Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams
@advocate.nyc.gov
Official account for the Office of New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. For assistance, call 212-669-7250 or email gethelp@advocate.nyc.gov.
Pinned
Everyone should be horrified by what's happening at immigration court proceedings.
All New Yorkers of faith, and of conscience, must do everything they can to stop the harm and bear witness.
These ICE abductions are completely devoid of humanity, compassion, and due process.
All New Yorkers of faith, and of conscience, must do everything they can to stop the harm and bear witness.
These ICE abductions are completely devoid of humanity, compassion, and due process.
Afrikana's Adama Bah and her family could rely on a community of New Yorkers when her aunt was unlawfully detained. But no family should have to go through this.
Just like today, when Ms. Diallo was released, we will fight, and we will win. Trump's America will not be sustained.
Just like today, when Ms. Diallo was released, we will fight, and we will win. Trump's America will not be sustained.
Families Belong Together
YouTube video by New York City Public Advocate
youtube.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Afrikana's Adama Bah and her family could rely on a community of New Yorkers when her aunt was unlawfully detained. But no family should have to go through this.
Just like today, when Ms. Diallo was released, we will fight, and we will win. Trump's America will not be sustained.
Just like today, when Ms. Diallo was released, we will fight, and we will win. Trump's America will not be sustained.
Families belong together.
We stood united today to ensure the release of the aunt of Afrikana's Adama Bah, Aissatou Diallo, a beloved community and family member.
Thankfully, she was released this morning—as should all others who were unlawfully abducted and detained.
We stood united today to ensure the release of the aunt of Afrikana's Adama Bah, Aissatou Diallo, a beloved community and family member.
Thankfully, she was released this morning—as should all others who were unlawfully abducted and detained.
December 5, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Families belong together.
We stood united today to ensure the release of the aunt of Afrikana's Adama Bah, Aissatou Diallo, a beloved community and family member.
Thankfully, she was released this morning—as should all others who were unlawfully abducted and detained.
We stood united today to ensure the release of the aunt of Afrikana's Adama Bah, Aissatou Diallo, a beloved community and family member.
Thankfully, she was released this morning—as should all others who were unlawfully abducted and detained.
ICE is irreparably harming children by separating families.
But even in ICE detention, parents and legal guardians should be able to make decisions about their children's care and custody.
Learn about the rights parents have, from the Center for Law and Social Policy and @nilc.org:
But even in ICE detention, parents and legal guardians should be able to make decisions about their children's care and custody.
Learn about the rights parents have, from the Center for Law and Social Policy and @nilc.org:
Know Your Rights: Five Things Parents Detained by ICE Should Know | CLASP
We know that ICE does not always honor people’s rights. However, below are five things to know about your parental rights under the policy and how to ask for them.
www.clasp.org
December 5, 2025 at 4:12 PM
ICE is irreparably harming children by separating families.
But even in ICE detention, parents and legal guardians should be able to make decisions about their children's care and custody.
Learn about the rights parents have, from the Center for Law and Social Policy and @nilc.org:
But even in ICE detention, parents and legal guardians should be able to make decisions about their children's care and custody.
Learn about the rights parents have, from the Center for Law and Social Policy and @nilc.org:
"If this incident doesn’t rise to the level of potential conviction on any criminal charges, that in itself is an indictment of the standards for any accountability in a police shooting – that in itself is an injustice."
Statement on the Win Rozario case:
Statement on the Win Rozario case:
NYC Public Advocate's Statement on the Attorney General's Decision Not to Pursue Charges in The Killing of Win Rozario
Press Release, December 4th, 2025
advocate.nyc.gov
December 5, 2025 at 12:04 AM
"If this incident doesn’t rise to the level of potential conviction on any criminal charges, that in itself is an indictment of the standards for any accountability in a police shooting – that in itself is an injustice."
Statement on the Win Rozario case:
Statement on the Win Rozario case:
Sweeps do not solve homelessness; instead, they destabilize and retraumatize New Yorkers who already face enormous barriers.
Today, Deputy Public Advocate for Housing Equity Julissa Gonzalez joined advocates with lived experience to demand NYC stop the sweeps and adopt a housing-first approach.
Today, Deputy Public Advocate for Housing Equity Julissa Gonzalez joined advocates with lived experience to demand NYC stop the sweeps and adopt a housing-first approach.
December 4, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Sweeps do not solve homelessness; instead, they destabilize and retraumatize New Yorkers who already face enormous barriers.
Today, Deputy Public Advocate for Housing Equity Julissa Gonzalez joined advocates with lived experience to demand NYC stop the sweeps and adopt a housing-first approach.
Today, Deputy Public Advocate for Housing Equity Julissa Gonzalez joined advocates with lived experience to demand NYC stop the sweeps and adopt a housing-first approach.
ICE claims it "does not separate families" but anyone who's spent time inside 26 Federal Plaza knows that's a cruel lie.
Now, six-year-old asylum seeker Yuanxin has been separated from his father, held at an undisclosed location.
Release them both now.
Now, six-year-old asylum seeker Yuanxin has been separated from his father, held at an undisclosed location.
Release them both now.
Father and 6-year-old son allegedly detained and separated by ICE
Fei Zheng reported for a routine immigration check-in.
ny1.com
December 4, 2025 at 4:54 PM
ICE claims it "does not separate families" but anyone who's spent time inside 26 Federal Plaza knows that's a cruel lie.
Now, six-year-old asylum seeker Yuanxin has been separated from his father, held at an undisclosed location.
Release them both now.
Now, six-year-old asylum seeker Yuanxin has been separated from his father, held at an undisclosed location.
Release them both now.
Workers help our city run; that includes the baristas who fuel our days.
Hear from our office's Deputy Public Advocate Kennedy, Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social, and @sanders.senate.gov on what's at stake in the @sbworkersunited.org strike against unfair labor practices.
#NoContractNoCoffee
Hear from our office's Deputy Public Advocate Kennedy, Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social, and @sanders.senate.gov on what's at stake in the @sbworkersunited.org strike against unfair labor practices.
#NoContractNoCoffee
Starbucks Workers United Picket Line
YouTube video by New York City Public Advocate
youtube.com
December 3, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Workers help our city run; that includes the baristas who fuel our days.
Hear from our office's Deputy Public Advocate Kennedy, Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social, and @sanders.senate.gov on what's at stake in the @sbworkersunited.org strike against unfair labor practices.
#NoContractNoCoffee
Hear from our office's Deputy Public Advocate Kennedy, Mayor-elect @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social, and @sanders.senate.gov on what's at stake in the @sbworkersunited.org strike against unfair labor practices.
#NoContractNoCoffee
The Public Advocate called for passage of his bill, Intro 407-A, to increase transparency in the co-op sales and management process.
For too long, a complicated, nebulous, and opaque co-op process has left open the possibility for discrimination. More: advocate.nyc.gov/press/nyc-pu...
For too long, a complicated, nebulous, and opaque co-op process has left open the possibility for discrimination. More: advocate.nyc.gov/press/nyc-pu...
December 2, 2025 at 8:53 PM
The Public Advocate called for passage of his bill, Intro 407-A, to increase transparency in the co-op sales and management process.
For too long, a complicated, nebulous, and opaque co-op process has left open the possibility for discrimination. More: advocate.nyc.gov/press/nyc-pu...
For too long, a complicated, nebulous, and opaque co-op process has left open the possibility for discrimination. More: advocate.nyc.gov/press/nyc-pu...
From Canal Street to Sunset Park, the message is the same: #HandsOffNYC.
New Yorkers will always step up when ICE tries to kidnap and abuse the rights of our neighbors.
Find resources for learning your rights and protecting yourself and your loved ones: advocate.nyc.gov/blog/resourc...
New Yorkers will always step up when ICE tries to kidnap and abuse the rights of our neighbors.
Find resources for learning your rights and protecting yourself and your loved ones: advocate.nyc.gov/blog/resourc...
December 2, 2025 at 5:35 PM
From Canal Street to Sunset Park, the message is the same: #HandsOffNYC.
New Yorkers will always step up when ICE tries to kidnap and abuse the rights of our neighbors.
Find resources for learning your rights and protecting yourself and your loved ones: advocate.nyc.gov/blog/resourc...
New Yorkers will always step up when ICE tries to kidnap and abuse the rights of our neighbors.
Find resources for learning your rights and protecting yourself and your loved ones: advocate.nyc.gov/blog/resourc...
What do New Yorkers love even more than coffee? Solidarity.
Deputy Public Advocate Elizabeth Kennedy was proud to join the @sbworkersunited.org picket line.
Learn about the strike demands, take the pledge, or join a picket line near you: nocontractnocoffee.org
#NoContractNoCoffee
Deputy Public Advocate Elizabeth Kennedy was proud to join the @sbworkersunited.org picket line.
Learn about the strike demands, take the pledge, or join a picket line near you: nocontractnocoffee.org
#NoContractNoCoffee
December 2, 2025 at 4:09 PM
What do New Yorkers love even more than coffee? Solidarity.
Deputy Public Advocate Elizabeth Kennedy was proud to join the @sbworkersunited.org picket line.
Learn about the strike demands, take the pledge, or join a picket line near you: nocontractnocoffee.org
#NoContractNoCoffee
Deputy Public Advocate Elizabeth Kennedy was proud to join the @sbworkersunited.org picket line.
Learn about the strike demands, take the pledge, or join a picket line near you: nocontractnocoffee.org
#NoContractNoCoffee
When the headlines end, it doesn't mean the suffering has gone away.
Our support for the Caribbean communities hit hard by Hurricane Melissa must be ongoing. One way for New Yorkers to pitch in and celebrate culture: the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert.
🇯🇲 More:
go.ubsarena.com/3WN2nsW
Our support for the Caribbean communities hit hard by Hurricane Melissa must be ongoing. One way for New Yorkers to pitch in and celebrate culture: the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert.
🇯🇲 More:
go.ubsarena.com/3WN2nsW
December 1, 2025 at 11:16 PM
When the headlines end, it doesn't mean the suffering has gone away.
Our support for the Caribbean communities hit hard by Hurricane Melissa must be ongoing. One way for New Yorkers to pitch in and celebrate culture: the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert.
🇯🇲 More:
go.ubsarena.com/3WN2nsW
Our support for the Caribbean communities hit hard by Hurricane Melissa must be ongoing. One way for New Yorkers to pitch in and celebrate culture: the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert.
🇯🇲 More:
go.ubsarena.com/3WN2nsW
Unfair labor practices will cost you in New York City.
This agreement with @hellodcwp.bsky.social is a win—for the 15,000 New Yorkers wronged by Starbucks, and for this union town as a whole.
Note: @sbworkersunited.org is still asking folks not to cross the picket line.
This agreement with @hellodcwp.bsky.social is a win—for the 15,000 New Yorkers wronged by Starbucks, and for this union town as a whole.
Note: @sbworkersunited.org is still asking folks not to cross the picket line.
Starbucks to pay about $35M to NYC workers to settle claims it violated labor law
New York City officials say Starbucks will pay about $35 million to more than 15,000 New York City workers to settle claims it denied them stable schedules and arbitrarily cut their hours.
apnews.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Unfair labor practices will cost you in New York City.
This agreement with @hellodcwp.bsky.social is a win—for the 15,000 New Yorkers wronged by Starbucks, and for this union town as a whole.
Note: @sbworkersunited.org is still asking folks not to cross the picket line.
This agreement with @hellodcwp.bsky.social is a win—for the 15,000 New Yorkers wronged by Starbucks, and for this union town as a whole.
Note: @sbworkersunited.org is still asking folks not to cross the picket line.
Funding cuts kill.
We stand by the advocates who are fighting back against federal spending cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and research.
The 2025 theme of #WorldAIDSDay, "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response" is a call to resist—in order to save lives.
We stand by the advocates who are fighting back against federal spending cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and research.
The 2025 theme of #WorldAIDSDay, "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response" is a call to resist—in order to save lives.
December 1, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Funding cuts kill.
We stand by the advocates who are fighting back against federal spending cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and research.
The 2025 theme of #WorldAIDSDay, "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response" is a call to resist—in order to save lives.
We stand by the advocates who are fighting back against federal spending cuts to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and research.
The 2025 theme of #WorldAIDSDay, "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response" is a call to resist—in order to save lives.
New Yorkers—and New York City government—can uplift Black businesses on Black Friday, and the many Minority and Women-Owned Businesses in NYC.
This week, the Public Advocate stressed how we as New Yorkers, and as a City, can support diverse M/WBEs.
This week, the Public Advocate stressed how we as New Yorkers, and as a City, can support diverse M/WBEs.
New Yorkers Asked to Rally Behind M/WBE Small Businesses
The Public Advocate is urging stronger support and fairer contracts for women- and minority-owned small businesses.
www.bkreader.com
November 28, 2025 at 10:02 PM
New Yorkers—and New York City government—can uplift Black businesses on Black Friday, and the many Minority and Women-Owned Businesses in NYC.
This week, the Public Advocate stressed how we as New Yorkers, and as a City, can support diverse M/WBEs.
This week, the Public Advocate stressed how we as New Yorkers, and as a City, can support diverse M/WBEs.
"This weekend, between Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, New Yorkers will spend a lot of money—let’s work to spend it in our communities, seeking out and supporting M/WBEs as we decide, with our dollars, the kind of economy we want to build."
More: www.advocate.nyc.gov/reports/dive...
More: www.advocate.nyc.gov/reports/dive...
November 28, 2025 at 8:19 PM
"This weekend, between Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, New Yorkers will spend a lot of money—let’s work to spend it in our communities, seeking out and supporting M/WBEs as we decide, with our dollars, the kind of economy we want to build."
More: www.advocate.nyc.gov/reports/dive...
More: www.advocate.nyc.gov/reports/dive...
Never forget that we are on native land.
In a time when diversity is villainized and assimilation is touted, honoring the richness of our past and present is vital.
We wish all New Yorkers a meaningful Native American Heritage Day in Lenapehoking.
In a time when diversity is villainized and assimilation is touted, honoring the richness of our past and present is vital.
We wish all New Yorkers a meaningful Native American Heritage Day in Lenapehoking.
November 28, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Never forget that we are on native land.
In a time when diversity is villainized and assimilation is touted, honoring the richness of our past and present is vital.
We wish all New Yorkers a meaningful Native American Heritage Day in Lenapehoking.
In a time when diversity is villainized and assimilation is touted, honoring the richness of our past and present is vital.
We wish all New Yorkers a meaningful Native American Heritage Day in Lenapehoking.
Sarah Beckstrom, just 20 years old, has passed away after this violent attack.
We pray for the survival of her fellow Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe.
Such a tragic act can never be cynically weaponized with xenophobic rhetoric and policies, which compound harm and deepen hate.
We pray for the survival of her fellow Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe.
Such a tragic act can never be cynically weaponized with xenophobic rhetoric and policies, which compound harm and deepen hate.
Our thoughts are with the two service members shot in the capital today.
As we wait to learn more about this gun violence, we pray for their recovery, for their fellow Guardsmen, and for the community in Washington, D.C.
As we wait to learn more about this gun violence, we pray for their recovery, for their fellow Guardsmen, and for the community in Washington, D.C.
Live Updates: Two National Guard Members in Critical Condition After Shooting Near White House
www.nytimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Sarah Beckstrom, just 20 years old, has passed away after this violent attack.
We pray for the survival of her fellow Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe.
Such a tragic act can never be cynically weaponized with xenophobic rhetoric and policies, which compound harm and deepen hate.
We pray for the survival of her fellow Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe.
Such a tragic act can never be cynically weaponized with xenophobic rhetoric and policies, which compound harm and deepen hate.
"Happy Thanksgiving to New York City, the homeland of the Lenape people. I hope it is a day of bounty and blessings for all, with hearts and tables full, as we spend time with those dearest to us."
Read the Public Advocate's Thanksgiving statement: advocate.nyc.gov/press/nyc-pu...
Read the Public Advocate's Thanksgiving statement: advocate.nyc.gov/press/nyc-pu...
November 27, 2025 at 5:13 PM
"Happy Thanksgiving to New York City, the homeland of the Lenape people. I hope it is a day of bounty and blessings for all, with hearts and tables full, as we spend time with those dearest to us."
Read the Public Advocate's Thanksgiving statement: advocate.nyc.gov/press/nyc-pu...
Read the Public Advocate's Thanksgiving statement: advocate.nyc.gov/press/nyc-pu...
Our thoughts are with the two service members shot in the capital today.
As we wait to learn more about this gun violence, we pray for their recovery, for their fellow Guardsmen, and for the community in Washington, D.C.
As we wait to learn more about this gun violence, we pray for their recovery, for their fellow Guardsmen, and for the community in Washington, D.C.
Live Updates: Two National Guard Members in Critical Condition After Shooting Near White House
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Our thoughts are with the two service members shot in the capital today.
As we wait to learn more about this gun violence, we pray for their recovery, for their fellow Guardsmen, and for the community in Washington, D.C.
As we wait to learn more about this gun violence, we pray for their recovery, for their fellow Guardsmen, and for the community in Washington, D.C.
Many thanks to @nytransitmuseum.bsky.social for sharing NYC’s transit story with our team.
If you hope to understand the past, present, and future of mass transportation, make the New York Transit Museum your first stop.
The final destination: accessible, affordable public transit for all.
If you hope to understand the past, present, and future of mass transportation, make the New York Transit Museum your first stop.
The final destination: accessible, affordable public transit for all.
November 26, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Many thanks to @nytransitmuseum.bsky.social for sharing NYC’s transit story with our team.
If you hope to understand the past, present, and future of mass transportation, make the New York Transit Museum your first stop.
The final destination: accessible, affordable public transit for all.
If you hope to understand the past, present, and future of mass transportation, make the New York Transit Museum your first stop.
The final destination: accessible, affordable public transit for all.
M/WBEs often face systemic barriers, in contrast with big businesses and megacorporations.
Today the Public Advocate spoke with some of these entrepreneurs in Industry City, alongside the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how New York City can better uplift #SmallBiz.
Today the Public Advocate spoke with some of these entrepreneurs in Industry City, alongside the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how New York City can better uplift #SmallBiz.
November 25, 2025 at 10:14 PM
M/WBEs often face systemic barriers, in contrast with big businesses and megacorporations.
Today the Public Advocate spoke with some of these entrepreneurs in Industry City, alongside the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how New York City can better uplift #SmallBiz.
Today the Public Advocate spoke with some of these entrepreneurs in Industry City, alongside the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how New York City can better uplift #SmallBiz.
Days before Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, the Public Advocate released a new report on supporting small, diverse New York City businesses.
This comes as many business owners prepare for the holiday shopping season and new administration. More:
This comes as many business owners prepare for the holiday shopping season and new administration. More:
Diverse Entrepreneurial Inclusion: Public Advocate Releases ‘DEI’ Report On Supporting Minority-Owned Businesses Ahead Of Small Business Saturday
Press Release, November 25th, 2025
advocate.nyc.gov
November 25, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Days before Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, the Public Advocate released a new report on supporting small, diverse New York City businesses.
This comes as many business owners prepare for the holiday shopping season and new administration. More:
This comes as many business owners prepare for the holiday shopping season and new administration. More:
"Don't let them bury my story."
Rest in power to Viola Ford Fletcher, who spent years fighting for justice for all those harmed by the Tulsa Race Massacre—from 1921 to the present day.
We owe it to Fletcher to remember and to right these brutal wrongs.
Rest in power to Viola Ford Fletcher, who spent years fighting for justice for all those harmed by the Tulsa Race Massacre—from 1921 to the present day.
We owe it to Fletcher to remember and to right these brutal wrongs.
Viola Ford Fletcher, one of last survivors of Tulsa race massacre, dies aged 111
Fletcher spent years pushing for justice after deadly racial attack on thriving Black Oklahoma community in 1921
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:02 PM
"Don't let them bury my story."
Rest in power to Viola Ford Fletcher, who spent years fighting for justice for all those harmed by the Tulsa Race Massacre—from 1921 to the present day.
We owe it to Fletcher to remember and to right these brutal wrongs.
Rest in power to Viola Ford Fletcher, who spent years fighting for justice for all those harmed by the Tulsa Race Massacre—from 1921 to the present day.
We owe it to Fletcher to remember and to right these brutal wrongs.
"The Trumped-up charges against Attorney General James have thankfully been dismissed...This should send a powerful message about the ability to stand up to Donald Trump’s abuses, not capitulate to them."
Statement on the dismissed case against @newyorkstateag.bsky.social:
Statement on the dismissed case against @newyorkstateag.bsky.social:
NYC Public Advocate's Statement On The Dismissal Of Case Against Attorney General Letitia James
Press Release, November 24th, 2025
advocate.nyc.gov
November 24, 2025 at 9:21 PM
"The Trumped-up charges against Attorney General James have thankfully been dismissed...This should send a powerful message about the ability to stand up to Donald Trump’s abuses, not capitulate to them."
Statement on the dismissed case against @newyorkstateag.bsky.social:
Statement on the dismissed case against @newyorkstateag.bsky.social:
We hope NYC will soon take a new direction for mental health. Instead of relying on criminal and carceral tactics, we'll invest in a long-term continuum of care.
Exciting to see that in action at Community Access' Howie the Harp Advocacy Center. Read our new report: advocate.nyc.gov/reports/ment...
Exciting to see that in action at Community Access' Howie the Harp Advocacy Center. Read our new report: advocate.nyc.gov/reports/ment...
Mental Health Updates 2025 Report
YouTube video by New York City Public Advocate
youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:22 PM
We hope NYC will soon take a new direction for mental health. Instead of relying on criminal and carceral tactics, we'll invest in a long-term continuum of care.
Exciting to see that in action at Community Access' Howie the Harp Advocacy Center. Read our new report: advocate.nyc.gov/reports/ment...
Exciting to see that in action at Community Access' Howie the Harp Advocacy Center. Read our new report: advocate.nyc.gov/reports/ment...