Hon. Rowan Wilson Administers Oath Of Office To State Senator Cordell Cleare

State Senator Cordell Cleare held her community swearing-in at Wadleigh School in Harlem for the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Auditorium this past Sunday.

The event commemorated Senator Cleare’s first full term as a State Senator for the 30th district in the state of New York.

With no woman having been elected to this particular seat in over five decades, Senator Cleare’s victory marked a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for gender equality and representation in New York State politics. Cleare followed in the trailblazing footsteps of Constance Baker Motley, a pioneering civil rights icon who achieved numerous historical firsts during her lifetime, including becoming the first African-American woman appointed to the federal judiciary. Amongst firsts, The Honorable Rowan Wilson, the first Black Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, administered the oath of office to Senator Cordell Cleare.

Notable guests, including U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, NY State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, NY City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and other dignitaries, local elected officials, and community leaders, to celebrate this momentous event. Former City Councilman Bill Perkins, under whom Senator Cleare worked for 17 years, was also present to show his support.

Senator Cleare was excited to celebrate with her constituents and wanted to ensure they felt included and celebrated on this momentous occasion. “It is an honor to represent the 30th district in the state of New York, and I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to serve my constituents,” said Senator Cleare. This community swearing-in was a momentous occasion, not just for me, but for all those who have been fighting for greater representation and equality in New York State politics. I am grateful to my constituents, my supporters, and my colleagues in government for their unwavering support, and I look forward to continuing to work tirelessly to advance the interests of the people of the 30th district.”