2026 PathMakers to Peace Recipient: Public Advocate Jumaane Williams

Jumaane D. Williams is the Public Advocate of New York City and previously represented Brooklyn’s 45th District on the NYC Council. A first-generation Brooklynite of Grenadian heritage, he began his career as a community organizer and later led NYS Tenants & Neighbors, advocating for truly affordable, income-targeted housing across New York City and State.

In the NYC Council, Jumaane championed landmark legislation to transform policing, including the Community Safety Act, which addressed abuses of Stop, Question & Frisk and created the NYPD’s Office of Inspector General. As Co-Chair of the Council’s Task Force to Combat Gun Violence, he helped establish New York’s Crisis Management System, funding community-based groups working to reduce shootings.

As Public Advocate, Jumaane continues to fight for safer streets, affordable housing, and greater transparency and accountability in City government, while bringing the voices of everyday New Yorkers to City Hall. On September 18, 2025, alongside dozens of demonstrators and other elected officials during an anti-ICE protest at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan.