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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 8h

We stood with Marble Hill last night, and New Yorkers will stand up for our neighbors in every borough, in every community across the city. Keep going, until our children, and our children's children, live in a better city and a better country. Trump's ICE will not win.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 09/10/2026

ICE shot a New Yorker today while his five year old was in the car. But tomorrow, they're going to try to villainize this father and make themselves victims. We’re on the scene to tell ICE and Donald Trump: New York ain't no place to play with. We will protect our neighbors.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 08/10/2026

As so many places choose to ignore or suppress history rather than teach it, it’s vital New York City grapple with our past, acknowledging the pain of enslaved people and the role slavery played in New York’s economy. The Triumph of the Human Spirit ensures we never forget.

The public advocate speaks in front of the Triumph of the Human Spirit statue

The public advocate poses with the St. Nick's Alliance team

Attendees gather around the African Burial Ground

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 08/10/2026

This Dyslexia Awareness Day, we uplift the advocacy to dismantle barriers and ensure New Yorkers with dyslexia receive the support needed to thrive. This advocacy inspired the Public Advocate's law requiring screenings for incarcerated individuals in city jails, supporting reentry.

The Public Advocate smiles, holding 3 pens after a bill signing, next to the American and New York City flags in City Hall

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 08/10/2026

This LGBTQ+ History month, we're blessed to be in community with advocates who are making history today. A shining example: @lgbtcenternyc.bsky.social’s Dr. Carla Smith. Dr. Smith has dedicated her career to fighting injustice and bettering New Yorkers' lives as a champion of LGBTQ+ causes.

Team members present Dr. Smith with a proclamation

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 06/10/2026

We asked AI executives: Which guardrails are you afraid of? Their response? Crickets. Yesterday the Public Advocate pressed representatives of OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Google to learn which safeguards they don't want in place—which are probably the ones we need.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 05/10/2026

NYC Off-Broadway Week starts today! The Public Advocate and Council Member Carl Wilson stopped by the Lucille Lortel Theatre to celebrate the arts—and the chance to score 2-for-1 tickets until Oct. 18! Because who doesn't love a duet? 🎟️ Grab a fellow theater lover: nyctourism.com/off-broadway-week

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 05/10/2026

This weekend we lost Grace Detrevarah. Grace lived her mission of uplifting the Trans community, setting the example in providing reentry support and empowering individuals living with HIV. We are proud to have partnered with her, and the @osborneny.bsky.social team. Rest in power, Grace.

Grace Detrevarah looks up from a City Council podium in Chambers, next to a Trans Pride flag and New York State flag

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 02/10/2026

Some people believe their vote doesn’t make a difference. If it didn’t matter, MAGA wouldn’t be trying to stop so many people, especially Black and Brown people, from voting. The Voting Rights Act came on the efforts of millions marching. Defending it may take millions more.

The Public Advocate speaks emphatically as advocates listen, holding "Hands Off Our Vote" signs

The Manhattan Borough President speaks, holding an "They're lying because they're losing" poster

An advocate holds a mail-inspired "Mail our ballots" poster

The Public Advocate, elected officials, and attendees listen. They hold posters with messages like "This is what democracy looks like" and Statue of Liberty torches and monarch butterflies

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 02/10/2026

New Yorkers, our advocacy is worth it. Standing up to cruelty is always worth it. Because a mother is now coming home. On Wednesday, we stood with Madeleine, a young woman whose mother was detained. As of today, her mother has been released and reunited with her family.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 01/10/2026

On the International Day of Older Persons, we're still grateful to the elders at ARC XVI A Philip Randolph OAC. We visited the senior center for insights on good AI governance; this generation has witnessed how evolving technology impacts everyday people. More: advocate.nyc.gov/reports/Arti...

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 01/10/2026

New Yorkers don't agree on much, but we agree we need safe streets, and we each have a part to play. The Public Advocate spoke at @council.nyc.gov’s micromobility hearing on the need for regulation targeting businesses profiting from unsafe vehicles, rather than criminalizing people.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 30/09/2026

The latest shameful decision by SCOTUS is being weaponized—often against African immigrants who've been here for decades, many of whom sought refuge from gender-based violence. After visiting 26 Federal Plaza, we stood with impacted families and advocates to decry this cruelty.

The Public Advocate speaks at a press conference outside 26 Federal Plaza, as advocates listen

A young woman speaks about her mother's case, as advocates listen with serious expressions

Adama Bah speaks, addressing the Public Advocate

The Public Advocate clasps the hands of an impacted family member

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 30/09/2026

New Yorkers, we have the power to save lives. Join our team and public health partners for an impactful training by the NYC Health Department on overdose prevention. This training will teach how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose using naloxone. RSVP: PreventingOverdose.eventbrite.com

Flyer: Overdose Prevention and Response Training. Queens Satellite Office at Community Connection. Join our team and public health partners for an impactful training by the NYC Health Department. This training will teach you how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose using nalaxone.
Thursday, October 1, 12 PM - 3 PM. Community Connection, 203-12 Linen Blvd. St. Albans, NY 11433
PreventingOverdose.eventbrite.com
For inquiries: RSVP@advocate.nyc.gov

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 29/09/2026

Speaking of Syracuse, more elected officials from New York City should travel to Syracuse! I mean, have you SEEN the Butter Sculpture at the New York State Fair?!? The @NYSFair was an amazing celebration of all our state has to offer, for New Yorkers of all ages.

The Public Advocate and his family pose in front of a large "I Heart NY" sign

A butter sculpture depicts an agricultural scene

The Public Advocate holds his daughter's hand as she looks at the butter sculpture

The Public Advocate poses in front of backdrop scenery showing the New York State Assembly and leadership

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 25/09/2026

Even in an era of prediction markets, it's not always good to be right. @nyscomptroller.bsky.social found problem gambling is up, especially among young people—and we predicted this would happen in our Spring report. Learn how we can prevent gambling's worst harms: advocate.nyc.gov/reports/gambling

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 24/09/2026

We know we won't catch a New Yorker slipping (not registered to vote). 🗓️ for the Nov 3 Election: Oct 19: Change of Address Deadline Oct 24: Voter Registration Deadline Mail Ballot Request Deadline (Online/Mail) Early Voting Starts Nov 2: Mail Ballot Request Deadline (In Person) 💻 nycvotes.org

Meme-style graphic with the public advocate looking incredulous. Text: me when I hear you're not registered to vote. You got till October 24

Meme-style graphic with the public advocate mimicking a statue in movement, with text: Dance like a registered voter. Deadline October 24

Meme-style graphic with the Public Advocate (labeled "me" clasping Council Member Salaam's hand (labeled "my voter registration status" at Style Across the Aisle.)

Meme-style graphic with the public advocate lifting his Grenadian flag and his hand at the West Indian Day parade. Text: Raise Your Hand If You're Registered to vote

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 24/09/2026

We walked Syracuse's streets with the OG Against Violence, Clifford Ryan, who turned his pain into purpose after losing his son and brings a message of peace everywhere he goes. Gun violence is a statewide crisis. Support the New Yorkers with boots and credibility on the ground.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 23/09/2026

Just in time for Climate Week, there's a weekend storm on the horizon. 📲 Sign up for Notify NYC: nyc.gov/notifynyc. Select "basement apartment" if that's you. ☎️ Notify 311 of any clogged catch basins: on.nyc.gov/CatchBasinComplaint A cold weather look at catch basins ⬇️

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 23/09/2026

We're hiring! Our office is seeking applicants who are admitted to the New York State bar for an Associate General Counsel role. This position involves providing litigation and general legal support, researching issues that impact New Yorkers, and more: bit.ly/AssociateGenCounsel

Graphic with scales of justice icon and text: We're hiring! Associate General Counsel. Apply now: Bit.ly/AssociateGenCounsel

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 22/09/2026

Summer is officially over, but the challenge to create safer communities continues. We recently traveled to Syracuse to meet with elected officials, including Common Councilor At-Large Helen Hudson, and violence prevention advocates. New Yorkers are united against gun violence.

The Public Advocate takes a group photo with anti-violence advocates after a training

Dr. Chico Tillmon speaks to attendees at conference tables, in front of a slide titled: Conflict is Bigger than the Incident

The Public Advocate poses with Common Councilor At-Large Helen Hudson in front of an ornamental staircase

The Public Advocate takes a photo with Clifford Ryan. Together they hold a sign reading "OG's Against Violence. We love our kids. Come together as one."

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 22/09/2026

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 21/09/2026

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 18/09/2026

Young people with Tourette Syndrome should be able to see themselves in public life or in any role they aspire to—and that recognition often goes both ways. We thank Semai Yebio, an aspiring leader, his family, and the Tourette Association of America for a meaningful visit on access and awareness.

The Public Advocate and Semai Yebio pose, Semai holding a citation in his name

Semai Yebio speaks to the Public Advocate in his office

The Yebio family, the Public Advocate and staff, and Emma O'Connell listen around a table in the Public Advocate's office

The Public Advocate poses with the Yebio family, Emma O'Connell, and staff

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 17/09/2026

We suggest RNC Research do some actual research on Trump's new anti-immigrant public charge rule, because: Cutting low-and middle-income families off from public services makes all of us less safe. That's why New York is suing to stop this threat to public safety.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 17/09/2026

Want to make RFK mad? Roll up your sleeves for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and RSV if you're eligible. These shots can help prevent serious illness during respiratory virus season. 🩹 Find a vaccination site, including for uninsured New Yorkers: on.nyc.gov/4yBwPqX

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with an angry expression. Image: Win McNamee/Getty Images

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 16/09/2026

We were down with the Orange and the Blue at Style Across the Aisle—or should we say, Style Across Teams! We partnered with Witness to Mass Incarceration, whose vocational training program, The Art of Tailoring, provides entrepreneurial education to system-impacted New Yorkers.

The Public Advocate walks arm in arm up the met opera stairs with Evie Litwok

The public advocate poses with Council Member Salaam in a white fur coat

The Public Advocate poses with Council Members and Mugzy McFly

The public advocate poses with Council Member Maloney, pointing to her bedazzled Knicks clutch

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 16/09/2026

With reading and math scores declining year after year, it's important our schools recommit to teaching the basics and do not allow machines to co-opt the ability of our children—especially our youngest children—to learn and think critically. More: advocate.nyc.gov/press/nyc-pu...

The Public Advocate speaks from a City Council lectern, with a "Mandates on Screen Time Use" sign, as advocates and elected officials listen

Council Member Schulman speaks at the lectern

The Public Advocate listens as Council Member Krishnan speaks

Council Member Krishnan speaks as elected officials listen

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 16/09/2026

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 15/09/2026

Our government has a responsibility to help the public better understand AI, ensuring that if and when this technology is used, it's to New Yorkers' benefit. We thank the seniors at ARC XVI A Philip Randolph OAC who brainstormed with us on how to regulate rapidly evolving Tech.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 15/09/2026

Listen up: New York City's elders have some 💡 thoughts on AI. We can't thank the seniors at ARC XVI A Philip Randolph OAC enough for tackling the topic of good AI governance with us, as we released our new report, Artificially Inevitable. Read it here: advocate.nyc.gov/reports/Arti...

The Public Advocate speaks next to a slide with a photo of A. Phillip Randolph and a quote: You cannot destroy the machine. You cannot stifle the invention of various geniuses in the world..."

The Public Advocate looks up at a slide with a picture of Trump and question: "Is this Donald Trump clip AI?"

The Public Advocate holds up a copy of the "Artificially Inevitable" report as seniors discuss in the background

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 15/09/2026

🗳️ It's National Voter Registration Day! Celebrate civic engagement—and this week's preservation of mail-in voting by SCOTUS—by registering to vote and participating in our democracy. Here’s where you can find us and our partners today, September 15: advocate.nyc.gov/blog/voter-registration-2026

National Voter Registration Day flyer for Tuesday, September 15. 28 locations across Manhattan can be found at: advocate.nyc.gov/blog

National Voter Registration Day flyer for Tuesday, September 15. 28 locations across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens can be found at: advocate.nyc.gov/blog

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 14/09/2026

The new public charge rule's purpose is cruelty, and it will be a disaster for public health and safety. The White House is using every tool they have to undermine communities, creating a chilling effect on access to services. New York will use every tool we have to fight back.

The Public Advocate speaks in the City Hall rotunda, as advocates and officials listen and hold "Immigrants are New York!" posters

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 14/09/2026

Today we'll talk to students and seniors—who are pretty STRONG AND SMART—for a conversation on the role of AI in our lives, as the Public Advocate releases a new report on the need for good AI governance. You'd think someone with a "High IQ!" would get that AI needs guardrails.

Truth Social post from President Trump, reading:

The only control or “guardrails” that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades! The Trump Administration has stopped AI “people” from doing bad, or potentially bad, “things,“ like Dario (Anthropic!), who is now pretending to be a “perfect little angel” - and we will continue to do so! We already have tremendous CRIMINAL and REGULATORY power over these companies! There is a SICK conspiracy going on against AI and Data Centers, and the only one that is happy about it is China. WHOEVER WINS AI, WINS! We are leading China, and all others, and will continue to do so. Conspiracy Theorists, Treasonists, Traitors, and Leakers, BEWARE! Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 11/09/2026

Today marks 25 years since the most acute devastation and heartbreak our city has faced. Our reverence echoed in the reading of names at Ground Zero, as we remember the nearly 3,000 Americans who lost their lives to an act of terror, and all those lost in the painful aftermath.

The Public Advocate holds a banner with a traced name in front of One World Trade Center: Linda Ivelisse Rivera

The Public Advocate listens behind the Obamas

Members of the FDNY and their family hold up a memorial photo of a firefighter

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 11/09/2026

A question has echoed for 25 years: Where were you on 9/11? We pose another, an inherent plea: Where are we now? We must embody the ideals of our local response in the aftermath of 9/11, and the surge in collective empathy—the New Yorkers we honor today deserve no less.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 11/09/2026

"As a lifelong New Yorker, I will never forget the scale of this tragedy, never stop lifting up the memories of those killed on the day and as a result of it, the heroism of first responders, the grief of survivors, and the needs of those still suffering." Full statement: advocate.nyc.gov/press

Black and white photo of the Public Advocate looking at the names carved into the 9/11 Memorial reflecting pool. Overlaid text: September 11, 2001. 25 Years later. Never Forget.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 10/09/2026

Some leaders need to hear this: If you say the mayor who lied about poison in NYC after 9/11 should attend the memorial ceremony, but the mayor who revealed those lies shouldn’t—you’re not supporting survivors, honoring victims, or being patriotic. You’re probably just a bigot.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 10/09/2026

NYC streets should work for all New Yorkers with infrastructure to keep everyone safe—whether on foot or on wheels. We joined advocates to call on NYC DOT to redesign Northern Boulevard through Jackson Heights, starting with a protected micromobility lane. 📷 Alliance for Paseo Park

Advocates and elected officials take a group photo, holding up signs with messages like "Make Room for Deliveristas" and "Safe Streets Save Lives!"

Council Member Krishnan speaks as rally attendees listen

Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas speaks behind a "Safe Streets Save Lives" poster

Delivery workers hold a "Los Deliveristas Unidos" banner and posters reading "Our Deliveries, Our Responsibility"

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 10/09/2026

Happy first day of school to students, teachers, and staff! As students enter the school building, they're set to begin an empowering year of learning and growth. Thank you to the educators, administrators, and caregivers who make it possible. 🎒📚📓

The Public Advocate smiles in front of a school's "Welcome back to school" banner

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 09/09/2026

J'Ouvert may be the best party you've never heard of—and so much more. For centuries, revelers have donned costumes both sinister and celestial, mocking the evils of slavery, or embodying a brighter future. We hope every year, J'Ouvert brings a peaceful daybreak to Brooklyn.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 08/09/2026

The 59th Annual West Indian American Day Carnival brought so many moments of unity and joy. From our partners in our contingent and the community partners on the ground, we thank our Famalay on the Parkway.

The Public Advocate, Brooklyn Deputy Borough President Kim Council, and Comptroller Mark Levine pose on the float holding flags

The Public Advocate poses with City Council Members and New York State Nurses Association members, who hold signs with messages like "Stand with Haiti" and "Some cuts don't heal"

The Public Advocate poses with Assembly Member Chandler-Waterman and her contingent

The Public Advocate and elected officials cut the ribbon for the parade

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 07/09/2026

🇭🇹 Standing with our Haitian communities on the Parkway.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 07/09/2026

Happy Labor Day! Have you thanked a union member for fighting for our rights today? The labor movement in New York City is stronger than ever. Our next fight, and our next win: The Delivery Protection Act to protect workers, create safer streets, and hold Amazon accountable.

Graphic with photo collage of various labor events, with text: Labor Day 2026. Join the Movement for Workers

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 05/09/2026

On Labor Day, being ready for the road means being able to celebrate joyfully and safely. Partnership—across government, with partners on the ground—is essential for keeping the West Indian Day Parade safe, as is listening to the community's voice in developing a safety plan.

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 04/09/2026

Public Safety and violence prevention are issues that extend beyond the boroughs, and collaborating across cities drives solutions. We thank Syracuse Mayor Owens, and the Office to Reduce Gun Violence, for an impactful meeting where we strategized on improving safety statewide.

The Public Advocate poses with Mayor Owens in front of the Syracuse seal and between the American and Syracuse flags

The Public Advocate and Mayor Owens shake hands

Mayor Owens shows the Public Advocate a chart

The Public Advocate seated on a bench under photos of past mayors

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 01/09/2026

From Gracie Mansion to Eastern Parkway, we're celebrating Caribbean heritage. 🇬🇩 We're excited to raise our flags as one Caribbean, enjoying a safe Labor Day. Want to join our West Indian Day Parade contingent, along with partners? Sign up: 2026carnival.eventbrite.com

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 27/08/2026

Four cyclists were killed in brutal hit-and-runs in just five days. We joined New Yorkers in mourning our neighbors, unified in the demand for safer streets, and for our city to urgently expand traffic-calming and bike friendly infrastructure. Lives are at stake.

Mary Beth Kelly speaks at the vigil in City Hall Park, holding a photo of herself embracing Carl Henry Nacht, M.D.

Team member David Kahn wears a blue helmet and looks into the camera with a serious expression

Advocates lie on the ground during the "die-in" with their bikes. Others stand, holding signs with the names and ages of cyclists killed by traffic violence

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 27/08/2026

MAGA hopes to undermine voting access by gutting mail-in voting, undermining election integrity, and making it harder for married women to vote with the SAVE Act. But on Women's Equality Day, we honor the women who fought for the right to vote by vigilantly defending that right.

Graphic with purple background and text: The Right to Vote is at stake. Women’s Equality Day

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Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 24/08/2026

On what would have been Marsha P. Johnson's birthday, we uplift the joy, pride and resistance of Trans History Month. We were proud to join Qween Jean’s Summer Legacy Ball recently to celebrate and honor those who paved the way, including Kiara St. James and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy.

Kim Watson-Benjamin poses with Qween Jean behind a tall trophy. Both wear formal wear

Kim Watson-Benjamin poses with three attendees, all dressed festively, on Little Island

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