Childhood and Education Journey of Hakeem Jeffries in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Hakeem Jeffries. A timeline of key moments.

Hakeem Jeffries is an American politician and attorney currently serving as House Minority Leader and leader of the House Democratic Caucus since 2023. He represents New York's 8th congressional district, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to his congressional service, Jeffries served three terms in the New York State Assembly from 2007 to 2012. His career reflects a focus on public service and leadership within the Democratic party.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1965: Jeffries Addresses Voting Rights After Supreme Court Decision on the 1965 Voting Rights Act

Jeffries actively involved in maintaining the CBC's historic role as "the conscience of the Congress", addressing special orders on the House floor, including regarding voting rights (after the Supreme Court decision on the 1965 Voting Rights Act)

August 4, 1970: Hakeem Jeffries Born

On August 4, 1970, Hakeem Sekou Jeffries was born. He is now an American politician and attorney who has served as House minority leader and leader of the House Democratic Caucus since 2023.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Graduation from Midwood High School

In 1988, Hakeem Jeffries graduated from Midwood High School.

1992: Graduation from Binghamton University

In 1992, Hakeem Jeffries graduated from Binghamton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors and became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity during his time there.

1994: Earned Master of Public Policy Degree

In 1994, Hakeem Jeffries earned a Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) degree from the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

1997: Graduation from NYU Law School

In 1997, Hakeem Jeffries graduated magna cum laude from the School of Law of New York University with a Juris Doctor degree and delivered the student address at Convocation.

2004: Corporate Litigator for Viacom and CBS

In 2004, Hakeem Jeffries became a corporate litigator for television companies Viacom and CBS, where he worked on matters such as the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show controversy, and concluded his time at Paul, Weiss.

2007: Endorsed Barack Obama

In 2007, Hakeem Jeffries endorsed and supported Barack Obama, becoming one of Obama's earliest supporters in Hillary Clinton's home state.

2013: Jeffries played in Congressional Baseball Game

In 2013, Hakeem Jeffries, a Baptist Christian, participated in the Congressional Baseball Game as an infielder for the Democratic team.

December 2014: Jeffries Leads CBC Protest

In December 2014, Jeffries led Congressional Black Caucus members in a "hands up, don't shoot" protest of killings of African-Americans by police.

December 2014: Jeffries Calls for Investigation into Eric Garner's Death

Shortly after taking office, Jeffries called for a Department of Justice investigation into the circumstances of Eric Garner's death. In December 2014, he visited the Staten Island site where Garner was killed and encountered Garner's mother, Gwen Carr.

December 20, 2014: NYPD Officers Killed

On December 20, 2014, NYPD detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos were killed in their patrol car in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Jeffries's district.

December 31, 2014: Initial Tax Deadline for Donations

Prior to the Slain Officer Family Support Act, people making donations to organizations supporting the families of deceased NYPD detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos would have had to make those contributions by December 31, 2014, to qualify for a tax deduction in connection with taxes filed in 2015.

April 2015: Jeffries Introduces Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act

In April 2015, Jeffries stood with Gwen Carr to announce the introduction of the Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act of 2015, which would make chokeholds illegal under federal law.

2015: Declined Mayoral Primary Run

In 2015, Hakeem Jeffries was encouraged by prominent African-American pastors to enter the 2017 Democratic primary for mayor of New York City against Bill de Blasio, but Jeffries declined, stating he had "no interest" and wished to remain a member of Congress.

2016: Jeffries Calls Trump's Presidency Illegitimate Due to Russian Interference

Jeffries repeatedly called Donald Trump's presidency "illegitimate" due to Russian interference in the 2016 United States presidential election.

2019: Jeffries Supports the Equality Act

In 2019, Jeffries voted in favor of the Equality Act, which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and urged Congress members to do the same.

January 22, 2020: Interrupted During Impeachment Testimony

On January 22, 2020, Hakeem Jeffries was interrupted by a protester during his testimony in the Senate impeachment trial against Trump. Jeffries responded with Psalm 37:28 before continuing.

2020: Jeffries Calls Jerusalem the Sixth Borough at AIPAC Conference

In 2020, Jeffries told an AIPAC conference that "back home in New York City we consider Jerusalem to be the sixth borough".

2022: Jeffries Criticizes Overturning of Roe v. Wade

In 2022, Jeffries criticized the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, calling it an "assault on freedom".

2022: Jeffries Speaks Out Against Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

In 2022, Jeffries spoke out against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He defended the Biden administration's assistance to Ukraine and voted to send relief.

November 9, 2023: Jeffries Rejects Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza

On November 9, 2023, Jeffries rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

November 14, 2023: Jeffries Speaks at March for Israel

On November 14, 2023, Jeffries spoke at the March for Israel, condemning antisemitism and calling for the safe return of all hostages taken captive by Hamas, and a "just and lasting peace".

2023: Jeffries Travels to Israel Multiple Times

As of 2023, Jeffries has traveled to Israel multiple times since being elected to Congress, five times in total.

2023: Jeffries Visits Israel as House Democratic Leader

In 2023, Jeffries visited Israel for his first trip abroad as House Democratic leader and led a delegation of House Democrats to Israel, meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

2023: Jeffries Votes Against Removing U.S. Troops from Syria

In 2023, Jeffries voted against H.Con.Res. 21, which directed President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.

April 2024: Jeffries Votes for Military Aid Package Supplementals

In April 2024, Jeffries voted for military aid package supplementals for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

June 2024: Jeffries Raises Concerns Leading to Halt of Congestion Pricing

In June 2024, New York governor Kathy Hochul indefinitely halted the implementation of congestion pricing in New York City, reportedly in response to concerns raised by Jeffries.

August 2024: Jeffries Reinterates the ongoing pause was "a reasonable thing to do at this moment"

In August 2024, Jeffries reiterated that the ongoing pause of congestion pricing in New York City was "a reasonable thing to do at this moment."

2024: Jeffries Speaks at the Democratic National Convention

In 2024, Jeffries had a prime-time speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention, where he gave a speech inspired by Psalm 30:5. He endorsed Kamala Harris for president and likened Donald Trump to "an old boyfriend".