New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams wants to become mayor of the Big Apple. The challenge she faces is making herself known in a crowded field of high-profile primary candidates. As she begins to campaign outside her district, there are questions over how best to introduce herself: some have suggested highlighting notable themes like being a “qualified professional woman,” or “Adrienne from Queens,” or “a Black woman first” achiever.
All of these themes should play a part in the campaign, of course. But Adams may want to also explore the appeal of her distinction as a grandmother as well. The role is one that symbolizes unconditional love, support, and wisdom across multiple cultures. Whether the figure is known as “grandma,” “nana,” “abuela,” or “nai nai,” the image can help to build bridges with other voting groups. Speaker Adams is the only candidate who can stake a claim to it while also being young enough to take on rough and tumble opponents in the primary.
As well, the image would underscore the political maturity and resilience she would bring to governing. The strategy would be reminiscent of the 1987 campaign of Carrie Saxon Perry, the 56-year old fedora-wearing grandmother who became the first Black woman mayor of Hartford, Connecticut. It was difficult for opponents to counter the generational appeal or to attack her without drawing criticism.
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The image may also help Adams win the support of Black men, a problem faced by the campaign of Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams for Georgia governor in 2022, and Maya Wiley for NYC mayor in 2021. Each campaign ended up publicly scolding men as “misogynistic” for perceived low enthusiasm. While men eventually turned out, it was a dispiriting process of mobilization.
There is no need for the Adrienne Adams campaign to repeat this pattern. By promoting the status of grandmother, she may be able to tap into a revered role in Black culture as evidenced by tributes like the late-soul singer Bill Withers poignant recollection of his grandmother, “Grandma’s Hands.” And the theme can provide a platform to promote her abilities as a caretaker and accomplished politician ready to oversee a safe city.
Adams, 64, was elected to the City Council from the predominantly Black middle class district of southeastern Queens in 2017. She gained a reputation as a moderate legislator with an agenda that balanced the need for neighborhood services with downtown business development. She has worked on initiatives for affordable housing, mass transit fares, child care costs, public safety and victim’s rights, and job creation, among others. She has promoted increased funding for students at the City University of New York and expanded library services citywide.
She was elected council speaker in 2022 and devised a collaborative style of leadership with the cantankerous assembly of 51 members. When City Hall fell into disarray with the federal indictment of Mayor Eric Adams — who is unrelated to her — she was encouraged to run by some concerned city leaders. She announced her candidacy for the June 24 democratic mayoral primary, a ranked-choice election in a political climate of economic uncertainty and candidate controversy. Leading the field are former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, along with about 10 other candidates.
By campaigning as the grandmother candidate, among other themes, Adrienne Adams can build a coalition for the general election. She offers a history-making candidacy and a breath of fresh air from the politics of resentment and scandal. She has an opportunity to rally Black voters by connecting the political vision of the past to the aspirations of the young. Moreover, she can build a primary coalition by asking prospective voters to consider her for a high ranking. She should campaign as a public servant with the maturity to nurture a livable city for the next generation.
Roger House is professor emeritus of American Studies at Emerson College and the author of “Blue Smoke: The Recorded Journey of Big Bill Broonzy” and “South End Shout: Boston’s Forgotten Music Scene in the Jazz Age.” His forthcoming book is “Five Hundred Years of Black Self-Governance: A Call to Conscience.”
I would add one final thought to my commentary on the branding of Adams as the “Grandmother Mayor.” Ms. Adams needs to avoid the pitfall of the Harris campaign in alienating Black men. It is crucial that she make an effort to show empathy for issues of concern to them.
For example, in a lot of her pictures she is surrounded by Black women. This was a mistake of the Harris campaign – a picture is worth a thousand words and the Harris image was too exclusive to women. Ms. Adams should have pictures of her visiting Black boys at a mentoring program like Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper.”
Another idea is for her to have pictures at events like the Knicks’ practice or game to show support for the boys. And to demonstrate concern for the economic issues of blue collar men – please avoid the usual emphasis on policing! – like jobs in the construction industry for infrastructure projects, or in the gig economy like Uber, or big delivery services like Fed Ex, among others.
And finally, recognized that older people vote in high numbers, can be found at senior centers, and have influence in the thinking of voters in their families and communities. Why not start a “Grandmothers for Adrienne” website for supporters? The names could be adjust for different ethnic language communities such as “Abuelas for Adrienne” in Hispanic areas, etc.
NYC has been through a lot…COVID, scandal and a mayor who has caved to a man who called for the death penalty of innocent young teens. We do need someone who has a sincere intrest in the wellbeing of our city and ALL the prople who live here! I know Speaker Adams personally as a dedicated choir member. I have also seen her work diligently for the people of Southeast Queens as part of Community Board 13; whose issues and challenges mirror those of other communities in our city. As people get to know her and her record of service they will come to love her and respect the work she has done as a community servant. Her leadership is well respected as speaker of the City Council. She is a woman of skilled leadership and integrity with a servant’s heart. She’s my choice and hopefully will be our city’s choice!