Troy Blackwell’s “Education: The Passport Out of Poverty” Plan

Photo: Troy Blackwell Campaign

NEW YORK — Democratic candidate for New York City Council Troy Blackwell released his “Education: The Passport Out of Poverty” Plan and received a campaign endorsement from Chike Ukaegbu, CEO of Startup52 and former presidential candidate in Nigeria.

This week marks the 67th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, which was a landmark 1954 Supreme Court case in which the justices ruled unanimously that racial segregation of children in public schools was unconstitutional. Although racial segregation is no longer legal, New York City public schools are some of the most segregated schools due to failed policies. The number of Black and Latino students admitted to specialized high schools has fallen to its lowest levels in 3 years, and over 25% of students K-12 in district 15 are facing homelessness.

"The disparities in education and resources within our society are some of the most callous of all injustices. It is a shame that thousands of students went months without laptops and working internet. Students of color deserve more which is why we need to invest more in public education," said Troy Blackwell. "Education was the passport out of poverty for me and opened so many doors. When you invest in public education, you are also investing in a child, their family, and their community."

“I am happy to endorse Troy Blackwell for New York City Council District 15. The Bronx deserves a leader who has both lived experience and professional experience dealing with working-class issues -- and that leader is Troy. His ability to break down complex problems and develop real-world solutions has led him to work with many national leaders. He is full of ingenuity, has a track record of building diverse coalitions, and is committed to investing in education and technology,” said Chike Ukaegbu.

Policy priorities include:

• End school-to-prison pipeline by decreasing police presence in schools and invest more funding for counselors and social workers.
• Invest in free municipal broadband. 38% of Bronx residents don't have home internet.
• Conduct a Citywide Equity Assessment of districts and zones, choice and finance policies, curriculum, staffing, and discipline. All entry grades should reflect the demographics of their home district within 3 years and their whole borough within 6 years.
• Increase of at least $50 million per year in city funding for public school infrastructure projects to remove lead and mold from pipes and to install state-of-the-art heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems.

To read the full education policy priorities list visit www.troyforthebronx.com/education

For more information about Troy Blackwell, Candidate for New York City Council District 15, please visit www.troyforthebronx.com. Follow Troy Blackwell on Instagram and Twitter @TroyBlackwelljr.