By Edwin Freeman for Black Star News
Photos: Edwin Freeman
As Queens’ District 28 looks ahead to the spring 2025 City Council election, candidate Latoya LeGrand, founder of the influential Southeast Queens nonprofit Projects II Projects, is advancing a vision of community renewal rooted in family values and civic engagement.
“Our community’s strength comes from our families working together, supporting each other, and building for the future,” LeGrand shared during a recent community gathering at the Projects II Projects headquarters. “When we talk about bringing in the new New York, we need to start with empowering our families and strengthening the bonds that make our community resilient.”
LeGrand’s track record of community service through Projects II Projects has established her as a trusted voice in Southeast Queens. Her organization has been at the forefront of implementing programs that address critical community needs, from youth development initiatives to family support services.
“What sets our approach apart is that we’ve been doing this work on the ground, day in and day out,” LeGrand explains. “We understand the challenges our families face because we’ve been working alongside them, creating solutions together.”
As she campaigns for City Council, LeGrand shares her blueprint for community empowerment, drawing from her extensive experience in nonprofit leadership:
1. Build Strong Family Foundations
“Through Projects II Projects, we’ve seen firsthand how supporting families creates ripple effects throughout the community,” LeGrand notes. “Every program we develop starts with asking how it will strengthen family bonds.”
2. Empower Youth Leaders
Drawing from her organization’s successful youth programs, LeGrand emphasizes the importance of mentorship and leadership development. “Our young people aren’t just the future – they’re leaders right now, and we need to give them the tools to succeed.”
3. Foster Economic Opportunity
“Economic empowerment is crucial for family stability,” LeGrand states. “We need to expand job training programs, support small businesses, and create pathways to sustainable careers.”
4. Enhance Community Resources
LeGrand advocates for expanding access to essential services. “Every family deserves quality healthcare, education, and recreational facilities within their neighborhood.”
5. Promote Civic Engagement
“Change happens when communities come together and make their voices heard,” LeGrand emphasizes. “That’s been the cornerstone of our work at Projects II Projects.”
Looking ahead to the spring 2025 election, LeGrand’s campaign builds on her organization’s proven track record of community impact. Her leadership of Projects II Projects has demonstrated her ability to transform community aspirations into concrete results.
“This campaign is about bringing the same energy and commitment we’ve shown at Projects II Projects to city government,” LeGrand declares. “We’ve proven what’s possible when we invest in our families and communities. Now it’s time to scale these solutions across District 28.”
LeGrand continues her active community engagement through both her campaign and Projects II Projects’ ongoing initiatives. Her unique position as a nonprofit leader has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the district’s needs and potential.
“As we enter 2025, we have an opportunity to strengthen our community’s voice in city government,” LeGrand states. “When we focus on family values, support our youth, and work together, we create lasting positive change.”
Her campaign emphasizes practical solutions to community challenges, informed by years of hands-on experience in community service. Through Projects II Projects, LeGrand has already implemented many of the programs and initiatives she hopes to expand through public office.
“We’re not just talking about change – we’re already making it happen,” LeGrand concludes. “With your support in the spring 2025 election, we can bring these proven solutions to every corner of District 28.”
For more information about Latoya LeGrand’s campaign and Projects II Projects’ community initiatives, residents can visit her campaign office in Southeast Queens or attend one of her regular community forums.
