History of Eric Adams in Timeline
Eric Adams is the 110th mayor of New York City, a position he has held since 2022. A moderate Democrat, Adams had a long career in law enforcement, serving over 20 years in the New York City Transit Police and the NYPD, retiring as a captain. His political journey includes serving as a New York State Senator from 2006 to 2013, representing Brooklyn's 20th district. He then became Brooklyn Borough President in 2013, making history as the first African-American to hold the office. Adams was re-elected to the Borough President position in 2017.
1938: Birth of Dorothy Mae Adams-Streeter
Eric Adams' mother, Dorothy Mae Adams-Streeter, was born in 1938. She worked double shifts as a housecleaner and had received only a third-grade education.
September 1, 1960: Eric Adams is born
Eric Leroy Adams was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn on September 1, 1960.
1962: Supreme Court Decision on School Prayer
In 1962, the Supreme Court ruled in Engel v. Vitale that school prayer was unconstitutional, a decision later criticized by Eric Adams.
1968: Adams Family Moves to South Jamaica, Queens
In 1968, Adams' mother saved up enough money to buy a house and move the family to South Jamaica, Queens.
January 1979: Adams Graduates High School
Adams graduated from Bayside High School in Queens in January 1979.
1984: Adams Graduates from the New York City Police Academy
Adams graduated from the New York City Police Academy in 1984, ranking second in his class.
1986: Adams Mistakenly Targeted by Fellow Officers
In 1986, while working as a plainclothes officer, Adams was mistaken for a suspect by white police officers who drew their guns on him.
1993: Adams Makes Controversial Comment About Herman Badillo
During the 1993 mayoral election, Adams made a controversial comment about New York State Comptroller candidate Herman Badillo, suggesting that Badillo's concern for the Hispanic community would be better demonstrated by marrying a Hispanic woman instead of his white Jewish wife. This comment stirred controversy in the election.
1993: Alleged Sexual Assault Incident
In 1993, Eric Adams allegedly drove a female colleague to a vacant lot and demanded oral sex in exchange for career assistance. When she refused, he allegedly forced her to touch his penis and ejaculated on her leg. This incident was part of a later lawsuit filed in 2023.
1993: Eric Adams Becomes Second Mayor of African Descent
In 1993, Eric Adams became the second mayor of African descent in New York City's history, following David Dinkins.
1994: Adams Runs for Congress
In 1994, Adams ran for Congress in New York's 11th congressional district against incumbent Major Owens. He condemned Owens for criticizing Louis Farrakhan. However, he failed to secure a place on the ballot due to insufficient valid signatures.
1995: Adams Co-founds 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care
In 1995, following Rudy Giuliani's election as Mayor, Adams co-founded '100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care'. This advocacy group for black police officers aimed to achieve criminal justice reform and often spoke out against police brutality and racial profiling.
1997: Adams Briefly Switches to the Republican Party
In 1997, Adams switched his political affiliation to the Republican party in a move he described as a protest against inadequate Democratic leadership.
1999: Last Pay Raise for New York Lawmakers Before 2007
The year 1999 marked the last time New York lawmakers received a pay raise before Adams and others advocated for one in 2007.
2000: U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Condemns Stop-and-Frisk
In 2000, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights labeled the NYPD's "stop and frisk" policy as racial profiling, setting the stage for ongoing debate and reform efforts.
2001: Adams Returns to the Democratic Party
In 2001, after a brief period as a registered Republican, Adams rejoined the Democratic party.
2006: Adams Elected to New York State Senate
Adams entered politics in 2006 when he was elected to the New York State Senate.
2006: Adams Retires from the Police Force
In 2006, after being investigated for publicly criticizing Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Adams retired from the police force with the rank of captain.
2007: Adams Supports Pay Raise for New York Lawmakers
As a freshman state senator in 2007, Adams joined other legislators in requesting a pay raise for New York lawmakers, who hadn't received a raise since 1999. During his speech supporting the pay raise, he famously declared, "show me the money."
2009: Adams Promotes Compromise and Supports Marriage Equality
In 2009, Adams played a key role in brokering a compromise to nominate John L. Sampson as the Minority Leader of the New York State Senate during a period of political standoff. That same year, he emerged as a strong advocate for marriage equality, voting in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage in New York and actively speaking in support of the freedom to marry.
February 2010: Controversy Surrounds Racetrack Bid and Senator Expulsion Vote
In February 2010, Adams faced scrutiny for his involvement in selecting an operator for the Aqueduct Racetrack, with allegations of leaked information and inappropriate fundraising. While he denied any wrongdoing, the incident sparked controversy. Additionally, he was among a small group of senators who voted against expelling Senator Hiram Monserrate after his assault conviction, a decision that drew further criticism.
July 24, 2011: New York's Marriage Equality Act Takes Effect
On July 24, 2011, New York's Marriage Equality Act came into effect after years of advocacy from Adams and other supporters. This landmark legislation legalized same-sex marriage in the state.
2011: Adams Challenges Stop-and-Frisk Policy
In 2011, Adams intensified his opposition to the NYPD's controversial "stop and frisk" policy, calling for a federal investigation into its practices and advocating for legislation to protect the privacy of individuals stopped but not charged.
March 12, 2012: Adams Protests Trayvon Martin Shooting
On March 12, 2012, in a powerful display of solidarity, Adams and other state lawmakers wore hooded sweatshirts in the legislative chamber to protest the tragic shooting of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teenager killed in Florida, drawing attention to racial profiling and gun violence.
November 5, 2013: Adams Elected Brooklyn Borough President
On November 5, 2013, Adams secured a landslide victory, becoming Brooklyn Borough President with an overwhelming majority of the vote.
November 2013: Adams Elected Brooklyn Borough President
In November 2013, Adams was elected Brooklyn Borough President, becoming the first African-American to hold the position. He would serve in this role until 2022.
2013: Adams Completes Tenure in the State Senate
Adams' time in the New York State Senate ended in 2013 when he was elected as the Brooklyn Borough President.
2014: Adams Calls for Unity After Police Killings and Officer Deaths
In 2014, Adams navigated a delicate balance, criticizing police brutality in the Eric Garner and Glen Grays cases while urging for understanding and cooperation between law enforcement and the community following the tragic killing of NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos.
2014: Philip Banks III Federal Investigation
In 2014, Philip Banks III, who later served as deputy mayor for public safety under Eric Adams, was the subject of a federal investigation by the FBI.
2014: One Brooklyn Fund Established Amidst Scrutiny
In 2014, Adams founded the One Brooklyn Fund, a nonprofit organization intended to support community programs. However, it attracted criticism and investigations for potential conflicts of interest and improper fundraising practices, casting a shadow over Adams's efforts.
July 14, 2016: Lactation Room Bill Passes in New York City Council
On July 14, 2016, the New York City Council, with Adams's leadership, passed a bill mandating the provision of lactation rooms in municipal buildings, promoting breastfeeding and supporting working mothers.
2016: Adams Champions Plant-Based Lifestyle After Diabetes Diagnosis
Following a personal diagnosis of type two diabetes in 2016, Adams transformed his health journey into a public advocacy campaign. He embraced and promoted a plant-based diet and a healthier lifestyle, advocating for similar changes in schools and public policy.
2016: Adams switches to plant-based diet
In 2016, after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, Eric Adams switched to a plant-based diet. He eliminated animal products, processed sugars, and other unhealthy foods, leading to significant health improvements, including reversing his diabetes within six months.
2016: DOI Finds Misuse of Brooklyn Borough Hall License
In 2016, the Department of Investigation (DOI) uncovered Adams's office's improper licensing of Brooklyn Borough Hall for a Mayor's Office event, adding to the scrutiny surrounding his administration and raising concerns about ethical conduct.
November 2017: Adams Re-elected Brooklyn Borough President
In November 2017, Adams was reelected for a second term as Brooklyn Borough President.
2017: Adams Re-elected Brooklyn Borough President
In 2017, Adams's popularity remained strong, and he was re-elected as Brooklyn Borough President with a commanding majority, solidifying his leadership role in the borough.
February 14, 2018: Adams Addresses School Shooting and Prison Violence
In the wake of the devastating school shooting in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018, Adams stood in solidarity with students demanding stricter gun control measures. That same month, after a violent attack on a correctional officer at Rikers Island, he advocated for harsher prison measures, including the reinstatement of solitary confinement.
2019: Eric Adams' Controversial Remarks
In 2019, Eric Adams made controversial remarks about being a better cop than his 'cracker' colleagues, which later resurfaced and led to public backlash.
February 2020: Adams Expresses Support for Modified Stop-and-Frisk
In February 2020, Adams reignited the debate on policing by expressing support for a modified version of the controversial stop-and-frisk policy, arguing that it could be a responsible form of crime prevention if implemented fairly. This stance drew both praise and criticism, highlighting the complexities of balancing public safety with concerns about racial profiling.
October 2020: Adams publishes plant-based advocacy cookbook
In October 2020, Mayor Eric Adams published 'Healthy at Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses,' which chronicles his health journey and promotes a plant-based diet. The book serves as both a memoir and a guide to healthier living.
November 17, 2020: Adams Announces Candidacy for New York City Mayor
On November 17, 2020, Adams formally declared his candidacy for Mayor of New York City in the 2021 election, setting the stage for a highly contested race.
November 20, 2020: Adams Criticized for Indoor Fundraiser During Pandemic
Shortly after launching his mayoral bid on November 20, 2020, Adams faced criticism for attending an indoor fundraiser, violating COVID-19 safety guidelines and raising questions about his judgment during the ongoing pandemic.
2020: Disbandment of Plainclothes Police Unit
In 2020, the plainclothes police unit in New York City was disbanded by Mayor de Blasio following the murder of George Floyd.
May 2021: Turkish construction company investigated in Adams campaign
In May 2021, a Turkish immigrant-run construction company that supported Mayor Eric Adams' campaign was investigated by the FBI. The investigation was part of a broader probe into alleged Turkish government influence over New York City authorities.
July 2021: Adams contacted Fire Commissioner about Turkish consulate
In July 2021, following his Democratic primary nomination, Mayor Eric Adams contacted then-Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro to request approval for the Turkish consulate to occupy a building in Manhattan despite safety concerns. This contact became part of an FBI investigation into potential Turkish government influence.
August 2021: Adams Assembles Transition Team
In August 2021, following his mayoral victory, Adams initiated the transition process by appointing Sheena Wright, a prominent figure in the nonprofit sector, as the chair of his transition team.
October 2021: Introduction of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
In October 2021, a COVID-19 vaccine mandate was introduced for New York City municipal workers, which was upheld by Eric Adams upon becoming mayor.
November 2, 2021: Adams Elected Mayor of New York City
On November 2, 2021, Adams achieved a significant victory, being elected Mayor of New York City. He defeated Republican Curtis Sliwa by a substantial margin, marking a turning point in his political career.
November 4, 2021: Eric Adams Announces Bitcoin Paycheck Plan
On November 4, 2021, Eric Adams announced on Twitter that he planned to take his first three paychecks as Mayor in bitcoin. He also declared that New York City would become 'the center of the cryptocurrency industry and other fast-growing, innovative industries.'
December 2, 2021: Eric Adams Visits Ghana
On December 2, 2021, Eric Adams traveled to Ghana, where he visited the historic Elmina Castle.
December 30, 2021: Controversial Hiring of Brother
On December 30, 2021, Eric Adams sought a waiver to hire his brother, Bernard, for a $210,000 job in the NYPD as his personal security detail. This decision led to accusations of nepotism.
2021: Adams Supports Plant-Based Medical Curriculum
In 2021, Adams, a staunch advocate for plant-based nutrition, awarded a grant to SUNY Downstate College of Medicine to develop a plant-based supplemental curriculum, demonstrating his commitment to incorporating these principles into healthcare education.
2021: Adams's Mayoral Campaign and Evolving Stances
Throughout his 2021 mayoral campaign, Adams faced criticism for his evolving stance on issues like stop-and-frisk, which he had previously opposed. He emerged as a frontrunner as concerns about crime in New York City took center stage, capitalizing on his experience as a former police officer to present himself as a tough-on-crime candidate.
2021: Adams Wins New York City Mayoral Election
In 2021, Eric Adams won the New York City mayoral election, defeating Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in a landslide victory.
2021: Death of Dorothy Mae Adams-Streeter
Eric Adams' mother, Dorothy Mae Adams-Streeter passed away in 2021.
2021: Adams contributes to 'Brotha Vegan' anthology
In 2021, Mayor Eric Adams contributed to the anthology 'Brotha Vegan: Black Men Speak on Food, Identity, Health, and Society,' sharing his insights on food and health. His contribution is part of his broader advocacy for plant-based diets and healthier lifestyles.
January 1, 2022: Adams Sworn in as Mayor
On January 1, 2022, shortly after midnight, Eric Adams was sworn in as the mayor of New York City.
February 14, 2022: Firing of Unvaccinated Workers
On February 14, 2022, 1,430 New York City municipal workers were fired for refusing to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which had been introduced by Adams's predecessor but maintained by Adams.
February 2022: Adams Apologizes for 2019 Comments
In February 2022, a video of Eric Adams from 2019 leaked in which he made controversial remarks about being a better cop than his 'cracker' colleagues. Adams publicly apologized for his comments, stating that New Yorkers should expect more from him.
February 2022: Questions arise about Adams' vegan diet
In February 2022, questions emerged about Mayor Eric Adams' adherence to a vegan diet after he was reportedly seen eating fish in public. Adams clarified that while he follows a plant-based diet, he occasionally eats fish, describing himself as 'perfectly imperfect.'
February 23, 2022: Call to End Remote Work Policies
On February 23, 2022, Eric Adams urged New York City companies to rescind remote work policies introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the need for in-person workers to support local businesses.
March 2022: End of Vaccine and Mask Mandates
In March 2022, Eric Adams ended the city's vaccine mandate for indoor settings and the mask mandate in public schools while maintaining the vaccine mandate for private-sector employees with an exemption for athletes and performers.
March 16, 2022: Revival of Plainclothes Police Unit
On March 16, 2022, Mayor Eric Adams officially revived a police unit made up of plainclothes officers, which had been disbanded in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. This move was in response to rising crime rates.
April 11, 2022: Eric Adams Diagnosed with COVID-19
On April 11, 2022, Eric Adams tested positive for COVID-19 and entered quarantine for ten days. During this period, he responded virtually to a subway shooting in Brooklyn and discussed implementing metal detectors in the subway system.
June 7, 2022: Plummeting Approval Rating
On June 7, 2022, a poll conducted by Siena College found that Eric Adams's approval rating had dropped to 29%, with 76% of New Yorkers expressing concerns about becoming victims of violent crime.
June 2022: Unveiling of Affordable Housing Plan
In June 2022, Eric Adams presented his administration's 'comprehensive blueprint' for affordable housing. However, the plan faced criticism for its vagueness and lack of specific proposals for rezoning or new housing units.
December 2022: Hosting 15 Days of Light
In December 2022, Eric Adams, along with several notable figures, hosted the '15 Days of Light' event at Carnegie Hall to celebrate Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Adams highlighted the impact of social media on spreading hatred and called for accountability from social media companies.
2022: Adams Becomes Mayor of New York City
In 2022, Eric Adams took office as the 110th mayor of New York City.
2022: Medicare Advantage Plan Agreement
In 2022, Eric Adams and the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) agreed to move city retirees from traditional Medicare to a privately run Medicare Advantage plan. This deal, led by DC 37 and the UFT, faced protests from many city retirees.
February 2023: Adams Challenges Separation of Church and State
In February 2023, at an interfaith breakfast, Eric Adams expressed his disagreement with the concept of separation of church and state and criticized the Supreme Court's 1962 decision in Engel v. Vitale, linking the removal of school prayer to increased gun violence.
March 2023: Plans for Office-to-Apartment Conversions
In March 2023, the New York City Department of City Planning advanced plans to convert vacant office buildings into affordable apartments. Eric Adams faced backlash for proposing 'dormitory style accommodations' and suggesting that apartments did not require windows.
June 23, 2023: Adams vetoes housing voucher eligibility bill
On June 23, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams vetoed legislation aimed at increasing eligibility for housing vouchers under the CityFHEPS program. Despite this, he issued an executive order to eliminate the 90-day waiting period for shelter residents. Adams argued that the legislation would be too costly and complicated to administer.
June 28, 2023: Adams responds controversially to Holocaust survivor
During a housing town hall on June 28, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams faced criticism from 84-year-old Holocaust survivor Jeanie Dubnau over rent increases. Adams' response, comparing Dubnau's behavior to treating someone like a plantation owner, sparked controversy. The following day, Adams refused to apologize, calling Dubnau's behavior 'degrading.'
July 13, 2023: City Council overrides Adams' veto on housing voucher bill
On July 13, 2023, the New York City Council overrode Mayor Eric Adams' veto of the housing voucher eligibility bill by a vote of 42–8, marking a significant moment of contention between the City Council and the mayor. This was the first veto override since Michael Bloomberg's administration.
July 2023: Adams addresses NYC migrant housing crisis
In July 2023, Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the severe strain on New York City's resources due to the influx of approximately 100,000 migrants from the southern border, stating that the city was running out of room and resources. He remarked, 'Our cup has basically runneth over. We have no more room in the city.'
August 2023: Governor's lawyer criticizes Adams' response to migrant crisis
In August 2023, a lawyer representing Governor Kathy Hochul criticized Mayor Eric Adams for being slow to respond to the migrant housing crisis and not accepting assistance offered by the state. The lawyer's accusations added tension to the already challenging situation.
September 2023: Adams warns about the impact of migrant crisis on NYC
In September 2023, Mayor Eric Adams warned that the ongoing migrant crisis could potentially 'destroy' New York City, indicating the extreme pressure the city faced in managing the situation.
September 2023: Adams becomes a Prince Hall Freemason
In September 2023, Mayor Eric Adams, along with New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban, became a Prince Hall Freemason and a 32nd Degree Member of the Scottish Rite. Adams cited Mahatma Gandhi as an inspiration for his actions.
November 2, 2023: FBI seizes devices from Adams' chief fundraiser
On November 2, 2023, FBI agents seized phones and laptops from the chief fundraiser for Mayor Eric Adams' campaigns. The seizure was part of an investigation, and Adams' lawyer stated that he complied fully with the FBI's request. Adams expressed his cooperation with law enforcement in a public statement.
November 2023: Adams accused of sexual assault in lawsuit
In November 2023, Mayor Eric Adams was accused of sexual assault by an anonymous former coworker from their time as city employees in 1993. Adams denied the allegations, claiming he did not remember the accuser or the incident. The lawsuit also included accusations of battery, discrimination, retaliation, and creating a hostile work environment.
November 22, 2023: Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed Against Eric Adams
On November 22, 2023, a Florida woman filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Eric Adams under the New York Adult Survivors Act. The lawsuit also included claims of battery, infliction of emotional distress, gender discrimination, retaliation, and sexual harassment.
December 2023: United Federation of Teachers sues Adams over education funding cuts
In December 2023, the United Federation of Teachers filed a lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams to block a $550 million cut to education funding, reflecting ongoing tensions over budget priorities and educational resources.
2023: Medicare Advantage Plan Agreement
In 2023, Eric Adams and the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) agreed to move city retirees from traditional Medicare to a privately run Medicare Advantage plan. This deal, led by DC 37 and the UFT, faced protests from many city retirees.
2023: Adams' claims in Netflix documentary
In 2023, in the Netflix documentary 'You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment,' Mayor Eric Adams claimed he never used medication for his diabetes, which contradicted his earlier statements. This discrepancy led to public scrutiny and questions about his health advocacy.
January 30, 2024: City Council overrides Adams' veto of How Many Stops Act
On January 30, 2024, the New York City Council overrode Mayor Eric Adams' veto of the How Many Stops Act, which limits solitary confinement on Rikers Island and mandates detailed police encounter notes. The override vote was seen as a significant policy shift and was led by Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
March 18, 2024: Legal Complaint Details Allegations Against Adams
On March 18, 2024, a legal complaint was filed in connection with a sexual assault lawsuit against Eric Adams. The complaint alleged that in 1993, Adams drove a woman to a vacant lot and demanded oral sex in exchange for career help. When she refused, he allegedly forced her to touch his penis and ejaculated on her leg. The woman was a former police colleague from Adams' time with New York City's transit police bureau.