This article explores the life and political journey of Eric Adams, the 110th Mayor of New York City. Discover his difficult childhood, career in law enforcement, and political achievements below on manhattanyes.
Early Life
Eric Leroy Adams, born on September 1, 1960, in New York City, grew up in poverty as the fourth of six children. His parents, Dorothy Mae Adams-Streeter, a house cleaner, and Leroy Adams, a butcher, struggled to provide stability for the family. Adams often faced challenging conditions, including evictions, and sometimes carried clothes to school in case of sudden displacement.
During his youth, Eric joined the “7-Crowns” gang and later experienced police brutality after an arrest. This incident fueled his determination to become a police officer and reform the system. He graduated from Bayside High School and pursued further education at the New York City College of Technology and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, working simultaneously at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
Career in Law Enforcement
After completing his studies, Adams joined the New York City Transit Police and later served in the NYPD, working in various precincts, including Greenwich Village and Fort Greene. He became a prominent advocate for racial equity within law enforcement, serving as president of the Grand Council of Guardians and co-founding “100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care,” which challenged police brutality and racial profiling.
Political Beginnings
In the 1990s, Adams began envisioning a political career, consulting with political mentor William “Bill” Lynch Jr. In 2006, he successfully ran for the New York State Senate, representing Brooklyn’s 20th District. During his tenure, he focused on issues such as affordable housing, public safety, and criminal justice reform. Adams served four terms until 2013, when he was elected Brooklyn Borough President, a role he held until 2021.
Mayorship
Eric Adams announced his candidacy for New York City mayor on November 17, 2020. His campaign prioritized crime reduction, public safety, tax credits for low-income families, school investments, and housing improvements. Adams officially assumed office on January 1, 2022.
Adams’ tenure has been marked by both accomplishments and controversies. Critics accused him of nepotism for appointing his brother to the NYPD and questioned his hiring of former NYPD commander Philip Banks III as deputy mayor for public safety. A tragic apartment fire early in his term further strained public confidence due to delays in resource allocation. Additionally, crime rates rose during his first year in office.
Key initiatives under Adams included efforts to relocate homeless individuals from public spaces to shelters and a comprehensive affordable housing plan, though the latter received criticism for lack of actionable details. In 2023, his administration spent $50,000 relocating 114 migrant households amid a broader migration crisis. Adams also vetoed legislation related to zoning violations and housing voucher expansions for homeless residents.
Personal Life
Eric Adams has never married but has a son, Jordan Coleman, with his former partner, Christine Coleman. Jordan works as an actor and filmmaker. Adams is currently in a relationship with Tracie Collins, a senior director in New York City’s Department of Education. Known as the “Nightlife Mayor,” Adams is a frequent attendee of nightlife events. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, he has adopted a plant-based diet and an active lifestyle to manage his health.