Tributes pour in after passing of longtime politician Bill Perkins

Politicians and community leaders are sharing tributes after the passing of former State Senator and City Council member Bill Perkins.

RELATED: Former State Senator and Harlem City Council member Bill Perkins dies at age 74

The longtime politician died Tuesday at his home in Harlem at age 74. Here are words of condolences from local leaders:

Mayor Eric Adams: “Harlem has lost a giant. Bill Perkins was a legend of New York government. He was also a good friend. I will miss his company and his counsel. Rest in peace.”

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams: “Bill Perkins was a force in New York politics and a champion in and of the Harlem community he served. Throughout the city and up to Albany, his impact and example have helped to shape New York and inspire many, in the footprint of a legacy that stretches across three decades. He shepherded new leaders that will carry on that legacy, one of ensuring the Black community’s voices are heard and heeded in government.”

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams: “I am saddened by the loss of my former colleague, Council Member and State Senator Bill Perkins. A native son of Harlem, Bill served his community for decades as a dedicated and hard-working public servant. He fought tirelessly to improve the health of our communities by tackling lead poisoning, advocated for more equitable education funding, and championed equal rights for all New Yorkers. I admired Bill for always fighting for his beliefs and never wavering from his convictions—a quality that we can all look up to. I had the honor of serving with Bill when we arrived in the Council together last term, and I will always cherish the memories we shared. My thoughts are with Bill’s family, loved ones, and the Harlem community that he loved so deeply. May he rest in peace.”

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul: “Bill Perkins was a fierce advocate for justice and a steadfast voice for his community throughout his career. My thoughts are with his wife, Pamela, and his loved ones.“

New York U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer:“All New York today tips its hat to Bill Perkins, a true public servant. Bill always stood up for what he believed and was a fierce champion for Harlem in City Hall and Albany, and he leaves an indelible legacy across our city and our state.”

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: “Bill Perkins was a fierce advocate for the people of Harlem and a stalwart progressive leader, both on the New York City Council and in the State Senate.”

State Senator Cordell Cleare: “This is a tough moment. Thank you for all of the calls and text messages. Continue to pray for and support our former Councilman and Senator Bill Perkins’ wife and family. Rest in Power Sir.”

State Senator Al Taylor: “Bill Perkins was a lion of Harlem, a real champion of the people,” said For more than three decades, Bill fought for our neighborhoods, built up our communities, and defended our people. Truly, no words suffice to honor the life and triumphs of Bill Perkins. I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside Bill for many years, as a community activist, a reverend, an elected, and a friend. I can only hope that I can carry on his mighty legacy of good work for our people. I pray for peace for his family and loved ones and upon this whole community that owes so much to him”

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins: “I am saddened to learn that former State Senator and City Councilmember Bill Perkins has passed away. Bill embodied the care and selflessness that we all hope to demonstrate as public servants, and never waited for the right thing to become popular before taking action. He was a champion for children’s wellness–including sponsoring one of the strongest lead paint prevention laws in the nation–community health, education, and LGBTQ+ rights, among many other issues. He was one of the first public officials to openly stand with the Central Park Five throughout their fight for justice. New York has truly been made better by his service, and we will continue to honor his legacy in our work as representatives. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time.”

Assemblymember Inez Dickens: “It was shocking to hear of Bill’s death this morning. My heart goes out to his wife, Pam, and all of his loved ones. He was a fierce advocate for the village of Harlem, and although we did not always agree on everything, our goals have always been linked to the fight for the betterment of our neighborhoods. Harlem has lost a great warrior today – a giant. I’d like to thank him for his decades of contributions and tenacity.”

Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five: “Bill Perkins was a giant in this community who dedicated his life to Harlem and I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Pam and his children. He fought for change, and his lead paint law has undoubtedly saved countless lives. But I will always be grateful for his support for the Central Park 5. In our darkest hours, when it seemed like the whole world was against us, Bill Perkins bravely stood behind and with us. His bravery and commitment to justice were unwavering, and he is a big reason why we were eventually exonerated. Rest in Power, Bill Perkins.”

Congressman Adriano Espaillat: “Councilman Perkins showed courage during difficult times and was a fearless advocate for the vulnerable. He treated all with the respect, equity, and justice that they deserved, and he demanded change when and where it was needed the most. He and I served together in the New York State Senate, and during a critical time when I needed him the most, he was there, and his support remained unwavering throughout the years.”

City Council Member Gail Brewer: “I served in the City Council with Bill Perkins for seven years. I respected him for taking on critical issues that had been ignored, such as lead poisoning, the rights of street vendors, and criminal justice reform. He was upfront about having prostate cancer to raise awareness and urged men, particularly black men, to get tested. He was a runner and often ran marathons with our colleague Robert Jackson. He was beloved by the Harlem community and will be missed.”