Remaining NYC mayoral hopefuls court Black women voters at Harlem's Apollo Theater in Harlem

"On Monday evening at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York City's last-standing mayoral candidates-Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa-took the stage to address their plans to meet the needs of Black women in New York should they take on the role. New York's mayoral election has captured global attention, with an international audience deeply invested in the outcome after newcomer and current state assemblyman Mamdani beat former governor Cuomo as the Democratic nominee in June."

"The event was organized by The Links, Incorporated, an international service nonprofit for African American women; Higher Heights Leadership Fund; the National Action Network; the National Urban League; and the New York Urban League, and took place at the Apollo Stages at the Victoria where it was open to the public. "The importance of our voices in today's world is crucial," said Jamila Beckford, president of the Greater Bronx chapter of The Links, Incorporated"

"The group tapped NY1 news anchor Cheryl Willis to interview each mayoral candidate on how they intended to address various issues as they are uniquely experienced by Black women-particularly topics related to healthcare, domestic violence, entrepreneurial efforts, and the workforce. Interestingly, the forum was devoid of face-to-face contact between the candidates: They were individually brought before the audience to participate in a series of 20-minute-long interviews."

Three mayoral candidates — Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa — spoke at the Apollo Theater in Harlem about policies to meet Black women's needs. The forum occurred after Mayor Eric Adams withdrew his reelection bid and drew heightened public interest. The event was organized by The Links, Incorporated; Higher Heights Leadership Fund; the National Action Network; and the National and New York Urban Leagues and was open to the public. Cheryl Willis of NY1 conducted individual 20-minute interviews focusing on healthcare, domestic violence, entrepreneurship, workforce, and housing. The candidates appeared separately rather than engaging face-to-face. Sliwa proposed opening 8,000 unoccupied NYCHA apartments as a housing solution.

Read at Fast Company