Kynedei Iman Hobbs
Yusef Salaam, a member of the Exonerated 5, has achieved a significant triumph by winning the Democratic primary for a city council seat in New York. Despite initial skepticism about his candidacy, Salaam emerged victorious in a tightly contested race against experienced politicians. With his victory, Salaam secures a potential seat in the city council, symbolizing resilience and redemption in the face of adversity.
Victory At Last
Yusef Salaam, who gained national attention as a member of the Exonerated 5, has accomplished a remarkable feat by winning the Democratic primary in New York’s city council race. Salaam’s bid for political office initially faced skepticism and doubt, as many questioned his readiness for public service. However, Salaam defied expectations and emerged as a formidable candidate.
The primary race pitted Salaam against two well-known veteran politicians, Al Taylor and Inez Dickens. Despite facing established opponents, Salaam’s campaign struck a chord with voters, attracting significant support. As the votes were tallied, Salaam secured slightly under 51% of the total, positioning him for a potential victory.
Following his success, Salaam expressed gratitude and reaffirmed his purpose in a late-night statement on June 27. He stated:
“What has happened in this campaign has restored my faith in knowing that I was born for this. I am here because, Harlem, you believed in me.”
Salaam’s words reflected the significance of his journey from wrongful conviction to becoming a potential political leader.
Notable filmmaker Ava DuVernay, who documented the story of the Exonerated 5 in the series When They See Us, took to social media to celebrate Salaam’s triumph. DuVernay posted on her Instagram account, emphasizing the importance of self-identity and resilience. She praised Salaam’s rise in a city that had subjected him, his friends, and his family to injustice, expressing pride in his newfound role as Councilman Yusef Salaam:
“Don’t ever let anyone tell you who you are. They said he was a criminal. A thug. An animal. He was never that. He was always himself. And now, he is leading in the very city that abused him, his friends and his family. We’re so proud of you, Councilman Yusef Salaam. Onward!”
While Salaam’s victory in the Democratic primary is a significant achievement, he will likely secure a general election victory in a district that traditionally leans away from electing Republican candidates. Salaam’s potential election to the city council would provide a platform for him to advocate for his community and symbolize hope, redemption, and the power of personal transformation.
Updated By: Kynedei Hobbs (6/29/23 at 4:40 pm)
Exonerated 5’s Yusef Salaam To Run For New York City Council In Defiance Of Political Machine
Yusef Salaam, one of “The Exonerated Five” who were wrongfully convicted in the infamous Central Park jogger case, is now venturing into the realm of politics. Salaam is pitching a run for District 9 City Council in his hometown of Harlem NYC, aiming to bring his unique perspective and firsthand experience to the table. However, despite his personal experience fighting for social justice, questions have arisen from critics about his ability to navigate the political landscape due to his lack of governing experience.
Yusef Salaam says his decision to enter the political arena comes from a place of deep conviction. Having endured the pain of wrongful conviction and incarceration as one of the wrongfully accused rapists in the 1989 “Central Park 5” case, he believes it is crucial to have a voice in shaping policies and fighting for justice. Now, as an award-winning motivational and transformational speaker, thought leader, author and coach, Salaam is looking for a “seat at the table” in the community where he was victimized.
“What I faced may have been an extreme example, but there are countless young men in Harlem who have never been given an uplifting hand, Salaam says on his campaign website, Harlem for Yusef. Countless mothers praying their children come home. Countless families struggling to find ways to not only stay in their community, but find purpose and opportunities to thrive.”
The self-proclaimed “prison abolitionist” acknowledges his lack of professional experience but emphasizes his familiarity with the struggles faced by marginalized communities. His pitch resonates with the sentiment that his personal journey uniquely qualifies him to advocate for change.
Despite Salaam’s compelling story, some question his preparedness for the challenges of a political career. Notably, David Paterson, New York’s first black governor, raises doubts about Salaam’s ability to effectively serve as a City Council member.
“He’s got a story of victory over a horrible injustice years ago, and that’s compelling,” Patterson told The Gothamist. “However, he hasn’t lived here in a long period of time. And I haven’t heard a plan that he has to address the same issues that perhaps (candidates) Taylor and Dickens have been addressing over the past few years.”
Raising campaign funds has been an uphill battle for Salaam. While his personal story captures attention, he faces challenges from an established political machine to gain the financial support necessary for a successful campaign. With limited resources, Salaam is relying upon the power of his message and the support of those who believe in his potential.
Alongside Raymond Santana, Korey Wise, Antron McCray, and Kevin Richardson, Salaam endured years of wrongful incarceration before their exoneration. Their story, initially labeled as the Central Park Five, shook the nation and exposed flaws in the justice system. Now known as “The Exonerated Five,” their collective experience informs Salaam’s pursuit of justice and reform and was documented in the Netflix miniseries, “When They See Us.”
Yusef Salaam’s foray into politics echoes the experiences of other individuals seeking to make a difference through public service. Former rapper Doitall’s successful election to the New Jersey City Council serves as a testament to the power of personal stories and community support.
