By Edwin Freeman for Black Star News
Photos: Edwin Freeman
As Queens District 28 prepares to elect a successor to term-limited City Council Member Adrienne Adams, one candidate stands out not just for her platform, but for her unwavering commitment to grassroots change. Latoya LeGrand, founder and executive director of Projects II Projects, is the only woman of color in the race to replace Adams. We sat down with LeGrand to discuss her vision for the district and what sets her apart in this crucial election.
BSN: Latoya, you’re the only woman of color running to replace Adrienne Adams, another woman of color who’s terming out. What does that representation mean to you and to the community?
Latoya LeGrand: Representation matters deeply, but it’s not just about who sits in the seat—it’s about who fights for the people once they’re there. As a mother of five and someone who’s worked at the grassroots level for over a decade, I understand the struggles our families face daily. I’m not just running to be a symbol; I’m running to be a voice that amplifies the needs of single mothers, working families, and marginalized children who often get overlooked. Our community deserves bold new leadership that fights for real solutions. I’m running to invest in our community and ensure every resident has access to safe housing, good jobs, and the resources they need to thrive.
BSN: You currently serve as chair of Education in the district. What specific changes have you been able to make at that level?
LeGrand: My work has always been about creating tangible change from the ground up. Through Projects II Projects and my role as chair, I’ve focused on equity within our school systems, ensuring marginalized children get the resources they deserve. I’ve worked directly with single mothers and parents, helping them navigate systems that weren’t designed with their needs in mind. Housing advocacy has been central to my work—fighting for fair housing policies and ensuring our neighbors aren’t displaced by gentrification. This isn’t theoretical work for me; I’m in the community every day, seeing what works and what doesn’t.
BSN: Your approach seems very different from candidates who rely heavily on endorsements from established politicians. Can you speak to that philosophy?
LeGrand: Absolutely. I believe in people-powered politics. I’m honored to have earned endorsements from leaders who understand the importance of grassroots advocacy—including Assembly Member Vivian Cook, Senator James Sanders, and New York State Representative Khaleel Anderson. These are politicians who work for the people and share my vision for community-centered change. My campaign is built on collecting stories from constituents about their real needs. I don’t need to be told that families are struggling with rent, or that our small businesses need support to survive. My most meaningful endorsements come from the single mother who finally got stable housing, from the student who now has access to resources they need to succeed, from the local business owner who knows I’ll fight for them in City Hall. I’m endorsed for and by the people, and that’s the kind of validation that matters most to me.
BSN: Small business support seems to be a cornerstone of your platform. How do you plan to strengthen that sector?
LeGrand: Our local small businesses are the heartbeat of District 28. They create jobs right here in our community and keep our neighborhoods vibrant. I plan to cut through bureaucratic red tape that makes it harder for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. We need to create programs that provide access to capital, especially for women and minority-owned businesses. I also want to ensure our zoning laws protect small businesses from being pushed out by large chains that don’t have the same investment in our community’s wellbeing.
BSN: You mentioned fair housing. With gentrification pressures in Queens, how would you address housing equity?
LeGrand: Housing is a human right, not a commodity for speculation. I’ve seen too many longtime residents forced out of neighborhoods they helped build. We need stronger tenant protections, more affordable housing development, and policies that prevent predatory landlord practices. I also want to create homeownership opportunities for working families who’ve been priced out of the market. This means fighting for community land trusts and down payment assistance programs that actually work for regular people, not just those with connections.
BSN: As a mother of five, how does your personal experience inform your policy priorities?
LeGrand: Being a mother grounds everything I do in reality. When I advocate for better schools, I’m thinking about my own children and every child in District 28 who deserves the same opportunities. When I fight for affordable childcare, I know firsthand how impossible it is to work when you can’t afford quality care for your kids. My experience as a mother, especially as a woman of color raising children in this system, gives me insight that you can’t get from policy papers or focus groups. I understand the daily challenges families face because I live them.
BSN: What message do you have for young people of color and families who might feel disconnected from local politics?
LeGrand: I want them to know that local politics is where their voices can make the biggest difference. This is where decisions get made about your schools, your housing, your safety, your economic opportunities. I’m not just asking for your vote; I’m asking you to be part of building the community we all deserve. As a caring mother and someone who’s dedicated her life to this work, I want to be a beacon for all women of color, young people of color, and families of color. Your dreams and struggles matter, and they deserve representation that understands them intimately.
BSN: The election is coming up quickly on June 24th. What’s your final message to District 28 voters?
LeGrand: This election is about choosing between more of the same or real change rooted in community needs. I’m not running to climb a political ladder; I’m running to tear down the barriers that keep our families from thriving. For over a decade, I’ve been doing this work without a title, and now I’m asking for the platform to do it with the power to create policy change. On June 24th, vote for someone who’s already fighting for you and will continue that fight in City Hall.
BSN: How can people learn more about your campaign and get involved?
LeGrand: Visit our website to learn more about our platform, volunteer opportunities, and how to make sure you’re registered to vote. This campaign is powered by people like you, and we need every voice in this fight for our community’s future.
The election for Queens District 28 City Council will be held on June 24, 2025. To learn more about Latoya LeGrand’s campaign and platform, visit here.
