The campaign of Yasmin H. Cornelius for New York City Council District 9, which has surged in recent weeks after endorsements by The New York Times, Citizens Union Foundation, and New
York State Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell, has received the endorsement of the influential Reverend Calvin O. Butts III, senior pastor of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in
Harlem.
"I have been very impressed by the decency, ability, and integrity of this woman of vision. I give Yasmin Cornelius my full support," said Rev. Butts, praising Ms. Cornelius as the right
leader for the future of the District. "I know our community will be well served by Yasmin."
This landmark race for District 9 - representing communities in Harlem, the Upper West Side, and Morningside Heights - draws a deep dividing line between the Harlem of yesterday and
today. Not since the days of Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. have the stakes and expectations been so high. Ms. Cornelius distinguished herself early and often from the other seven
candidates by riding an increasing wave of community support and capturing dozens of key endorsements including 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement, PRIDE Democrats, The League of Conservation
Voters, and Kenyatta Punter, Chairman of the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board.
"Yasmin Cornelius is an outstanding leader . . .," Mr. Punter said. "She understands the 9th Councilmanic District better than anyone and is truly the best person qualified to represent
the people."
As the current District Manager for Community Board 10, responsible for implementing policies to improve delivery of New York City services to Harlem and the Upper West Side, Ms.
Cornelius practically already does the job for which she seeks to be elected. This latest vote of confidence from Rev. Butts is especially significant to Ms. Cornelius, whose campaign
addresses specific housing, health, education and economic development issues.
"Rev. Butts is the senior minister in Harlem, and his stature is international. I look forward to working with him," said Ms. Cornelius. "I'm feeling the momentum in the streets, in
restaurants, in beauty parlors, wherever people are gathering. It's very encouraging. I'm thankful that my record of accomplishment has been recognized with such warm and enthusiastic
support."
As District Manager, Ms. Cornelius spearheaded the recent completion of Community Board 10's written document (197 A Plan) to establish a long-term community development plan for Harlem.
A lifelong Harlem resident, wife, and mother, she is well known in Harlem and surrounding communities as an accomplished champion for the human struggle - parents' rights, tenants'
rights, environmental justice, and economic development. She produces and co-hosts "Harlem 411," a public access radio show on WHCR, Harlem Community Radio. She has worked for C. Virginia
Fields from her stint as Councilwoman to Manhattan Borough President and served as Manhattan Coordinator on Ruth Messenger's Mayoral Campaign. Ms. Cornelius is the past President of the
Mid-Manhattan Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and previous 1st Vice President of Community School Board Three.