On New Year’s Day in New York City, as thousands gathered at City Hall to witness history, one of the most emotional moments of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration came not from the new mayor himself, but from New York City Public Advocate and longtime activist Jumaane Williams.
Standing before a crowd filled with supporters, community leaders, elected officials, and families, Williams paused during his remarks to address a group that doesn’t often hear these words spoken publicly with such tenderness: young Black boys.
But instead of speaking outward, he turned inward.
“Little Black boy, you were worth it. And you always were.” POWERFUL affirmation from NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams at Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration. A reminder that our young people deserve love, protection, and a future full of promise. ✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/tx89wZyuXd
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) January 2, 2026
“I gotta take a second to say something for so many young people who are out there,” Williams began. “But I’m going to say it to one person who’s waited 49 years to hear it.”
He then spoke to his younger self.
“Little Black boy. You were worth it. And you always were,” he said. “Without any titles, you were enough. You were always enough. You deserve to accept love and you deserve to be protected. And I’m honored to be here to help create a city that’s worthy of that for you. Man, I’m so proud of you.”
He paused, wiping emotion from his face as applause rippled through the crowd.
“So just hold on. We’re going to be all right… I’m so proud of you.”
It wasn’t a political soundbite. It was healing in public, a reflection of what this new chapter for New York represents for many.
Mamdani’s inauguration marked a milestone moment for the city. Sworn in on the steps of New York City Hall, Mamdani became the first Muslim and first millennial mayor in New York’s history.
The ceremony drew a diverse crowd representing neighborhoods across the five boroughs, families wrapped in scarves, young organizers waving flags, and longtime New Yorkers standing shoulder to shoulder with first-time voters.
Williams has long been known as both a leader and an activist who refuses to shy away from vulnerability. His message echoed something many Black boys and men rarely hear affirmed in public spaces—that they deserve tenderness, protection, pride, and love simply for existing.
In a city that often celebrates resilience while overlooking the emotional toll that resilience requires, his words offered something different: permission to heal.
Check out Williams’ full speech.
