In 2022, American politician Nantasha Williams began representing the 27th District on the New York City Council, which covers part of southeastern Queens. The Democrat has dedicated her life to serving marginalized people. She devotes much of her efforts to community activism, with a particular focus on issues affecting girls and women. Williams has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to criminal justice reform, combating gun violence and addressing economic and racial inequality. Read more on queensyes.com.
Education
Nantasha Williams was born on March 29, 1988, in Queens. Raised by a single mother who worked as a social worker, Williams learned the importance of hard work and fighting to improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of her community at an early age.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Public Administration degree from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the State University of New York. Williams chose the Graduate Center of the City University of New York for her doctoral program.
Career
Nantasha Williams began her political career by holding a number of positions in the office of New York State Assemblywoman Diana Richardson. She was promoted to a chief position. Williams was also appointed executive director of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus. By the way, caucuses in the United States are a series of local party meetings. In 2016, Nantasha Williams unsuccessfully ran for the 33rd Assembly District of New York (southeastern Queens). Clyde Vanel won the election. In 2022, Williams began representing the 27th District on the New York City Council.
Achievements
During her first year on the City Council, Nantasha Williams helped pass a landmark law requiring salary disclosure in job postings in New York City. This transparency helped the city achieve fair pay, especially for women and people of color, who are often disproportionately affected by economic inequality. She has also secured significant investments for her district, such as funding for the reconstruction of a local park or the revitalization of a playground damaged by Hurricane Ida. Williams also helped create the Jamaica and Hollis Neighborhoods Development Plan. The plan provides for more affordable housing and investments to improve the quality of life in these parts of Queens. She also initiated a bill aimed at solving the long-standing problem of groundwater flooding that has plagued residents of southeastern Queens.
As chair of the Committee on Civil and Human Rights, Williams helped pass legislation requiring New York City to provide certain training. It provides training to employees, interns, independent contractors and volunteers of city agencies about racism and racial discrimination. According to legislative requirements, every city employee is required to undergo such training at least once a year.
In addition, the politician participated in other committees. She cared about the economic development of the community, the general well-being of its residents and their mental health; cared for people with disabilities and addictions; promoted the development of transportation, infrastructure and services for youth; paid attention to proper safety oversight and effective investigations; emphasized the importance of sanitation and solid waste management.
Community leader
Williams is a true community leader and advocate for social justice. Her policy priorities include economic opportunity, youth development, affordable housing and senior citizen protection. Her mission is to serve the residents of Queens with dedication and improve their lives.
The politician has become famous as a defender of the rights of all people, especially women. She has actively advocated for racial equality in New York State, as well as in other parts of the United States and the world. Williams helped organize one of the largest demonstrations in American history, the Women’s March. This large-scale feminist protest took place in the US capital, Washington, D.C. in 2017, the day after the inauguration of the 45th President of the country, Donald Trump. Protesters opposed the new administration and its policies on immigration, the environment and women’s rights. Similar marches were held in 600 other American cities.
Williams accelerated the trial related to Breonna Taylor, an African-American woman who was shot and killed by police on March 13, 2020. She also served on the board of Life Camp Inc., a program that aims to reduce gang violence and gun violence. To engage women in politics, Williams founded the Black Women’s Political Caucus in New York City in 2019. Its mission is to pave the way for greater political power for women of color.