I’m excited to share that on February 25, 2026, I was invited to attend Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Black History Month Reception at the American Museum of Natural History.

Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

I was honored to be in the room in my capacity as a Committee Member of the African American Coalition within the NYC Mayor’s Office. Serving New York City is not symbolic for me. It is personal. It is civic responsibility. It is the extension of my advocacy work into policy, leadership, and institutional influence. Being invited in this role affirmed the trust placed in me to help shape a more equitable and just city.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Credit: Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office.

Hosted at the American Museum of Natural History, the evening highlighted the profound and often overlooked contributions of Black scientists, artists, educators, and cultural leaders to one of New York’s most iconic institutions. With nearly 300,000 New York public school students visiting the museum annually, the importance of telling a fuller, more honest story of who has shaped our cultural infrastructure cannot be overstated.

Dr. Mahogany L. Browne, Chef Kwame Onwuachi, Pascale Sablan

I was especially moved by the words of my friend, world-renowned poet, curator, writer, and educator Dr. Mahogany L. Browne, the first-ever Poet-in-Residence at Lincoln Center. Her reflections reminded us that preservation is not passive. It is intentional. It is political. It is about ensuring that history is not simply archived, but activated. Black History Month is not a moment. It is a mandate.

The evening also offered the opportunity to connect with fellow city leaders and advocates who are committed to advancing representation across our institutions. I was deeply affirmed by Mayor Mamdani’s remarks and the collective commitment expressed in the room to continue expanding visibility within New York’s cultural landscape.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams

Black History Month is not confined to February. It is an ongoing responsibility to document, honor, and elevate the communities that shape this city.

If you’re receiving this email, it’s because you are part of my journey. Your support sustains me. I carry you into every room I enter, and I hope to continue making you proud.

#ExcitedToShare

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#PascaleSablan