VIDA Hosts NYC Democratic Mayoral Forum
Brooklyn, NY – On Wednesday, April 23, The Vanguard Independent Democratic Association (VIDA), in collaboration with several Black-led political clubs and community organizations, hosted The Black Agenda | 2025 NYC Democratic Mayoral Forum, a landmark event focused on the future of Black communities across New York City. Held at the historic Medgar Evers College, the forum brought together leading Democratic mayoral candidates to directly address key issues affecting Black New Yorkers and share their visions for equity, justice, and inclusive progress.
Moderated by Emmy Award-winning journalist Ayana Harry, the forum provided a powerful and engaging platform for candidates to speak to the priorities of Black New Yorkers. With pointed, thoughtful questions, Harry guided a robust conversation on public safety, housing, education, economic justice, healthcare equity, and systemic reform.
The event drew a strong turnout of community leaders, grassroots organizers, youth activists, and local residents, all eager to hear how candidates would respond to The Black Agenda—a collective call for bold policy commitments centered on the needs of Black communities across the five boroughs.
Mayoral candidates included: Adrienne Adams, Michael Blake, Andrew Cuomo, Brad Lander, Zohran Mamdani, Zellnor Myrie, Jessica Ramos, and Scott Stringer. Each candidate presented their vision for a more just and inclusive New York City, with a specific emphasis on how their policies would center and uplift Black communities.
Candidates detailed their plans to invest in Black neighborhoods, close racial wealth gaps, expand affordable housing, and address long-standing disparities in health and opportunity, while being held accountable by the community for real, measurable change.
The forum concluded with a resounding call to action: for voters to stay informed, engaged, and organized. As the 2025 mayoral race intensifies, The Black Agenda will remain a powerful standard for evaluating leadership and demanding justice-driven policy for all New Yorkers.
About VIDA
The Vanguard Independent Democratic Association (VIDA) is Brooklyn’s longest-running Black Democratic club, dedicated to advancing political empowerment, civic engagement, and leadership within our community. As a nonpartisan hub for education, advocacy, and mentorship, VIDA nurtures the next generation of leaders while championing policies that promote equity, justice, and opportunity. From hosting forums with elected officials to organizing voter education initiatives, VIDA is committed to ensuring that every voice in our community is heard, represented, and valued.