Racial equity leader’s term extended by one year following opposition to her removal.

Linda Tigani will continue to serve as chairperson of the city’s Commission on Racial Equity for an additional year, following a decision made by Mayor Mamdani on Wednesday. This extension comes after Mamdani faced significant opposition from the City Council regarding his initial intent to replace Tigani.

The mayor had previously nominated Christopher Alexander, the current executive director of the NAACP New York State Conference, to succeed Tigani. Alexander is also known for his prior role as the head of the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. His expected start date as chair of the commission has now been pushed back to August 2027.

In comments made during a press conference in Brooklyn, Mayor Mamdani acknowledged the collaboration required with the City Council, stating that they have reached a consensus to extend Tigani’s term until the following summer. He expressed optimism about Alexander’s forthcoming leadership, underscoring his qualifications and commitment to the cause of racial equity.

Tigani has led the Commission on Racial Equity since its inception in 2023 and has been openly critical of the Mamdani administration’s approach to its delayed racial equity plan. Her original three-year term was scheduled to conclude at the end of July. However, the City Council, which possesses the authority to approve changes in the commission’s leadership, signaled its opposition to Mamdani’s proposed replacement during a meeting on Tuesday. A letter from the Council’s Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, which encompasses a substantial majority of council members, indicated that appointing a new chair could impair ongoing efforts in truth, healing, reconciliation processes, and reparations studies.

Council Speaker Julie Menin communicated her support for the caucus, indicating that she would not endorse new leadership at the commission. According to city regulations, should an agreement on a replacement not be reached within 90 days of the term’s expiration, the chairperson’s term is automatically extended by one year.

Mayor Mamdani praised Alexander’s dedication to racial equity, expressing confidence in his capabilities to further the commission’s objectives. A representative from the City Council indicated that a vetting process for Alexander is currently underway.

In addition to his public statements, Tigani has actively opposed the mayor’s efforts to replace her, even livestreaming a discussion on Instagram alongside R&B artists Kelly Price and Tamar Braxton to advocate for her continued leadership of the commission. This situation has garnered attention, with reporting from Media News Source elucidating the complexities surrounding the commission’s leadership transition.