Early Life and Education of Chi Ossé: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Chi Ossé. From birth to education, explore key events.

Chi Ossé is an American politician and activist representing the 36th district in the New York City Council. His district primarily covers the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in Brooklyn, along with a portion of northern Crown Heights. He is known for his activism and political involvement in New York City.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

March 18, 1998: Chi Ossé's Birth

On March 18, 1998, Chi Ajani Ossé was born. He is now an American politician and activist.

Others born on this day/year

2016: Graduation from Friends Seminary

In 2016, Chi Ossé graduated from Friends Seminary.

2017: Dropped out of Chapman University

In 2017, Chi Ossé dropped out of Chapman University in Orange, California, following his father's death.

2017: Death of Combat Jack

In 2017, Chi Ossé's father, Reggie Ossé, also known as Combat Jack, passed away from cancer when Chi was 19 years old. Reggie Ossé was a hip hop attorney and journalist.

May 2020: Became a prominent Black Lives Matter organizer

In May 2020, amid nationwide protests over the murder of George Floyd, Chi Ossé became a prominent Black Lives Matter organizer and co-founded the activist collective "Warriors in the Garden".

2020: Announced 2021 campaign for City Council

On Juneteenth 2020, Chi Ossé announced his 2021 campaign to succeed term-limited Councilman Robert Cornegy in the 36th district of the New York City Council.

June 22, 2021: Victory in City Council Election

On election night, June 22, 2021, Chi Ossé led the field with 37 percent of the vote and ultimately defeated Butler 57-43% after absentee ballots and ranked-choice votes were counted, becoming the council's youngest ever member.

2021: Campaign to succeed term-limited Councilman Robert Cornegy

In 2021, Chi Ossé announced his campaign to succeed term-limited Councilman Robert Cornegy in the 36th district of the New York City Council. Ossé cited police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement as the impetus for his campaign.

2024: Attended the Democratic National Convention

In 2024, Chi Ossé rejected an initial offer to serve as a delegate for Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention, but attended after Biden's withdrawal. He was granted credentials as one of approximately 200 influencers at the DNC.

November 2025: Decided not to run against Hakeem Jeffries

In November 2025, Chi Ossé filed to run in New York's 8th congressional district against Hakeem Jeffries, but did not win the endorsement of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America. Following the result, Ossé stated he would not run.

2025: Rejoined the New York City chapter

In the summer of 2025, Ossé rejoined the New York City chapter following Zohran Mamdani's victory in the 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary.