In New York City's mayoral race, a growing divide among Black voters has emerged, with some seeing Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani as a savior and others viewing him as the embodiment of gentrification. Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assembly member from Queens, won the primary by running up the score in affluent neighborhoods that have long been displacing older Black residents.
For Renee Collymore, a Brooklyn community leader, Mamdani's popularity represents a existential threat to her own neighborhood of Clinton Hill. She fears his policies will accelerate gentrification, pushing lower-income residents further out of reach for affordable housing. "Who's actually screaming for the housing?" she asked, highlighting her skepticism towards Mamdani's promises.
Mamdani's campaign has been built on winning over liberal white voters in gentrified neighborhoods, which has led to accusations that he is catering to a wealthy elite at the expense of long-time Black residents. His rival Andrew Cuomo has pitted racial groups against each other, framing the election as an old New York versus new New York.
Despite this divide, some Black voters are embracing Mamdani's message of economic growth and modernization. Ernest Skinner, an 83-year-old Flatbush resident, sees Mamdani as a breath of fresh air with "energy" and "vision." He believes that the candidate's support cuts across racial lines and income brackets.
The mayoral election has exposed a deep-seated unease among Black New Yorkers about gentrification. As the city's Black population dwindles, many feel left behind by economic policies that prioritize wealthy neighborhoods over long-time residents. The outcome of this election will have far-reaching consequences for the future of New York City and its most vulnerable communities.
In the end, it remains to be seen whether Mamdani's message of progress will resonate with Black voters or if they will rally behind Cuomo's more traditional, old-school approach. As one voter noted, "As a Black person, there are a lot of different aspects that I have to consider." The game is on in this election, and the stakes are higher than ever for New York City's most marginalized residents.
For Renee Collymore, a Brooklyn community leader, Mamdani's popularity represents a existential threat to her own neighborhood of Clinton Hill. She fears his policies will accelerate gentrification, pushing lower-income residents further out of reach for affordable housing. "Who's actually screaming for the housing?" she asked, highlighting her skepticism towards Mamdani's promises.
Mamdani's campaign has been built on winning over liberal white voters in gentrified neighborhoods, which has led to accusations that he is catering to a wealthy elite at the expense of long-time Black residents. His rival Andrew Cuomo has pitted racial groups against each other, framing the election as an old New York versus new New York.
Despite this divide, some Black voters are embracing Mamdani's message of economic growth and modernization. Ernest Skinner, an 83-year-old Flatbush resident, sees Mamdani as a breath of fresh air with "energy" and "vision." He believes that the candidate's support cuts across racial lines and income brackets.
The mayoral election has exposed a deep-seated unease among Black New Yorkers about gentrification. As the city's Black population dwindles, many feel left behind by economic policies that prioritize wealthy neighborhoods over long-time residents. The outcome of this election will have far-reaching consequences for the future of New York City and its most vulnerable communities.
In the end, it remains to be seen whether Mamdani's message of progress will resonate with Black voters or if they will rally behind Cuomo's more traditional, old-school approach. As one voter noted, "As a Black person, there are a lot of different aspects that I have to consider." The game is on in this election, and the stakes are higher than ever for New York City's most marginalized residents.
I'm so confused about this mayoral race in NYC. I mean, Zohran Mamdani seems like a nice guy, but why are Black voters split between him and Andrew Cuomo? Can't they just agree on making the city better for everyone? 
I feel like Mamdani's campaign is trying to win over some rich white people in fancy neighborhoods, which doesn't sit well with me. It's like he's saying, "Hey, you get your stuff, and we'll take care of the rest." But what about the Black folks who have been living there for years? They're the ones who really need affordable housing and economic growth that benefits everyone. Not just a select few. 
. We need someone who can bring about change from within, not just sweep in with fancy words and a smile. And what's up with all these accusations of gentrification? It's like everyone's got an opinion on the matter 
.
. I've seen friends and family members struggle to find affordable housing, and it's heartbreaking. At the same time, I get why some folks are excited about Mamdani's message of economic growth - we need jobs and opportunities for everyone! 
But at what cost? If he's going to win over liberal whites in gentrified neighborhoods, where does that leave us? The anxiety among Black New Yorkers is palpable, and it's hard not to wonder if they'll ever feel like their voices are being heard 
.
i was worried i wouldn't be able to pay my uni fees after graduation... anyway back to nyc, this gentrification thing is so sad 
i feel bad for those ppl who r losing their homes and can't afford housing. Mamdani's policies seem kinda contradictory tho? like he wants to grow economy but also push out old residents? idk how it's gonna work 
Zohran Mamdani is literally creating a divide among black voters 
i think it's so unfair that the city's policies are prioritizing wealthy neighborhoods over long-time residents 
they deserve better 
has anyone looked into Andrew Cuomo's campaign? 
it's tough to say who's gonna win since some ppl love Zohran Mamdani's energy but others are super worried he's gonna push out long-time residents who can't afford housing 
i'm torn between wanting someone who can bring economic growth but also fearing that Mamdani's message will just push us further away from the city we love 
. And the thing is, his campaign is trying to win over liberal white people who live in those areas, which sounds like it's dividing people rather than bringing them together. I feel like Renee Collymore has a point when she says that no one's actually talking about affordable housing - it's all just about growth and progress 
. At the same time, I get why some folks would think Mamdani's got a good vibe and energy... 83-year-old Ernest Skinner seems like he's on the right track if he thinks Mamdani's message is gonna resonate with everyone regardless of their background 
. But overall, it feels like this election is highlighting a really deep-seated problem in NYC - that long-time Black residents are getting left behind by economic policies that only benefit wealthy neighborhoods 
. It's awesome that he sees Mamdani as someone who can bring people together across racial lines and income brackets. We need more leaders like him, not ones who are just going to pander to one group 
. Let's hope Mamdani or Cuomo (whichever one wins) can make decisions that benefit everyone, not just a select few 
. I mean, have you tried them? They're life-changing! Anyway, back to NYC... what's with all these gentrification issues? Like, can't people just get along? I went to that one Brooklyn festival last summer and there were so many amazing food stalls. I met this guy from Ghana who made the best jollof rice – it was to die for 
! But seriously, maybe Mamdani's campaign will bring about some real change? We'll see...
Mamdani's rise to power has got everyone on edge, especially when it comes to gentrification 
. Like, who gets to decide what "progress" looks like for our communities? 
Oh man, politics already, let's get this comedy show started! So Zohran Mamdani, 34 and still a state assembly member, thinks he can save the day with some gentrification talk? 
Like, "Hey, I'll bring in the money, but don't worry about the old folks"... meanwhile, his campaign is mostly winning over those fancy-pants white people in Brooklyn. 
Meanwhile, Ernest Skinner is like "Hey, let's all just get along!" 