Bill De Blasio (pictured) took the pulpit at the National Action Network headquarters Saturday morning, thanking supporters for helping elect him as NYC’s next mayor.
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“I wanna say a profound thank you, because that extraordinary margin of victory, that is because of people in this room who made it happen,” De Blasio told the crowd. “God bless you.”
He also shouted out the Rev Al. Sharpton, who introduced him. “Rev, as I’ve often said, every year, Reverend Sharpton [becomes] stronger as a leader. We can, every day of the week, turn on our television and hear him talking about what this country should be doing to move forward.”
Denouncing the recent shop and frisk allegations, Blasio then reiterated key points he plans on discussing upstate once taking office, asking people to participate. “If you believe that every child in this city deserves full day pre-K, if you believe that after school keeps out children safe, gives them more opportunity to learn and grow, if you believe in that, then you’ll be standing with me in Albany,” he said.
“If you believe that our young men of color should be respected and celebrated, and not treated like suspects, even when they’ve done nothing wrong, then you’ll be with me,” he added.
He also took aim at housing problems in the city. “If you believe that people should be given every chance to keep living in the neighborhoods they love, then you’ll be with me when I say to the real estate industry, ‘It’s a new day.’ And we’re gonna require you increase your affordable housing.'”
And you can expect to see De Blasio at more NAN meetings in the future, he ensured the crowd. “I will not be shy about coming back here and saying, ‘Now, it’s time. I need you to make your voices heard.'”
“We are gonna get on not only with a progressive, but aggressive agenda. With your help, we will make this a city for everyone again.”
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