Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams

@advocate.nyc.gov

1.3K followers 440 following 420 posts

Official account for the Office of New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. For assistance, call 212-669-7250 or email [email protected].

Posts Media Videos Starter Packs

Pinned

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · Jul 8

Everyone should be horrified by what's happening at immigration court proceedings.

All New Yorkers of faith, and of conscience, must do everything they can to stop the harm and bear witness.

These ICE abductions are completely devoid of humanity, compassion, and due process.

The Public Advocate stands at a podium with other elected officials and clergy leaders, holding his hands to his eyes. A young girl is visible.

The Comptroller speaks forcefully as the Public Advocate looks up with emotion

The Public Advocate and Comptroller speak to an emotional mother, with advocates around them

7 30 110

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 1d

New York City needs, and wants, street vendors. Yet our city hasn't created an infrastructure that can make vending fair.

We're in solidarity with the people who feed NYC: @council.nyc.gov, pass the Street Vendor Reform Package to support both public safety and economic opportunity.

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 1d

Deliveristas deserve transparency and safe, fair working conditions. Yet food delivery apps have unfairly, abruptly deactivated a 1,000+ delivery workers.

We're proud to co-sponsor Councilman @justinbrannan.bsky.social's Intro 1332, which adds just cause protections for the workers keeping us fed.

The Public Advocate speaks into a megaphone, addressing a crowd of delivery workers and advocates

A delivery worker holds up a "Los Deliveristas Unidos" sign with a worker on a bike raising one fist

The Public Advocate smiles and poses with the Comptroller and Council Member Brannan

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 1d

Street vendors are hardworking entrepreneurs who need support from the city, not tickets.

We were proud to rally around the Street Vendor Reform Package, which will provide our city's smallest businesses with transparency, clear regulations, and access to educational resources.

The Public Advocate speaks behind a podium with posters reading "Reform the vending system" and "Street vendors are small businesses" as street vendors and elected officials gather

The Public Advocate stands with elected officials and street vendors, who hold signs with messages in English and Spanish like "5 meetings left to pass street vendor reform"

Mo Attia speaks as elected officials and advocates listen, some holding large photos of street vendors interacting with law enforcement

The Public Advocate smiles and speaks with Council Member Brannan, next to a poster reading "5 more meetings left to pass Street Vendor Reform"

1 1 6

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 2d

The Public Advocate, @nyccomptroller.bsky.social, and @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social will come together to condemn the political prosecution of @newyorkstateag.bsky.social with a media availability tonight at:

6:30 PM @ 1 Centre Street

Livestream: Facebook.com/NYCPublicAdvocate

Redirecting...

www.facebook.com

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 2d

It's only a matter of time before Trump decides to send a show of force, deploying troops in our streets, instead of sending our city the resources that we need.

Leaders and people of conscience are preparing an infrastructure for that time: HandsOffNYC.com

#HandsOffNYC

3 14

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 2d

"The Attorney General is dedicated to the people she serves and the pursuit of justice – two things that put her at odds with Donald Trump, the convicted felon authoritarian in the White House."

On the political prosecution of the @newyorkstateag.bsky.social:

NYC Public Advocate Responds To The Political Prosecution Of Attorney General James

Statement, October 9th, 2025

advocate.nyc.gov

2 2 9

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 2d

We’re witnessing Trump's pathetic power grab in cities across the US, as he abuses our military and federal agencies to terrorize the people.

While the wannabe strongman act is sad, real people are being hurt, traumatized, and taken.

We must protect NYC: HandsOffNYC.com

#HandsOffNYC

The Public Advocate speaks forcefully in City Hall Park. Protesters hold signs with messaging like "No troops in NYC" and "Hey Trump! Hands Off"

Elected officials and advocates chant with enthusiasm. PSC-CUNY members hold "Hands Off New York" and "No Troops in New York City" posters

The Comptroller speaks behind a "No Troops in NYC" poster

The Public Advocate photographed from behind, turns around to face rally attendees as they chant

1 7

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 2d

Trump's Big Ugly Bill is still wreaking havoc.

Hundreds of thousands were at risk of losing SNAP benefits next spring. Now—thanks to the administration's chaos—it could happen as soon as November.

Imagine cutting food assistance just before Thanksgiving.

Surprise Trump Move Will Upend New York Food Stamps

New York counties thought they had months to prepare to implement SNAP work requirements. Now, they have weeks.

nysfocus.com

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 3d

Week 2 of the Republicans' anti-democratic shutdown is here. Who pays the price?

Hard-working federal workers on furlough whose backpay may be stolen.

Travelers stranded due to airport staffing shortages.

Worst of all: Pregnant women and infants who need nutritional assistance.

1 4

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 3d

We joined Sisters in Purple to take a stand against domestic and intimate-partner violence.

Accountability is vital—as are conversations centered on prevention, that engage men with trauma-informed approaches so we can disrupt the cycle of violence.

So that we can all thrive.

The Public Advocate and men attending the rally pose together, holding purple posters with messages like "Accountability Heals Communities." One man stretches out a black, white, and purple Puerto Rican flag

The Public Advocate speaks, as members of Sisters in Purple listen and hold signs to "End Domestic Violence"

A member of Sisters in Purple speaks at the Times Square rally

A hand with white nails holds a purple sign reading "End Domestic Violence"

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 3d

Whatever you do, please read banned books.

You can start with an excerpt of Michelle Alexander's "The New Jim Crow."

#BannedBooks provide a light into our past, present, and future; we must keep that light shining.

📽️ @bklynlibrary.bsky.social’s Night Against Censorship w/ @georgetakei.bsky.social

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 4d

Today marks two years since the horrific terrorist attack in Israel that took the lives of more than a thousand people and saw hundreds kidnapped. We remember the victims, stand with those still grieving, and recommit to rejecting hatred in all forms here in New York and abroad.

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 4d

Books expand our horizons and preserve our stories.

Last night, the Public Advocate was proud to join George Takei at the @bklynlibrary.bsky.social for a powerful conversation on the transformative power of books and the dangerous trend of censorship. #BannedBooks #FreeSpeech

Photo of Public Advocate Williams with George Takei

Photo of Public Advocate Williams speaking at Brooklyn Library Banned Books Week event

6 23

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 5d

Chag Sameach to all celebrating #Sukkot this evening!

This joyful holiday reminds us to embrace humility, community, and gratitude. Coming out of Yom Kippur, we carry forward a spirit of reflection and renewal—strengthening our bonds with one another under the sukkah.

Graphic from the Office of the Public Advocate wishing Chag Sameach for those beginning to celebrate Sukkot this evening

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 5d

Wishing a joyful Mid-Autumn Festival, Moon Festival, and Chuseok to all who celebrate!

Across NY, families and friends are coming together to share traditions, give thanks, and celebrate the season. May your festivities be filled with light, laughter, and a plentiful harvest.

The office of NYC Public Advocate wish everyone a happy mid-autumn festival

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 9d

As the song goes:

🎶 We're in the middle of a
hostile government takeover 🎶

And as Day 2 of the federal shutdown continues, the price is being paid by the people—people who rely on essential government programs and a functioning democracy.

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 9d

Trump likes to pretend immigrants don't have rights—in defiance of the Constitution.

Here in New York City, we are fighting to protect and maintain the rights of immigrant communities.

Learn more about your rights, and your neighbors' rights:

Resources to Protect & Defend Immigrant Communities

advocate.nyc.gov

5 13

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 9d

Our hearts break for the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue congregants brutally killed in Manchester.

A horrific attack on Yom Kippur, a day intended to bring healing and a shared sense of humanity.

Hatred is lethal, and we stand united against antisemitism, anywhere.

1 5

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 9d

Survivors deserve an honest reckoning with the past.

We're proud to stand with @powers4queens.bsky.social on Intro 1297. This bill is urgently needed to protect the rights of New Yorkers harmed by gender-based violence—giving more time for survivors to be heard and their cases adjudicated.

Black and white photo of an advocate holding a "Justice for Survivors!" sign

1 2

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 9d

Journalism is not a crime. For the sake of our communities, and for the sake of history, journalism is needed now more than ever.

Alarmingly, assaults on journalists have ratcheted up to a five-year-high. Every single one of us must stand up for freedom of the press.

📹: youtube.com/shorts/aa_SM...

A rally attendee holds a “Free Press or Fascism” poster in Foley Square, against a backdrop of government buildings and a blue sky

1 1

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 10d

There is nothing more American than Freedom of Speech, and nothing less American than censorship.

We welcome this ruling that the Trump administration abused its powers in moving to deport activists like Mahmoud Khalil.

Protect the First Amendment.

US deportation drive against pro-Palestine students is illegal, judge rules

Federal judge finds Trump officials misused powers to silence lawful criticism of Israel, chilling free speech.

www.aljazeera.com

Reposted by Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams

Greg Pak @gregpak.net · 10d

Public Advocate @jumaane.bsky.social @advocate.nyc.gov wants you to know that #JournalismIsNotACrime.

(btw Williams SHOWS UP. This might be the third event I've photographed him at over the past few weeks?)

Jumaane Williams speaks to the crowd, holding up a sign that reads "Journalism Is Not a Crime"

2 14 89

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 10d

Your commute home tonight is just one reminder of what's at stake in Trump's petulant government shutdown:

A safe, timely journey home.

Republicans should do the responsible thing, before this shutdown affects New Yorkers any further.

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 10d

We cannot be a city that allows our young people to be harmed. We cannot be a city where TGNC youth can't be who they are.

If any one of us is not protected, then none of us are protected. We step up together, and we will not be divided.

🎥 Scenes from No Hate in NYC Schools

1 9

Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams @advocate.nyc.gov · 11d

Young people deserve to be and feel safe in schools—and the mayor and president are making TGNC kids less safe.

The mayor knows the harm that fanning the flames of transphobia causes, but he'd rather sell out vulnerable New Yorkers than support young people.

NYC won't have it.

The Public Advocate and elected officials applaud an advocate

Council Member Bottcher speaks on the steps of Tweed Courthouse behind a poster reading "Equity for all students." Advocates and elected officials listen

An advocate holds a sign reading, "equity for all students"

Bryan Ellicott-Cook holds a sign reading "Equity for All Students"