By Nelson A. King From Caribbean Life

Brooklyn Democratic Assemblyman Jamaican N. Nick Perry and his compatriot Democratic State Committeeman Cory Provost have endorsed Haitian-born Mercedes Narcisse for the 46th Council District seat in Brooklyn, saying that Nascisse is “a hard-working and bold leader who will stand up and fight for all the families” of the district in City Hall.

“I am very proud to endorse Mercedes Narcisse for the New York City Council,” said Perry, representative for the 58^th Assembly District in Brooklyn. “As a registered nurse and a bonafide first responder, Mercedes is trained and ready to help nurse New York City and our neighborhoods back to health.

“For decades, Mercedes has been a fierce and fearless advocate for our community, building a proven track record of improving the quality of lives of the families who live in the council district she now seeks to represent.

“Mercedes is more than ready to take this next step, and I look forward to working with her as a fellow colleague in government,” Perry continued.

Provost, who is also a district leader, said Narcisse is “the clear choice for the 46th District of the New York City Council.

“As a mother, registered nurse, small business owner, neighbor and community leader, Mercedes has been a proven and prudent leader,” he said. “Especially important in these times, Mercedes knows how to bring people together and bridge divisions.

“Mercedes has a vision of progress but also understands the nuances needed to make things happen,” Provost added. “Most importantly, Mercedes has a record of service that illuminates her dedication to improving the lives of every resident not only in the 46th District but across New York City.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Mercedes once elected as the next Councilmember for the 46th District of the New York City Council this June 22, 2021,” he continued.

Narcisse said she was “proud” to receive the endorsements, stating that Perry has been a mentor and friend for many years.

“I’ve had the pleasure of closely working with Assemblyman Perry as he has fought in Albany for criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, affordable housing and services for our seniors,” she said.

“As your next council member, I look forward to continuing to work with Assemblyman Perry and District Leader Cory Provost to improve the quality of lives of all the residents of the 46^th Council District we would jointly represent,” she added.

Last month, Narcisse picked up an early and influential endorsement of the 21 in ’21 Initiative, a nonpartisan, citywide effort formed in 2018, which endeavors to increase the number of women elected to the New York City Council.

In releasing its endorsements for the 2021 New York City Council elections, the 21 in ’21 Initiative endorsed Narcisse over at least three other women currently in the race to fill the term-limited seat currently held by Councilman Alan Maisel.

Narcisse, also an entrepreneur and mother of four, has long been a fixture in the community due to her unrelenting advocacy.

As a healthcare professional running during a deadly pandemic, Narcisse said she has made the overall health of her community a paramount issue in her campaign.

“As a frontline healthcare worker, I have decided to make community health and housing my priorities,” she said. “During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I continued to serve. I was on the street, serving seniors and anyone else who needed my help.

“If we, as individuals, are not healthy, our community is not healthy, and we run the risk of becoming extinct,” she added. “If there is any silver lining that can be found as a result of COVID, I think we all appreciate our health a bit more. And moving forward, I anticipate we will all focus on this important issue together.”

Narcisse, who is considered a “dynamic, educated and caring working mother”, said she has dedicated her “entire adult life in improving the quality of life for all residents of Brooklyn.”

She said her commitment to family and community is based on “a strong set of values” passed on to her by her Haitian immigrant parents.

Narcisse said she has sought to bring all people – regardless of class, racial background, economic status, sexual orientation or social position – into what she calls “the Family of People.”

Currently, Narcisse works as a Re-entry Nurse at Paul J. Cooper Center for Human Services, Inc., where she provides and addresses outpatient chemical dependency treatment for adult alcohol and drug abusers.

She has also served as the general administrator of two private clinics, MJC & Brooklyn Gastro.

Considered a consensus builder, Narcisse said she has worked and partnered with a number of local elected leaders to bring much-needed resources to the district.

She said her interest in local politics started when she joined the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club in the early 1990s, at a time when few women were admitted.

She then proceeded to serve as president of the 41st Assembly District Democratic Club, founded by the late New York City Council Member Lew Fidler.

Narcisse’s well-rounded personality lends itself to community leadership and public service. She sits on the boards of a number of community organizations.

For more on this story go to: CARIBBEAN LIFE