Jabari Brisport

Jabari Brisport is an American politician and activist currently serving as a member of the New York State Senate, representing the 25th District in Brooklyn. He is affiliated with the Democratic Party and the Working Families Party. Brisport is notable for being the first openly gay person of color elected to the New York State Legislature, marking a significant milestone in the representation of diverse communities within the state government.

Early life and career

Jabari Brisport was born on August 9, 1987, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in the Prospect Heights neighborhood, where he was raised by a father who immigrated from Guyana and a mother who is a second-generation Guyanese American. His father worked in a sheet metal factory, while his mother held a position as an office manager. This upbringing in a working-class family influenced Brisport's later political and social activism.

Brisport attended Poly Prep, a private high school located in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Following his high school education, he pursued higher education at New York University, where he earned a degree, and later attended Yale University for further studies. His academic background laid the foundation for his career in education and activism.

After completing his education, Brisport became a public school teacher, primarily teaching mathematics to sixth- and seventh-grade students at a school in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was an active member of the United Federation of Teachers, advocating for educational reforms and better conditions for both students and educators. His experiences in the classroom contributed to his understanding of the challenges faced by students and families in his community.

Brisport's activism began at a young age. At 22, he started organizing efforts to support the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York. His involvement in social justice issues expanded as he became engaged with the Black Lives Matter movement, organizing rallies and protests, and training activists on how to respond to police encounters. His commitment to social justice was further demonstrated when he participated in counter-protests against the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017.

In the wake of the 2016 presidential election, Brisport joined the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). He became involved in campaigns advocating for affordable housing and quickly emerged as a leader in the fight against the private development of the Bedford Union Armory in Crown Heights, which he argued should be converted into 100% affordable housing.

Legislative service

Brisport's political career began in earnest when he ran for the New York City Council in 2017, challenging incumbent Laurie Cumbo in the 35th District. His campaign was notable for its grassroots support, as he defeated a Green Party candidate in the primary by a significant margin. Inspired by prominent progressive figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Brisport's campaign focused on issues important to his community. Despite losing the election, where he garnered 29% of the vote, he achieved a notable level of independent support, marking him as a rising figure in local politics.

In 2019, Brisport announced his candidacy for the New York State Senate seat in the 25th District, which was being vacated by Velmanette Montgomery. His campaign was characterized by a commitment to grassroots fundraising, rejecting donations from the real estate industry and for-profit corporations. Instead, he received contributions from over 7,000 individuals, setting a record for the number of donors to a New York State-level campaign. His campaign was endorsed by various progressive organizations, including the Democratic Socialists of America, and received support from prominent political figures.

On June 23, 2020, Brisport led the Democratic primary with a significant portion of the vote, although the counting of absentee ballots due to the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the final results. By July 23, after the absentee ballots were counted, he declared victory, ultimately winning the primary by a substantial margin. This victory positioned him to run in the general election, where he was elected to the New York State Senate, making history as the first openly gay person of color to serve in the New York State Legislature.

In 2022, Brisport sought re-election in the 25th District, facing a challenge from Conrad Tillard. His campaign was supported by the DSA and various labor unions, while Tillard received endorsements from more moderate political figures. Brisport successfully secured re-nomination in a three-way race, receiving a significant majority of the vote.

Policy focus and district

As a state senator, Brisport has focused on a range of progressive issues that reflect his commitment to social justice and equity. He identifies as a democratic socialist, a political stance that he embraced during his involvement with Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign. His advocacy includes support for the New York Health Act, which aims to establish a single-payer healthcare system in the state. He has participated in campaigns promoting this initiative, emphasizing the need for comprehensive healthcare access for all New Yorkers.

Brisport has also been vocal about housing issues, advocating for a vacancy tax and a pied-à-terre tax to address the housing crisis in New York City. His activism around the Bedford Union Armory redevelopment reflects his belief in prioritizing affordable housing solutions over private development projects. He has argued that the community's needs should dictate development plans, particularly in areas facing housing shortages.

In addition to housing and healthcare, Brisport supports criminal justice reforms, including the elimination of cash bail, the legalization of supervised injection sites for drug users, and the restoration of voting rights for individuals who have been incarcerated. He has also advocated for elder parole and the decriminalization of prostitution, positioning himself as a proponent of comprehensive criminal justice reform.

Brisport represents a diverse constituency in Brooklyn's 25th District, which includes a mix of urban neighborhoods with varying socioeconomic backgrounds. His legislative efforts aim to address the unique challenges faced by his constituents, focusing on equity, social justice, and community empowerment. Through his work, he continues to engage with the community and advocate for policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people he serves.