New Harlem Councilmember Yusef Salaam was officially sworn into office last week. His inauguration was attended by heavy hitters.
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“Prayer and work helps change things,” said Sharon Salaam, Councilmember Salaam’s mother. At the podium, she emotionally recalled the moments she found out that her son and his friends had been falsely arrested duringin 1989. She dutifully worked to free her son and his friends, now known as the Exonerated Six, with overturned convictions.
“I just texted a childhood friend and told him I was here. He and I were stopped together two years after your prosecution on 137th Street. Police officers, SWAT team pulled one of our friends out and put a gun to his temple for about five minutes,” said Bragg. “They claimed we had stabbed someone in Central Park and we knew what that meant, that was intentional. So we talk about turning your pain into purpose, you’ve done it for so many other people.
Adams, the former chair of the public safety committee, was proud to appoint Salaam the current chair of public safety this year. Salaam oversaw his first“Yuseeeef!” exclaimed Public Advocate Jumaane Williams from the podium in proper Brooklynite fashion. Williams had testified at the public safety hearing a few days prior, noting the incredible providence that had led Salaam to his position. “That’s an amazing man. That’s amazing.
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