UNDERSTANDING AND RESPONDING TO PROJECT 2025
Assembly Member Stefani L. Zinerman represents Brooklyn’s vibrant 56th Assembly District, encompassing Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights. A thirdgeneration Stuyvesant Heights resident and dynamic legislator, she is a champion for equity, health, and workforce development. As Chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Workforce, Stefani has leveraged 14 years of expertise to create career pathways in clean energy and technology, positioning New York’s workforce for the future.
Her legislative accomplishments include the Community Hiring Act, the Plain Language Bill, and securing $6 million to build a state-of-the-art facility for the BedStuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which will include the district’s first birthing center to address maternal health disparities. She also funded the creation of the Cultural Museum of Art – Eric Edwards Collection, designed by architect Rodney Leon, preserving African heritage.
Stefani’s initiatives extend to civic engagement, with programs like the Underground Reading Railroad and a civic engagement curriculum to prepare young leaders. Appointed Deputy Majority Whip, she collaborates with colleagues and community partners to champion policies that uplift families, protect civil rights, and ensure opportunity for all. Stefani’s visionary leadership embodies her commitment to building a stronger, fairer New York.
Assembly Member Stefani L. Zinerman
Senator Leroy Comrie was elected to represent New York’s 14th Senatorial District in November 2014 and has been a dedicated advocate for public safety, small business growth, infrastructure improvements, and quality-of-life improvements in Southeast Queens. His district includes Briarwood, Cambria Heights, Forest Hills, Hollis, Jamaica, Kew Gardens Hills, Laurelton, Queens Village, Rosedale, South Jamaica, and St. Albans communities where he was born, raised, and continues to serve.
A lifelong resident of Southeast Queens, Senator Comrie attended P S 116, I S 8, Jamaica High School, and the University of Bridgeport, where he developed his passion for politics and government. He has been a dedicated member of Saint Albans the Martyr Episcopal Church and began his public service career as President of his local Community School Board before being elected to the New York City Council, where he served for 12 years During his tenure in the City Council, he held key leadership positions, including Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman of the Queens Delegation, playing a critical role in budget negotiations, land use policy, and consumer affairs while securing essential funding for schools, infrastructure, and community programs
In the New York State Senate, Senator Comrie serves as Chairman of the Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions, overseeing major state agencies such as the MTA, Port Authority, and NYCHA. His role allows him to advocate for fair transit policies, infrastructure improvements, and greater government accountability In addition to his chairmanship, he is a member of five other key committees, including: Budget & Revenue, Finance, Procurement & Contracts, Racing, Gaming & Wagering and Rules.
Throughout his tenure, Senator Comrie has championed policies that strengthen public safety, economic development, and government transparency. His notable legislative achievements include the: Transit Worker Assault Bill Enhancing protections for MTA employees, Database of Deals – Increasing transparency on corporate tax incentives, Drinks to Go Law – Supporting small businesses and restaurants, Opioid Antagonist Bill – Expanding access to life-saving overdose treatments and Natural Organic Reduction Bill – Advancing sustainable burial options
Senator Comrie remains a strong advocate for public safety and crime prevention, working closely with local precincts, community organizations, and city agencies to improve NYPD response times, reduce gun violence, and expand domestic violence prevention efforts He has also played a key role in securing state funding for infrastructure projects, housing stability initiatives, and workforce development programs that support the residents of Southeastern Queens and all New Yorkers.
Leroy Comrie, Jr. is the son of Jamaican immigrants, the late Ruby Frith-Comrie and Leroy Comrie Sr. He is married to Marcia Moxam, and together they are the proud parents of two adult children
Jamal Johnson, Esq. NYPD Detective
Jamal Johnson is passionate about public service and giving back to the community. Professionally, he is an attorney and detective at the New York City Police Department. Currently, he is assigned as a Law Clerk in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Trials. He is responsible for assisting the Department’s trial judges in drafting and editing judicial opinions in department disciplinary matters that proceed to trial.
Currently, Jamal serves as Legal Advisor to the NYPD Guardians Association and as the NOBLE New York Chapter’s Parliamentarian and Chairperson of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. Additionally, he serves on the Scholarship Committees for both organizations. Jamal strives to continually uplift and teach the next generations of leaders.
Eric Gonzalez
Brooklyn District Attorney
A deep commitment to justice and fairness drives Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez as he leads one of the nation’s largest , most diverse, and innovative prosecutors’ offices. A Brooklyn native and career prosecutor, DA Gonzalez made history in 2017 when he became New York’s first Latino District Attorney. He was re-elected in 2021.
With more than 25 years of experience as a prosecutor, DA Gonza lez has personally tried a broad range of crimes, from homicides and sex crimes to fraud and bias-motivated violence. During his tenure, crime in Brooklyn reached record lows, and as violence increased nationwide in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, DA Gonzalez has dedicated unprecedented resources to launch a comprehensive anti-violence strategy that has brought about a dramatic decline in shootings and homicides.
Prior to his election, DA Gonzalez served as Chief Assistant District Attorney to the late DA Kenneth P. Thompson, where he guided the launch of the office’s Conviction Review Unit , widely recognized as a national model DA Gonzalez built on this work with the creation of a comprehensive , first-in-thenation Post-Conviction Justice Bureau.
DA Gonzalez grew up in East New York and Williamsburg, Brooklyn . He is a graduate of John Dewey High School in Coney Island, Cornell University, and the University of Michigan Law School He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and three sons.
Commissioner Jiles H. Ship
Commissioner Jiles H. Ship
Commissioner Jiles H. Ship
New Jersey Police Training Commission
New Jersey Police Training Commission
Greater NYC Area
New Jersey Police Training Commission
reater NYC Area
Greater NYC Area
es Ship is a Commissioner of the New Jersey Police Training ommission and has spent over 25 years in law enforcement - as a olice officer in Edison, New Jersey, an Emergency Response Team ember, and an instructor at the Middlesex County Police Academy.
Jiles Ship is a Commissioner of the New Jersey Police Training Commission and has spent over 25 years in law enforcement - as a police officer in Edison, New Jersey, an Emergency Response Team member, and an instructor at the Middlesex County Police Academy.
iles Ship is a Commissioner of the New Jersey Police Training Commission and has spent over 25 years in law enforcement - as a police officer in Edison, New Jersey, an Emergency Response Team member, and an instructor at the Middlesex County Police Academy.
hip was previously the Lieutenant and Administrator of Investigations the Division of Criminal Justice at the State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Ship also served as the Director of Public Safety for the City of Plainfield, New Jersey. As the Chief Executive officer of the Department of Public Safety, Ship oversaw the Police Division, Fire Division, the Office of Emergency Management and was responsible for 254 sworn personnel and 51 civilian employees.
Ship was previously the Lieutenant and Administrator of Investigations in the Division of Criminal Justice at the State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Ship also served as the Director of Public Safety for the City of Plainfield, New Jersey. As the Chief Executive officer of the Department of Public Safety, Ship oversaw the Police Division, Fire Division, the Office of Emergency Management and was responsible for 254 sworn personnel and 51 civilian employees.
Ship was previously the Lieutenant and Administrator of Investigations in the Division of Criminal Justice at the State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. Ship also served as the Director of Public Safety for the City of Plainfield, New Jersey. As the Chief Executive officer of the Department of Public Safety, Ship oversaw the Police Division, Fire Division, the Office of Emergency Management and was responsible for 254 sworn personnel and 51 civilian employees.
Ship is a past president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and has been recognized for his service and innovation in policing by multiple civic associations, the State of New Jersey, Congress, the Department of Justice He holds a M A in Educational Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University and a B.S. in Administration of Justice from Thomas Edison State University. Ship now teaches as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University's School of Criminal Justice.
Ship is a past president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and has been recognized for his service and innovation in policing by multiple civic associations, the State of New Jersey, Congress, the Department of Justice He holds a M A in Educational Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University and a B S in Administration of Justice from Thomas Edison State University. Ship now teaches as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University's School of Criminal Justice.
Ship is a past president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and has been recognized for his service and innovation in policing by multiple civic associations, the State of New Jersey, Congress, the Department of Justice. He holds a M.A. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University and a B.S. in Administration of Justice from Thomas Edison State University. Ship now teaches as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University's School of Criminal Justice. States,
Charles Billups
Chairperson
Grand Council of Guardians Inc.
Charles Billups
P.O. Box 022862
Chairperson
Brooklyn, New York 11202-2862
Info. & Fax (718) 638-8440
Website: gcgnys.org
Grand Council of Guardians Inc. P.O. Box 022862
Brooklyn, New York 11202-2862
E-mail: cbbillups@gcgnys.org & thecouncilnys@hotmail.com
Info. & Fax (718) 638-8440
Presently I hold the position of Chairperson in The Grand Council of Guardians (The Council) for over 25 years. The Grand Council of Guardians Inc. was formed in 1974 as an umbrella organization that consists of six African Americans fraternal organizations in the field of Law Enforcement, Uniform and Civilians throughout New York City. Realizing that there were other Law Enforcement African American organizations that were having similar problems and stood alone with no support. So, I decided to reorganize The Council by bringing in these different fraternal organizations throughout New York State together, which today The Council consist of or affiliated with over two dozen Law enforcement fraternal organizations throughout NYS State.
Website: gcgnys.org
E-mail: cbbillups@gcgnys.org & thecouncilnys@hotmail.com
Presently I hold the position of Chairperson in The Grand Council of Guardians (The Council) for over 25 years. The Grand Council of Guardians Inc. was formed in 1974 as an umbrella organization that consists of six African Americans fraternal organizations in the field of Law Enforcement, Uniform and Civilians throughout New York City. Realizing that there were other Law Enforcement African American organizations that were having similar problems and stood alone with no support So, I decided to reorganize The Council by bringing in these different fraternal organizations throughout New York State together, which today The Council consist of or affiliated with over two dozen Law enforcement fraternal organizations throughout NYS State
Presently I hold the position of Chairperson in The Grand Council of Guardians (The Council) for over 25 years. The Grand Council of Guardians Inc. was formed in 1974 as an umbrella organization that consists of six African Americans fraternal organizations in the field of Law Enforcement, Uniform and Civilians throughout New York City. Realizing that there were other Law Enforcement African American organizations that were having similar problems and stood alone with no support. So, I decided to reorganize The Council by bringing in these different fraternal organizations throughout New York State together, which today The Council consist of or affiliated with over two dozen Law enforcement fraternal organizations throughout NYS State.
Being a tremendous source of support and a strong voice for members of The Council, I am always working on fixing the Gap between Black Law Enforcement, the African Americans and Latinos communities by reinforcing our community base ties in many different ways (i.e., doing community outreach during times like, Thanksgiving & Christmas, Supporting Gun Legislation that take guns out of our communities and Legislation that made N.Y. Police agencies accountable on questionable shootings, Holding Press Conferences about the injustice in the African American communities, Take Back Our Community (TBOC), Adopting Public School Mentoring Programs, Workshops on What to do when stop by the Police, which The Grand Council started displaying the program in New York back in 1994 and was adopted by the different community groups etc.).
Being a tremendous source of support and a strong voice for members of The Council, I am always working on fixing the Gap between Black Law Enforcement, the African Americans and Latinos communities by reinforcing our community base ties in many different ways (i.e., doing community outreach during times like, Thanksgiving & Christmas, Supporting Gun Legislation that take guns out of our communities and Legislation that made N.Y. Police agencies accountable on questionable shootings, Holding Press Conferences about the injustice in the African American communities, Take Back Our Community (TBOC), Adopting Public School Mentoring Programs, Workshops on What to do when stop by the Police, which The Grand Council started displaying the program in New York back in 1994 and was adopted by the different community groups etc.).
Being a tremendous source of support and a strong voice for members of The Council, I am always working on fixing the Gap between Black Law Enforcement, the African Americans and Latinos communities by reinforcing our community base ties in many different ways (i.e., doing community outreach during times like, Thanksgiving & Christmas, Supporting Gun Legislation that take guns out of our communities and Legislation that made N.Y. Police agencies accountable on questionable shootings, Holding Press Conferences about the injustice in the African American communities, Take Back Our Community (TBOC), Adopting Public School Mentoring Programs, Workshops on What to do when stop by the Police, which The Grand Council started displaying the program in New York back in 1994 and was adopted by the different community groups etc.).
I am a Law Enforcement Consultant on N.Y. Policing and N.Y. Correction policies and a criminal Investigator for different N.Y. Law Firms. A Pass member of The N.Y.C.L.U. Advisory Task Force Board on Police Brutality and Community Policing. Involved in various organizations in our communities throughout New York State with over 25 years as a Law Enforcement Officer (retired), a NYS Municipal Police Instructor (various subjects). Attended NYC Public School and College for studies in Electrical Engineering. I’ve received a various number of awards from different organizations throughout the country and from a host of Elected Officials for the work I have done in our different communities. But the most important thing of all is that I will always be here to serve and be part of My Community.
I am a Law Enforcement Consultant on N.Y. Policing and N.Y. Correction policies and a criminal Investigator for different N.Y. Law Firms. A Pass member of The N.Y.C.L.U. Advisory Task Force Board on Police Brutality and Community Policing. Involved in various organizations in our communities throughout New York State with over 25 years as a Law Enforcement Officer (retired), a NYS Municipal Police Instructor (various subjects). Attended NYC Public School and College for studies in Electrical Engineering. I’ve received a various number of awards from different organizations throughout the country and from a host of Elected Officials for the work I have done in our different communities. But the most important thing of all is that I will always be here to serve and be part of My Community.
I am a Law Enforcement Consultant on N.Y. Policing and N.Y. Correction policies and a criminal Investigator for different N.Y. Law Firms. A Pass member of The N.Y.C.L.U. Advisory Task Force Board on Police Brutality and Community Policing. Involved in various organizations in our communities throughout New York State with over 25 years as a Law Enforcement Officer (retired), a NYS Municipal Police Instructor (various subjects). Attended NYC Public School and College for studies in Electrical Engineering. I’ve received a various number of awards from different organizations throughout the country and from a host of Elected Officials for the work I have done in our different communities. But the most important thing of all is that I will always be here to serve and be part of My Community.
Charles J. Gibbs, Ed.D.
Charles J. Gibbs, Ed.D.
On July 1, 2024, Charles J. Gibbs, Ed.D. was appointed as 7th President of Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY).
Prior to coming to MCNY, Dr. Gibbs was Chief Executive Officer of 100 Black Men of America, Incorporated, the largest African American Male Mentoring organization in the country. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Dr. Gibbs served as the President of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium at Clark Atlanta University, a $50 milliondollar initiative supported by Apple Inc. and the Southern Company to expand the higher education black talent pipeline in the fields of Health, Social Justice, Arts and Entertainment, Agriculture and Technology.
Dr. Gibbs, one of the foremost executives in higher education, previously served as Vice President for University Affairs and Chief of Staff at Clark Atlanta University, Dean and Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Miles College and Vice Provost at Howard University.
Widely known as an expert in policy, accreditation, legislation, strategic partnership development, and fundraising, Dr. Gibbs is a visionary leader who has dedicated his career transforming higher education and facilitating with great success fundraising initiatives for institutions of higher learning, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s).
Dr. Gibbs has built a stellar 25-year track record of accomplishments in higher education administration through his various leadership roles that have experienced a renaissance in enrollment, academic programs, and research initiatives. His strategic vision and proactive approach to fundraising has resulted in record-breaking levels of financial support for the university’s academic programs and faculty development, allowing for the expansion of leading-edge facilities, enhanced student scholarships and greater opportunities for career pathway exploration for students.
Dr. Gibbs’ commitment to student success and community engagement is evident in his handson approach to leadership. He is known for his open-door policy, regularly meeting with students, faculty, and staff to listen to their ideas and concerns. This collaborative spirit has fostered a strong sense of unity and pride within the university communities he has served.
institutions of higher learning, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s). university’s academic programs and Dr. Gibbs’ commitment to student success and community engagement is evident i
In addition to his higher education work, Dr. Gibbs is actively involved in various national organizations focused on higher education and philanthropy. He is a sought-after speaker and mentor, sharing his insights and expertise with the next generation of leaders.