NYC Mayor's Race: Multicultural chambers host candidates forum, amid high-profile no-shows

With the 2025 NYC Mayor’s race gaining momentum, a historic coalition of more than 35 multicultural chambers of commerce convened earlier this month at the Brooklyn College Graduate Center for Worker Education at 25 Broadway, to host a spirited mayoral forum on small business, public safety, housing, and economic inclusion.

But while five candidates answered the call to speak directly with New Yorkers about the city’s future, the absence of several high-profile figures did not go unnoticed—and sparked pointed criticism from organizers, community and small business leaders.

The forum was the first of its kind, bringing together an extraordinary array of business leaders and chamber presidents from across the city’s cultural spectrum. Leaders from Hispanic, Black, Korean, Indian, Turkish, African, Jewish, Brazilian, and Dominican communities filled the room in a rare show of unity.

Spearheaded by Frank Garcia, chairman of the National Association of State Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and Bishop Ebony Kirkland, founder of the World-Wide Chambers of Commerce, the event was designed to give small business owners a chance to directly question those vying to lead the city.





https://www.amny.com/news/multicultural-candidates-forum-mayors-race/