I am sure many residents of Harlem are wondering about their future representation, now that State Senator Adriano Espaillat has won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Representative of District 13 in New York. The seat, held by Congressman Rangel for almost 46 years, is now most likely going to be held by a Dominican-American, the first elected to congress in our nation’s history.
The reason why I say “most likely” is because Espaillat must win on the ballot in November. He has successfully won the Democratic primary, but if a Republican challenger is on the ballot in November, it is imperative for voters to show up on Nov. 8 to make sure the district remains in Democratic control. Although change may be difficult, here are some reasons why I think that Espaillat’s leadership may be the best thing for Harlem in the long run:
First, District 13, often referred to as “the Harlem district,” comprises so many more neighborhoods beyond Harlem. This diverse district includes the Upper East Side, Central Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood and the Bronx. This district has vibrant African-American, Caribbean-American, Dominican-American and Puerto Rican populations; gentrifiers, both Black and white; African immigrants; and of course parts of Columbia University. If Espaillat is to stave off serious challengers for the next election, he will be sure not to ignore Central Harlem, a community that knows to vote in June primaries.
Second, descriptive representation matters. Espaillat will be the very first Dominican-born representative to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. He will also be the first representative who arrived in the U.S. as an undocumented individual. As the debates surrounding immigration and how we treat immigrants become more and more polarized each year, it will be imperative that the Democrats have a voice that can speak to constituencies across the nation about the positives of immigration and to demystify the stereotypes of “illegal” immigration. This wealth of knowledge will assist Espaillat on various committee assignments and future leadership opportunities.
Third, Espaillat has been a vocal leader in the international debates surrounding the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Although that issue may not be “homegrown,” for District 13 to remain a powerful district that serves as a beacon for nonwhite representation across the nation, it is extremely important for the next leader of the district to have a strong moral compass and understanding of local, national and international affairs.
Fourth,voting matters. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives must go up for re-election and be held accountable to their constituencies every two years. I am sure Espaillat is keenly aware of this fact and for that reason alone, I don’t see Harlem being left behind. Hopefully his leadership will actually bridge some of the divides that have separated the district for too long. Hopefully moving forward, when we speak of District 13, it will include all of the hardworking individuals who need representation.
Christina Greer, Ph.D., is an associate professor at Fordham University and the author of “Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream.” You can find her on Twitter @Dr_CMGreer.
