AWARDEE BIO

Eric Adams, the 110th Mayor of New York City, has dedicated his life to public service and fighting for a fairer, safer, and healthier city. A lifelong New Yorker, he grew up in Brownsville and South Jamaica, raised by a single mother who worked as a house cleaner. Overcoming adversity, including a teenage encounter with police brutality, Adams turned his pain into purpose — choosing to transform the NYPD from within.

He served for over two decades in the department, rising to the rank of captain. As a founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, Adams became one of the NYPD's most outspoken reformers, challenging racism and bias while advocating for fairness and accountability. He also helped develop the city's first computerized crime-tracking system, a breakthrough that led to historic improvements in public safety.

Adams went on to represent Brooklyn as a New York State Senator, where he championed landmark reforms — from protecting tenants and workers to ending abusive stop-and-frisk practices, advancing human rights, and combating gun violence. In 2013, he made history as the first Black Brooklyn Borough President, building broad coalitions to strengthen schools, grow the economy, reduce inequality, and improve public safety.

As Mayor, Adams is leading efforts to revive New York City's economy, enhance public safety, and expand opportunities for working families. A national leader on public health, he reversed his Type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes and now champions preventative care citywide. Adams lives in Bedford-Stuyvesant and is the proud father of Jordan.