Mayor Mamdani Celebrates 35 Years of National Action Network

Pledges new era of collaboration with civil rights group to address racial inequity and affordability crisis in New York City

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:21am

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A serene, atmospheric painting of a simple podium in a shadowy auditorium, the stage illuminated by warm, angled light, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and civic purpose.Mayor Mamdani's address at the National Action Network convention signals a new era of collaboration between City Hall and the civil rights group.NYC Today

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani spoke at the 35th anniversary convention of the National Action Network (NAN), praising the organization's decades-long fight for justice and pledging a renewed partnership between City Hall and the civil rights group to tackle issues of racial equity and the city's affordability crisis.

Why it matters

The National Action Network, founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, has been a leading voice for progress and racial justice in New York City for over three decades. Mayor Mamdani's appearance and promises of collaboration signal a shift in the relationship between City Hall and the prominent civil rights organization, potentially paving the way for new initiatives to address longstanding inequities in the city.

The details

In his speech, Mayor Mamdani acknowledged NAN's history of "righteous struggle in the face of injustice," from advocating for lower prescription drug costs to protecting voting rights. He pledged that his administration would partner with NAN on efforts like expanding affordable childcare, developing a new community safety strategy, and preserving affordable housing and homeownership, especially in neighborhoods that have been hardest hit by gentrification and displacement.

  • The National Action Network is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.
  • Mayor Mamdani made these remarks at the NAN convention on April 9, 2026.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who previously served as an Assembly member and a foreclosure prevention housing counselor.

Rev. Al Sharpton

The founder and president of the National Action Network, a prominent civil rights leader in New York City.

Jennifer Jones Austin

The vice chair of the National Action Network, who has been a force for justice in the city.

Jumaane Williams

The public advocate of New York City, who joined Mayor Mamdani in announcing a new Office of Community Safety.

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What they’re saying

“We rededicate ourselves to a shared commitment to a new era of collaboration with those who have been on the front lines of marching and fighting and winning justice for people across the city.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor of New York City

“If an issue is morally right, it will eventually be political. If we are principled first, our politics will fall into place.”

— Rev. Jesse Jackson

What’s next

Mayor Mamdani and the National Action Network plan to continue their partnership in the coming months, with a focus on implementing the city's new racial equity plan and expanding affordable housing and childcare initiatives in underserved communities.

The takeaway

This event marks a significant shift in the relationship between City Hall and the National Action Network, signaling a renewed commitment to addressing longstanding racial and economic inequities in New York City through collaborative, principle-driven policymaking.