Throughout the streets of East New York there are many homeless people, adults with high obesity levels, and African American-owned businesses that do not have the support of Black people. Activist, organizer, and candidate for state senate Keron Alleyne recognized these issues by providing attention––and solutions––toward building a greater neutral structure.
To advocate for the homeless, Alleyne created the Bear-necessities Campaign where he and his team collected hats, scarfs, socks, and gloves to distribute to homeless individuals that are found in the streets. In East New York the access to fresh food is lacking, he says. With the help of people who live within the borough, Alleyne took over a community garden with a block association to distribute food. He does partnerships with organizations to enhance the space and promotes the opportunity for people to obtain fresh food. He also started a Buy Black campaign to support local Black-owned businesses. He encourages members of the community to assist those businesses, some of whom may be struggling, by purchasing items.
Born in Brooklyn and a resident of East New York, Alleyne was taught the importance of service from both his parents and grandparents. He received his bachelor of arts degree in government and politics from Utica College in May of 2012. He recently received his master’s degree in public administration from John Jay College for Criminal Justice.
To better serve his community, Alleyne says he has interned and worked for Assemblyman Charles Barron for over two and a half years. “The experience there was amazing, and I learned a lot while working at his office,” he says.
Alleyne says that he has taken on many roles to bring revolutionary change to his neighborhood. He currently serves as co-chair for the radical political organization, Operation P.O.W.E.R., and is the assistant district manager for Brooklyn Community Board 5. As a candidate for state senate in Senatorial district 19, he believes radical change is needed. He and his team of grassroots organizers are working hard to win, he says.
For his life goals, Alleyne says that he wants to be a better father to his three-year-old son, Khari, be a better husband to his wife, Amerie, and be the best community member for his neighbors. As a recreational runner he says, “I just want to make sure that I finish every race that I run to the best of my ability and that includes running for State Senate.”