If there was a phrase that captures Khari Edwards' approach to leadership and public service, it would be "to be seen, to be believed."
The lifelong Brookynite, who has worked in the healthcare and nonprofit sector for 25 years, says it is important to directly engage with people to build community.
"My track record as a community person shows that," Edwards said. "When I went to [Brookdale University] Hospital, I had 4,100 employees. When I left service there, I knew 1,800 by name because when people see you and shake your hand, that means something. I want everyone– everyone to know my name, I want everybody to know my office's name."
Edwards, the son of immigrant parents from Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, is running for Borough President again for the second time. He first ran in 2021 and came in fourth during the Democratic primaries. Edwards said Brooklyn needs a change, and Borough Hall needs to expand its reach further out in Kings County.
"That means you should spend just as much time in East Brooklyn as North Brooklyn, South Brooklyn, West Brooklyn," the Crown Heights resident said.
If elected, Edwards said he plans to establish constituent hours in community board offices and at Borough Hall. He said he wants to eliminate gun violence by creating job opportunities for youths and turning schools into community hubs where learning can be fun. Edwards said a program he started at Brookdale Hospital called "It Starts Here," helped teens realize the choices they needed to make to avoid gang activity.
When it comes to Brooklyn's arts and culture scene, Edwards wants to bring back the Wingate and Seagate concert series, create more resources for cultural makers and establish a culture fund for public programs that hire Brooklynites.
To tackle environmental issues, Edwards said he wants to create a hub within Borough Hall where residents can ask green energy questions and attend workshops.
Edwards, who is currently the head of corporate responsibility at Ayr Wellness, a medical cannabis operator, said he would continue promoting and educating the public on how cannabis can be used for medical use.
"People don't understand that cannabis in its public form is a bad thing," he said. "Cannabis in its medical form is an amazing thing. Cannabis is an amazing anti-inflammatory when you use it properly. To be frank, I have seen it save lives."
While acknowledging the negative effect of the proliferations of illegal cannabis stores, Edwards said cannabis can be an economic engine for communities of color.
"I tell folks that in any relationship, communication is key," he explained. "Wanting to be that borough president that's able to communicate to communities, to invite communities around to be able to support them in what they need. How can I use the office to support you?"
Edwards said he has always wanted to be a public servant. He first worked for former state Assemblymember N. Nick Perry between college semesters and learned the importance of answering the call for community service by actually picking up the phone from constituents. He also worked for state Assemblymember Roger Green, former New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, and had positions in the New York City Housing Authority and other government agencies.
So far, Edwards has been endorsed by the Shirley Chisholm Democratic Club, which wrote in an Instagram post: "For over two decades, Khari Edwards has been a champion for working families, small businesses, and equitable development across Brooklyn. As a longtime advocate for healthcare access, youth programs, and economic empowerment, he has dedicated his career to ensuring that all Brooklynites—regardless of background—have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive."
Edwards said he will engage with Brooklynites from across the borough to understand their needs.
"If people aren't seeing you, if people aren't engaged with you, then they're going to wonder why they elected you," he said. "I'm an executive that understands how to interact and how to build coalitions and community."
In the run-up to the June 24 Democratic primary election, BK Reader will be profiling various candidates and their platforms.
