Dignitaries from all over New York City and State – along with hundreds of residents and civic leaders – gathered at the South Shore Educational Complex, 6565 Flatlands Avenue, on Saturday, January 22nd, where Councilwoman for the 46th District Mercedes Narcisse was officially sworn in at a prestigious inauguration event.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer did the honors of swearing in Narcisse as she embarks upon her biggest role, representing southeast Brooklyn communities including Canarsie, Marine Park, Bergen Beach and Mill Basin.
Elected officials including Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Assemblyman Nick Perry, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, former Mayor Bill de Blasio and Mayor Eric Adams noted how tenacious Narcisse has been in the fight to occupy to the council seat, which has been traditionally spearheaded by males who dominated the political arena.
“Mercedes was on the front lines in her community and she understands the values of immigrants’ lives in this district,” said Congresswoman Clarke. “I’m not only excited to see what she will do, but, since she is former nurse, I believe she will be the leader we need when it comes to public health, as we’re in the middle of a health crisis right now and she has not backed down. She was taking action on the streets – interacting with constituents and she has the background this council district needs to heal and move forward.”
Other elected officials said her path to victory proves that anyone who fights hard enough can achieve the American Dream.
“Mercedes Narcisse will be a voice for voiceless – a trailblazer for women in the community,” said Congressman Jeffries. “She’s the right person at the right time with the tenacity of a fighter who won’t back down – and we need a fighter in office like Mercedes.”
A Haiti native, Narcisse came to America when she was a teen. She was a registered nurse for 30 years but also contributed her time to civic leadership in Canarsie as president of the Avenue L Merchants Association and a short-lived but successful organization called Canarsie By Choice. Before she even vied for the council seat, Narcisse was known for her dedicated footwork during the pandemic, helping those in need of food and other supplies. She also accomplished many missions of mercy to her native Haiti after the earthquakes that depleted the country of health supplies another other vital resources.
Narcisse ran for City Council in 2013 but did not give up after she lost. Last year, she was up against six other candidates, some who had also fought to establish their empire after coming to America to pursue their goals.
With her family in tow at the grand celebration, she vowed to work harder to fight against gun violence and fund more programs that will keep the district flourishing.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Narcisse said as applause flooded the auditorium. While her history in civics serves an inspiring menu of achievements, her connection to the community will hopefully pave the way to a brighter future.