Mamdani appoints Afua Atta-Mensah as head of the racial justice office and campaign adviser.

Mayor Mamdani has appointed Afua Atta-Mensah, a key figure in his mayoral campaign, to lead the Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice. The announcement, made during a press conference in Harlem, marks a significant step in the administration’s commitment to addressing racial equity in New York City.

Atta-Mensah previously served as the senior political director for Mamdani during his general election campaign, where she spearheaded outreach efforts aimed at engaging Black voters—an area where the candidate faced challenges during the primary elections. Mamdani referred to Atta-Mensah as a trusted advisor, emphasizing her integral role in his campaign and administration.

In his address, the mayor underscored the office’s mission, stating that it intends to establish new standards for racial equity governance in the city. This includes fostering collaboration among various city agencies and ensuring that deadlines for initiatives are adhered to, rather than overlooked. He pledged that a long-awaited, charter-mandated citywide racial equity plan would be released by the end of his administration’s first hundred days, showcasing a commitment to measurable progress in this area.

Arva Rice, president of the New York Urban League and former interim chairperson of the NYPD’s Civilian Complaint Review Board, supported the appointment during the press conference. Rice described Atta-Mensah’s selection as indicative of the administration’s dedication to not just discussing equity, but actively implementing structures to achieve it.

Atta-Mensah’s appointment comes amid criticism directed at the Mamdani administration for the absence of a Black deputy mayor, especially given the electoral hurdles faced by Mamdani in securing the support of older Black voters during his campaign. When questioned about the implications of this appointment regarding the aforementioned criticism, Mamdani expressed pride in his team and confidence in Atta-Mensah’s qualifications and vision for advancing racial equity.

Mamdani’s administrative team also includes Kamar Samuels, the chancellor of schools, and Jahmila Edwards, who directs intergovernmental affairs, both of whom are Black. The Office of Equity and Racial Justice was established under former Mayor Adams in 2022, and Atta-Mensah will succeed Sideya Sherman as both chief equity officer and commissioner of the office.

This strategic appointment reflects the Mamdani administration’s ongoing focus on fostering a more inclusive and equitable New York City.