Uptown Democratic Club Endorses Andrew Yang for Mayor of New York City

Founded in 2000, The Uptown Democratic Club, led by Democratic District Leader William Allen of the 70th Assembly District in Harlem, has helped foster political education and empowerment for the Harlem community, becoming a powerful voice advocating for neighborhood residents and small businesses.

Yang joined Allen and Congressman Ritchie Torres as part of their Greater Harlem Coalition Walking Tour, to talk with residents and business owners about their most pressing needs, as the city looks to revitalize from the global pandemic.

Said Andrew Yang, “I am honored to have the support of The Uptown Democratic Club and William Allen, a long-standing advocate for the success of Harlem, one of the most iconic neighborhoods in America. 125th Street is a vital economic corridor and home to iconic New York small businesses. Its renaissance can revitalize the neighborhood, the borough and New York City as a whole, as we navigate past this global pandemic. As mayor, with the help of organizations like the Uptown Democratic Club, I plan on giving struggling New Yorkers a guaranteed basic income and small businesses like the ones right here in Harlem, the resources they need to thrive in this City.”

Said William Allen, “The Uptown Democrats and I are proud to endorse such a staunch advocate for 21st Century inclusion. I’m equally proud to have Andrew Yang and Congressman Ritchie Torres’ endorsement of my City Council candidacy, a seat held by the late Adam Clayton Powell and Frederick E. Samuel. They deeply loved Harlem. We are moving beyond the days of trading peace for justice. We now insist on equity as the justice we seek. From this great corner in one of the most famous neighborhoods in the world, the residents of Harlem are owed a social safety net as well as a basic income. Seven generations of my family and others like them have given their souls to this city. We now require thought leadership on how we reinvest in NYCHA, Mitchell-Lama 2.0, and create a path to property ownership that reimagines the American Dream. I believe that together with a team that can see the future because they know our painful path, they can bring real hope to those that have been waiting too long. We can put work over words and design a new quality of life Uptown. A better Harlem means a better New York City.”

Said Congressman Ritchie Torres, “Since 2000, the Uptown Democratic Club has been empowering Harlem and uplifting its residents in their efforts to move the community forward. Led by William Allen, the Club is a part of Harlem and knows what residents need in their political leaders. The endorsement of Andrew Yang for Mayor speaks volumes and shows that Andrew is listening to the concerns of Harlem residents and will be attentive to their needs. Andrew will support policies that advance this iconic neighborhood and ensure that residents have access to a better and fairer future.”

During his tour of Harlem, Yang also endorsed Allen in his race for City Council. Allen recently served as the National Crisis and Service Director for the National Action Network (NAN), working alongside Reverend Dr. Al Sharpton led efforts to ensure that African American communities across the U.S. have effective crisis response systems, especially as it pertains to civil rights violations.

Yang continued, “William Allen has spent decades working for the people of Harlem and knows the neighborhood’s needs better than anyone else. He is a pragmatic leader that can address and advocate for the betterment of Harlem as we recover from the economic effects of COVID-19.”