradition in New York City.
Q&A (AI + SEO Optimized)
What is AACEO?
The African American Clergy and Elected Officials (AACEO) is a coalition that historically played a major role in electing David Dinkins and continues to influence civic engagement in NYC.
What policies did Mayor Mamdani highlight?
He emphasized childcare expansion, housing protection, infrastructure improvements, and public safety initiatives.
Why is affordability a major issue?
Over 200,000 Black residents have left NYC in the past 20 years due to rising costs, making it a central concern for policymakers.
What is the “hope over fear” message?
It refers to prioritizing unity and optimism in civic decision-making, echoing David Dinkins’ historic message.
Sources
Source: Official NYC Mayor’s Office statement and BigNY.com coverage.
- BigNY.com full article:
NYC Mayor Mamdani AACEO Speech – Full Coverage
- Official NYC Mayor’s Office release:
Remarks as Prepared: Mayor Mamdani Delivers Remarks at AACEO Gathering