Mayoral Race: NYC African Leaders, clergymen endorse Eric Adams

Akeem Alao

More than a dozen prominent NYC African Leaders and clergymen have endorsed Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams for the mayoral position.

While disclosing this on Tuesday January 12, 2021, a New Yorker, Sheikh Musa Drammeh, said, “Special times require the special leadership skills that Mr. Eric Adams possesses.”

Drammeh cited Adams’ ability to lead New York back from a recession and the health and public safety crises that have disproportionately impacted communities of color.

“This New York City mayoral election is the most important election in the city’s recent history, due to the ongoing pandemic, difficult economic conditions, public safety concerns and the growing political ideological divide among New Yorkers,” said Sheikh Musa Drammeh.

“After going through the backgrounds, qualifications, experiences and leadership skills needed to unify our city and overcome the daunting socioeconomic and health challenges it is facing, Mr. Eric Adams comes out on top among all other candidates running to be our next mayor.

“Special times require the special leadership skills that Mr. Eric Adams possesses. I therefore wholeheartedly support Mr. Adams to be our next mayor.”

Sheikh Musa Drammeh was joined at the endorsement event by Jennifer Onomo, Africa 56-Club; Gbenga Gbengus Subair, President, African Union Day Foundation; Alhadji Ebu Cham, Chairman, United Gambian Association; Mory Koyate, Chairman, African Immigrants Commission of NY & CT; Bishop Angelo Rosario, Chairman, Bronx Clergy Task Force; Catharine Kojo, Founder, Keymama Foundation; Marion Frampton, Chairman, TBS New Direction; Darnes Kborn Rivers, Chairman, I am My Community, Inc.; Khady Diaby, Founder, Mother Association Keita Organization (MAKO); Al Quattlebaum, President, See Us Rise Above; Shireena Drammeh, Executive Director, Islamic Cultural Center of North America; Robert Fields Jackson; Imam Souleymane Konate, Chairman, African Imams Council; and Sadio Barry, President, Senegalese Association; Adja Ramatu Ahmed, Founer, Africa Center Life; Mr. Diounedou Titikpina, Founder, African People Alliance and Abdoulaye Cisse, Founder, BABA, Inc.

“I am so proud to have the support of the city’s African leaders and clergy for my campaign for mayor,” Adams said.

“New York needs immediate action and bold leadership to stop the spread of COVID-19, turn around our economy, and reverse declines in public safety–and it is the people of color represented by these leaders today who will suffer the most if we do not.

“I know the struggles of New Yorkers because I have lived them. I will continue to fight for the underserved and forgotten communities in New York when I am in City Hall, just as I have as Borough President and throughout my life.”

Adams has been endorsed by a diverse group of local elected officials and leaders already, including Bronx Deputy Borough President and longtime Assembly Member Aurelia Greene, Sen. Roxanne Persaud, Assembly Member Jaime WIlliams and Council Members Laurie Cumbo, Daneek Miller, Ydanis Rodriguez and Darma Diaz.