Council Member Yusef Salaam

In 1989, at just fifteen years young, Yusef Salaam was tried and convicted in the “Central Park Jogger” case along with four other Black and Latinx young men. The Exonerated Five spent between seven to 13 years behind bars for crimes they did not commit, until their sentences were overturned in 2002.

Over the past two decades, Yusef has become a family man, father, poet, activist and inspirational speaker. It has been his mission to educate the public about the impact of mass incarceration and police brutality rooted in our justice system, regularly advocating for criminal justice reform, prison reform and the abolition of juvenile solitary confinement and capital punishment. He works to restore humanity denied to those incarcerated and those downtrodden by the spiked wheels of justice.

A lifelong resident of Harlem, Yusef was victorious in the General Election for New York City Council (District 9) on November 7, 2023, with a clear mission in mind: to serve as a voice for the community and work towards creating a better future for all New Yorkers. His experiences in the criminal justice system are the inspiration behind him speaking up and advocating for those who are marginalized and forgotten by the powers that be.

Yusef’s transition to New York City Council is powered by the people and focused on building a coalition that represents the diverse voices of District 9. Yusef regularly reaches out to constituents of all ages and backgrounds, including long-time residents, young activists, and disenchanted residents. He believes in uniting our community and speaking to the systemic issues we face each day, to energize and activate those who are eager for change.

Yusef was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (2014) and is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama (2016). More recently has shared his story and stance on current issues on CNN, MSNBC, REVOLT TV, NPR Atlanta, FOX and more. He authored his memoir Better, Not Bitter and is the co-author of Punching the Air.

An avid activist, Yusef is also a board member of the Innocence Project, founding member of Justice 4 the Wrongfully Incarcerated, and 25-year member of the Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club.