In order to advance policies that empower Black Long Islanders, the first step is engaging with the community to understand the issues that matter. That is why my campaign has prioritized constituency outreach, including by hiring a Black constituency organizer. In addition, I formed a Black Leader Action Committee to keep me engaged with the community and to ensure I am aware of top concerns. And I have engaged with Black voters across the district, including by attending services at churches, meeting with Divine Nine chapters, visiting Black-owned businesses, and doorknocking.

In having conversations with Black Long Islanders, I consistently heard about the importance of healthcare access, public education, and economic opportunity.

In Congress, I will work to expand healthcare access and affordability, including by expanding Medicare’s authority to negotiate prescription drug prices; I will also join the Black Maternal Health Caucus to advance its work, including addressing racial disparities in maternal mortality. I will push to fully fund our Department of Education so we ensure high-quality education access for all students. And I will move to ensure we are supporting our Black businesses, including by providing them with fair access to capital and advocating for small businesses.

Additionally, Black voters have told me they are concerned about the rise of hateful rhetoric from extreme politicians. I will always use my voice to speak up when Black Long Islanders are attacked. That is exactly what I did when extremists spread racist lies about Haitian Americans. That is exactly what I did when my opponent voted to restore a racist Confederate monument at Arlington National Cemetery.

In Congress, I will use my vote and my voice to advocate for Black Long Islanders. And I will continue to meet with the Black Leader Action Committee after the campaign ends to outreach to the community and to best understand the issues and concerns Black voters are facing.