FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900

BROOKLYN, NYCouncil Member Farah Louis (D-Brooklyn), Vice Co-Chair of the Black Latino and Asian Caucus (BLAC), released the following statement after Meisha Porter became the first Black woman to serve as the New York City Schools Chancellor.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“In every community throughout the City of New York, HERstory is being made as women of color continue to persist against the racial and gender barriers that have hindered our career advancement. The historic appointment of Meisha Porter as Chancellor of the nation’s largest public school system, the first Black woman to hold this post, is a clarion call that we must create more opportunities for cultural and gender representation in leadership roles. It is not enough to acknowledge our contributions during February and March; we must engage in year-round conversations about championing racial and gender equity. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the gravity of the disparities in our schools and families disconnected due to the lack of access to computers and the internet. As we commemorate the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 case, a pandemic that devastated families and school communities, we need strong and experienced leadership at the helm. I look forward to working with Schools Chancellor Porter to support our students, families, educators, and administrators. Together, we can close the achievement gaps, promote student success, and increase safety for every individual who enters a school building,” said Council Member Farah N. Louis, a member of the Committee on Education.

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which comprises Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

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