The D9 Harlem Votes coalition recently hosted the 2025 NYC Mayoral Candidates Forum to discuss their plans for addressing pressing issues facing New York. This event was held at Mother AME Zion Church in Harlem.
D9 Harlem Votes is a civic engagement coalition powered by members of the Divine Nine Black Greek-letter organizations and is committed to uplifting the community through political education, advocacy, and mobilization.
Community empowerment, civic engagement, and informed voting were the focus of the forum, which started with Nicole Yearwood describing ranked choice voting and encouraging the audience to be strategic and intentional when casting their ballots this election season.
Harry Watson photos
D9 Harlem Votes committee poses with event moderator and youth moderators. 
Mayoral candidate Dr. Selma Bartholomew speaks. 
Mayoral candidate Whitney Tilson answers a question. 
Mayoral candidate Honorable Zellnor Myrie, New York State Senator, responds to a question 
Mayoral candidate Honorable Eric Adams, mayor of New York City 
Youth moderator asks candidate a question. 
Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, New York State Assemblymember, answers a question. 
Mayoral candidate Michael Blake answers a question. 
Mayoral candidate Jessica Ramos, New York State Senator, addresses audience. 
Mayoral candidate Jim Walden, Esq., greets youth moderators.
Kercena Dozier, Erika Ewing, and Drew Gabriel delivered opening remarks, each underscoring the importance of community-led political engagement and voter turnout. They were joined by fellow lead organizers Shana Harmongoff, Athena Moore, Pascale Bernard, and Keith Tubbs—all of whom helped plan and execute this impactful event.
The event moderator was Dr. Basil A. Smikle, Jr., professor of practice and director of the M.S. in Nonprofit Management Program at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies, who is also an MSNBC political analyst. Smikle was assisted by youth moderators Nasiah Anderson, 17; Jada Toliver-Rodriquez, 15; and Kayla Nicole Johnson, 20.
Each candidate addressed critical topics, from public safety and housing to youth investment, education, and mental health. The event also included an audience Q&A segment, allowing Harlem residents to engage directly with those seeking to lead the city.
The evening featured appearances and remarks from these NYC mayoral candidates (in alphabetical order): Eric Adams; Dr. Selma Bartholomew; Michael Blake; Zohran Mamdani; Zellnor Myrie; Jessica Ramos; Whitney Tilson; and Jim Walden, Esq. Although Adrienne Adams, was unable to attend in person, she made a concerted effort to share her vision via video and emphasized her pride as a member of the Divine Nine.
During closing remarks, Drew Gabriel encouraged attendees to take what they learned to the ballot box.
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Shana Harmonoff is a amazing Christian woman . She always help the community