Yusef Salaam has officially declared victory for his spot in the NYC Council Primary Election.
Salaam, who made headlines nearly three decades ago along with four more Black boys (later known as the “Central Park Five), was wrongfully convicted of raping a White woman in Central Park, beat out two longtime lawmakers, Assemblywoman Inez Dickens, and Assemblyman Al Taylor.
According to reports, 97% of the votes were counted, resulting in Salaam being in the lead, with Dickens and Taylor trailing behind. Reports also stated that if Salaam stays in the lead above the 50% threshold, he will secure his win without going through the “ranked-choice process.”
During a victory party at Harlem Tavern, Yusef Salaam said to his supporters, “What has happened on this campaign has restored my faith in knowing that I was born for this.” He continued, “I am not a seasoned politician, so therefore, this was not politics as usual.”
Dickens nor Taylor have yet to make a statement on Salaam’s soon-to-be win. Dickens previously reacted to Salaam moving back to NYC after living in Georgia for many years. He would respond to the criticism, “I think lack of experience in politics is a great thing,” he said.
He went on to speak about his wrongful conviction. “I was 15 years old when I was run over by the spiked wheels of justice. And here I am now, taking that same platform and turn it into a purpose, trying to take my pain and doing something about it.”
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