Eric Leroy Adams is a notable figure in American politics, having risen through the ranks of law enforcement and governance. Born on September 1, 1960, in Brooklyn, New York, Adams’ story is one of resilience and ambition. Today, he serves as the 110th Mayor of New York City, having assumed office in January 2022. His journey, however, was far from linear, spanning from his early days in a poor neighborhood to his career as a police officer and then as a politician.
Adams’ life experiences, including his involvement in gangs during his teenage years and his run-ins with law enforcement, shaped his future. His encounter with police brutality during his youth ultimately drove him to join the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in the hopes of reforming the system from within. After serving as a police officer for over two decades, Adams retired as a captain and ventured into politics.
Early Life and Struggles
Eric Adams was born into a humble household in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. His parents, Leroy and Dorothy Mae Adams-Streeter, moved to New York from Alabama in search of a better life but struggled to make ends meet. As a child, Adams grew up in poverty, often dealing with issues like rat infestations and the threat of eviction. His mother worked double shifts as a housecleaner, while his father battled alcoholism.
At 14, Adams joined a local gang called the 7-Crowns, where he became involved in petty crime. He and his brother were arrested for trespassing, during which they were beaten by police officers. This encounter left Adams with lasting trauma but also a strong determination to pursue a career in law enforcement, hoping to change the way the system treated marginalized communities.
Police Career and Advocacy
Adams graduated from the New York City Police Academy in 1984, finishing second in his class. He joined the NYPD, where he spent 22 years working in various precincts, including Greenwich Village and Fort Greene. Throughout his career, Adams sought to address the systemic racism and discrimination that he had witnessed and personally experienced as a young man.
In the 1990s, Adams co-founded the organization “100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care,” which aimed to promote criminal justice reform and end police brutality. He became an outspoken advocate against racial profiling and was critical of practices like “stop and frisk.” While some activists criticized his approach, Adams believed that change could be achieved by reforming the system from within.
Political Career and Leadership
Adams’ political aspirations began in the 1990s when he set his sights on becoming the Mayor of New York City. Before reaching that goal, he served four terms as a New York State Senator from 2007 to 2013, representing Brooklyn’s 20th Senate District. During this time, he became known for his efforts to improve public safety, criminal justice reform, and advocating for marriage equality.
In 2013, Adams became the first African-American to be elected as the Brooklyn Borough President, a position he held until 2021. His tenure as borough president focused on promoting health and wellness, addressing income inequality, and improving housing conditions in Brooklyn.
Adams’ political career reached new heights when he was elected Mayor of New York City in 2021. He ran on a platform of reducing crime, improving public safety, and restoring trust between communities and law enforcement. His victory in the Democratic primary, which employed ranked-choice voting, was a close one, but Adams eventually secured a landslide win over Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in the general election.
Mayoral Tenure and Controversies
Since becoming mayor in 2022, Eric Adams has implemented several policies to address crime in the city, reintroducing plain-clothed police units that had been disbanded by his predecessor and instituting a zero-tolerance approach to homelessness on subway cars. His leadership style, often described as “tough on crime,” has drawn both praise and criticism.
In 2024, Adams’ administration was rocked by criminal investigations that culminated in his indictment on federal charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. The allegations marked the first time a sitting New York City mayor had faced such charges. As these investigations unfolded, Adams faced growing scrutiny, raising questions about his political future.
Personal Life and Legacy
Eric Adams’ journey from a troubled teenager to the Mayor of New York City has been one of personal transformation and public service. His advocacy for police reform, his work in the community, and his rise in politics reflect his resilience. He is also a staunch advocate for public health and has adopted a plant-based diet to manage his type 2 diabetes, a decision that he credits with saving his life.
Despite the challenges Adams now faces due to the criminal investigations, his story remains one of determination. Whether his tenure as mayor will be remembered for his reformative efforts or the controversies that have plagued his administration remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Eric Adams’ life is a powerful example of how personal adversity can drive public service. From his early struggles in Brooklyn to his rise through law enforcement and politics, Adams has always sought to give back to his community. As the 110th Mayor of New York City, his legacy will be shaped not only by the policies he implemented but also by the challenges he has faced, both personally and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Eric Adams known for?
Eric Adams is known for his career as a police officer and his advocacy for criminal justice reform. He is also the current Mayor of New York City, having been elected in 2021.
2. What were some key policies of Eric Adams as mayor?
As mayor, Adams focused on a “tough on crime” approach, including the reintroduction of plain-clothed police units and a zero-tolerance policy on homelessness in subway cars. He also advocated for public health initiatives.
3. What challenges has Eric Adams faced during his time as mayor?
In 2024, Adams faced federal charges of bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal campaign donations, becoming the first sitting mayor in New York City history to face such criminal charges.
4. What is Eric Adams’ background before politics?
Before entering politics, Adams served as a police officer in the NYPD for over 20 years, eventually retiring as a captain. His experiences with police brutality during his youth motivated him to join the force and advocate for reform from within.
5. How did Eric Adams’ early life influence his career?
Adams’ early life, marked by poverty and encounters with law enforcement, played a significant role in shaping his career. His desire to reform the system from within led him to become a police officer and eventually pursue a career in politics.