On the heels of his senatorial bid announcement, longtime East New York resident Keron Alleyne is working to break down issues within the community and provide solutions that have lasting growth.
Alleyne told the Amsterdam News that he approaches the definition of leadership through the lens of community. Giving back is more than a quick fix; it is the process of revitalizing the communities that make New York City what it is. “I don’t come in as a young politician trying to make change, I am an activist,” said Alleyne.
As a product of the East New York community, Alleyne emphasizes the magnitude of representation. He said that this emphasis on representation goes beyond being a leader that looks like the people, but being a leader that understands what the people in the community are going through. Seeing himself as someone in the issue creates a stronger drive to produce change.
“On the senatorial level we don’t have a voice that speaks to the people,” this calls for the importance of strong senatorial representation. “As a candidate I want our issues to be brought to the top,” said Alleyne. Consistently being at the forefront fighting for community issues, Alleyne has joined the Community Board 5 and was elected as Democratic Male District Leader for the 60th Assembly District. Through this effort, Alleyne says that he makes certain that issues like affordable housing, fare evasion, environmental consciousness, and education are being focused on. He believes that it is vital to not lose the touch and feel of the people and that what is at the core of the communities’ lives are what should be at
the forefront.
Alleyne emphasizes that he is working towards dismantling the “entire racist, parasitic-capitalist system” to provide lasting and impactful solutions. “The greatest power you have is mapping out the financial blueprint of the state,” Alleyne said. Advocating on the state budget garners legislatures to listen. “One of the most critical powers of a state senator is their vote on the state budget. Advocating on the issues that directly reflect the community’s needs provides the fiscal blueprint for transforming our future,” said Alleyne. The state has not provided land to developers and in combatting this, Alleyne believes that this will provide a sort of affordability to safeguard communities and protect housing.
Building strong communities through community gardens is what Alleyne considers an act of radicalism. “Throwing a seed in the ground is an act of resistance,” he said. Growing up going to community gardens, people like Mr. Lee, Mr. Harry, and Alleyne’s grandfather all bonded over growing food. This showed him the power of finding ways out of no way. Currently residents have to travel over a mile to get fresh food. Alleyne recognizes this issue as community members living in an “inner city food desert.” With community gardens, people are able to grow their own fresh food and Alleyne wants the people to “think about what they are putting in their bodies,” not only for health reasons but as a method of radical change.
Economic awareness to Alleyne bleeds into the youth and education. According to the United Negro College Fund, “Among students enrolled in four-year public institutions, 45.9% of Black students complete their degrees in six years—the lowest rate compared to other races and ethnicities. Black men have the lowest completion rate at 40%.” As the first male college graduate within his family, Alleyne has confidence that the key is supporting public schools. “Public schools are the foundations for getting into college. If they are not fully funded, how can we get there,” Alleyne
reiterated.
Creating economic opportunities to Alleyne derives from supporting local and Black-owned businesses. He wants the people of the community to see the value within their neighborhood. Rather than leaving the community after getting a degree, return to the community and make it better, generate an impact that future generations can inherit. “When you put forth one dollar in this space (local business) you are approving their space. We want to make sure the businesses that look like us are supported,” said Alleyne.
This energetic Brooklyn native is happily married with a 3-year-old son, who he keeps at the forefront of the mission for generational inheritance within the community. “A lot of people use communities as a stepping stone, East New York is a corner stone, I’m thinking about the opportunities my child will inherit,” explained Alleyne.
“I take my orders from community members and not anyone else,” Alleyne said. He wants to make sure people see and feel the difference within the community rather than hold on to false hopes. Dismantling the system and not being controlled is an ideal Alleyne holds close. With elections coming up on June 23, Alleyne stressed, “you are not elected to keep things the same,” the people deserve a “representative who embodies the core of this community’s values and holds our well-being in the highest regard.”