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 serving as House Minority Leader since 2023. He represents New York's 8th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, 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 current role places him as a leading figure in the Democratic Party in the House.

Sections (4)

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

August 4, 1970: Hakeem Jeffries Born

On August 4, 1970, Hakeem Sekou Jeffries was born. He later became an American politician and attorney, serving as House minority leader and leader of the House Democratic Caucus since 2023.

Others born on this day/year

December 2014: "Hands up, don't shoot" protest

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

December 2014: Visit to Eric Garner death site

In December 2014, Hakeem Jeffries visited the Staten Island site where Eric Garner was killed and encountered Garner's mother, Gwen Carr.

April 2015: Introduction of the Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act

In April 2015, Hakeem Jeffries, alongside Gwen Carr, announced the introduction of the Excessive Use of Force Prevention Act of 2015, which would make chokeholds illegal under federal law.

June 2015: Effort to remove the Confederate flag

In June 2015, after the Charleston shootings, Hakeem Jeffries led the effort to remove the Confederate flag from sale or display on National Park Service land. He lamented that the "Ghosts of the Confederacy have invaded the GOP".

2016: Trump's presidency termed "illegitimate"

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

2019: Vote in favor of the Equality Act

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

2020: Support for Israel

In 2020, Hakeem Jeffries told an American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) conference that "back home in New York City we consider Jerusalem to be the sixth borough", showing his staunch support for Israel.

November 9, 2023: Rejection of ceasefire calls

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

November 14, 2023: Speech at the March for Israel

On November 14, 2023, Hakeem 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".

July 31, 2024: Jeffries Announced Illustrated Book

On July 31, 2024, Hakeem Jeffries announced that he had penned an illustrated book, "The ABCs of Democracy", scheduled for publication on November 12, 2024.