New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of 13 Charter Revision Commission (CRC) members on Wednesday.
The CRC, headed by Carlo Scissura, President and CEO of the New York Building Congress, is tasked with examining and proposing updates to the city charter, aiming to enhance the efficiency and transparency of municipal governance for New Yorkers.
Three Black women, Stephanie McGraw, Jackie Rowe-Adams, and Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, are also part of the team.
Their appointments are particularly important, as a review of the CRC rosters from 1990 to the present reveals that this is the first time a mayor has simultaneously appointed three Black women, marking a historic milestone in the commission’s history.
The CRC will assess the charter to ensure the government’s responsiveness to and reflection of the city’s diverse population.
Mayor Adams emphasized the commission’s goal to optimize city operations across all boroughs.
He said, “Their mission to explore innovative ways for the public to contribute to our city’s governance will be critical in moving our city forward. Together, we will work to make New York City safer and more inclusive for all its residents.
Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, president of the NAACP New York State Conference, said, “I have dedicated my life to human rights and justice by linking business, government, and social causes together to promote equity and look forward to continuing that work through this historic commission.”
Dukes added, “With the unprecedented appointment of three Black women to help steer this commission, we carry the torch of progress, illuminating pathways towards equity and justice for all New Yorkers. Together, we will identify meaningful ways that the city’s charter can better reflects the values and needs of everyone who calls New York City home.”
Stephanie McGraw, founder and CEO of We All Really Matter (WARM), a domestic violence organization, expressed pride in representing underserved communities to help shape the city charter.
McGraw stated, “For too long, Black and Brown communities have been kept on the sidelines as decisions are made about the way our city works and serves New Yorkers. I am proud to serve on the Charter Revision Commission alongside Dr. Hazel Dukes, Jackie Rowe-Adams, and other committed citizens of the greatest city in the world to help ensure that our city charter reflects the wants and needs of every New Yorker and best positions future generations to thrive in New York City.”
Jackie Rowe-Adams, co-founder of Harlem Mothers Stop Another Violent End, noted, “Being appointed to the Charter Revision Commission alongside two other talented Black women and other deeply dedicated individuals is an honor of a lifetime and a historic moment for our city. New York City’s diversity is its strength, and we must ensure that every community is represented as we work to build a more equitable future.”
The CRC also includes several distinguished members: Ken Ngai, a law enforcement professional with experience in financial and narcotics crimes; Kyle Bragg, former president of the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ; Reverend Herbert Daughtry, a noted civil rights activist; Ruben Díaz Jr., former Bronx borough president; Lorraine Grillo, former senior advisor to Mayor Bill de Blasio and Mayor Adams’ first Deputy Mayor; Christopher B. Lynch, who served in the New York City Department of Correction’s Health Management Division; Max Rose, vice chairman of The Soufan Group; Bishop Gerald G. Seabrooks, pastor of the Rehoboth Cathedral; and Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz, senior rabbi of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun.
