Stefani L. Zinerman

02/01/2026

As we mark 100 years of Black History Month, we do so in a nation approaching its 250th anniversary — a moment that demands honesty about who built this country, whose labor sustained it, and whose freedom has too often been delayed and denied.

At the very same time, forces like Project 2025 are working to erase truth, roll back hard-won rights, and silence the history and humanity of Black people and other marginalized communities.

Yet across the globe, the United Nations is calling the world to account through the Second Decade of People of African Descent — affirming that recognition, repair, and justice are not radical ideas, but moral imperatives.

Here in New York, we are choosing a different path.

As a member of the Brooklyn NAACP, I am proud to advance the work of eradicating racism at the local and national level. In the New York State Legislature, I am advancing the goals of reparations, equity, and structural change. As Vice Chair of the New York State Black Legislative Task Force, and as a member of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the Black, Puerto Rican, NOBEL Women Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, I remain deeply committed to truth-telling, building power, and shaping a future where Black people can live free, thrive fully, and define our own destiny.

A century of commemorations is more than remembrance.
It is a commitment to telling the accurate and inclusive truth.
And we will achieve it by keeping moving forward — together.

Welcome to Black History Month 2026.

01/24/2026

To the sisterhood!

🎬 Waiting to Exhale 2 (2026) | First Trailer
🎬 𝑭𝙪𝒍𝙡 𝙢𝒐𝙫𝒊𝙚 𝙞𝒏 𝒕𝙝𝒆 𝒄𝙤𝒎𝙢𝒆𝙣𝒕𝙨 👇
Starring: Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Lela Rochon, Regina King, Viola Davis
What We Know So Far!
Almost three decades after the groundbreaking original, Waiting to Exhale 2 (2026) reunites audiences with the unforgettable women whose lives, loves, and friendships inspired a generation. Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, and Lela Rochon reprise their beloved roles, joined by powerhouse newcomers Regina King and Viola Davis to carry the story into a bold new era.
Set against the backdrop of modern womanhood, the sequel explores themes of resilience, second chances, and the ever-evolving complexities of love. Savannah (Bassett) steps into a new chapter of independence, Gloria (Devine) finds herself rediscovering joy after loss, and Robin (Rochon) must face difficult truths about family and identity. The introduction of new characters brings fresh perspectives while honoring the legacy of Whitney Houston’s Bernadine through a heartfelt tribute woven into the story.
With a $50 million budget, soulful performances, and a stirring soundtrack celebrating Black excellence, Waiting to Exhale 2 blends laughter, tears, and empowerment. Early buzz hails it as “a moving and powerful continuation,” proving that the bonds of sisterhood remain timeless

01/24/2026

Let me be absolutely clear: Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights in is NOT a war zone.

This is a community of families, elders, children, and neighbors who deserve to live with dignity, safety, and peace.

You cannot settle disputes with a gun.

All gun violence does is invite retaliation, trauma, incarceration, and death. It terrorizes children, retraumatizes residents, and destabilizes entire blocks. That is not strength. That is destruction.

We will not stand still and allow guns to be used as a substitute for conflict resolution in a community that is caring, intelligent, and resource-rich enough to do better.

And let me say this clearly to anyone who feels overwhelmed, angry, or cornered: Your life is worth more than ending up incarcerated or dying in the street.

If you don’t know how to resolve a conflict, if you need support, intervention, or space to heal—this community has human, restorative, and social-justice-based programs ready to help. Seeking help is not weakness. It is survival.

We are a neighborhood of families.
We have the right to safety.
We have the right to clean, peaceful streets.
And we have the right to raise our children without fear.

Put the guns down.
Choose life.
Uplift your community instead of destroying it.

Witnesses say gunfire erupted suddenly, forcing people to seek shelter in a nearby grocery store.

12/13/2025

As we wrap up 2025, we reflect on our achievements in community health and advocacy. The recent legislation signed by Governor Hochul marks a significant milestone for the Bed-Stuy Volunteer Ambulance Corps, securing a permanent home for essential emergency services. Our commitment to training neighbors in CPR, First Aid, and mental health support strengthens our community. Join us in shaping 2026 by completing the Community Priorities Survey.

https://conta.cc/44qOTr2

Email from Zinerman for NY Assembly 56 Don't Miss Tonight's Caravan of Lights at 5 PM - Let's Unite in Joy! A Year of Strength. A Season of Unity. A Future We Build Together. Dear Vibrant 56 Family,

11/11/2025

The Vibrant 56 Mourns The Honorable Judge Babatunde Akowe

Bedford-Stuyvesant has lost one of its finest sons — The Honorable Judge Babatunde Akowe. A devoted husband to his beloved Lauren, proud father of two beautiful daughters, and cherished son of Bed-Stuy, Babatunde was the heart of a close-knit family who adored him deeply.

A lifelong servant leader and mission focused champion of justice, Judge Akowe dedicated his life to fairness, equity, and community. From his leadership in VIDA to his brotherhood in Alpha Phi Alpha, and his election to the New York City Civil Court, he embodied servant leadership and a love for his people.

I was honored to serve alongside him in VIDA and as his supervisor during his time with the City Council. His commitment, compassion, and strength were unmatched.
My heart breaks for his family, fraternity brothers, and our community. His legacy will forever shine as a light for Bed-Stuy and beyond.

Rest in power, Judge Akowe.
— Assemblymember Stefani L. Zinerman

07/30/2025

A night of legacy, light, and lasting impact.

I had the honor of attending the Pop Smoke Gala: SHUKRANI at the Brooklyn Museum — a black-tie fashion experience celebrating the legacy of Bashar “Pop Smoke” Jackson through music, fashion, and cultural pride.

Founded by his mother, Audrey Jackson, Black Smoke isn’t just a fashion brand — it’s a movement rooted in Pop’s bold aesthetic, global vision, and Brooklyn-born resilience. From high fashion and live performances to African rhythms and diasporic pride, this gala was a tribute to the duality of his brilliance: ambition by day, fearless innovation by night.

Thank you to Audrey, the Jackson family, and all who helped bring this moment to life. Brooklyn showed up with gratitude — and the future is brighter for it.

07/30/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support local business at the grand opening of Rococo Design Interiors! 🎉✨

From stunning home décor to full-service interior design, Ursallie Smith is bringing beauty, creativity, and Black woman-owned excellence to the heart of Bed-Stuy. Her new location at 409 Lewis Avenue now combines Rococo’s signature gift shop with her 25+ years of design expertise — all under one roof. 🛋️💐

Let’s continue to uplift our entrepreneurs and shop local. When small businesses thrive, our whole community shines.

07/30/2025

We’re back in the neighborhood— State of the Streets continues today at St. John’s Park from 4–7 PM!

Last week at Fulton Plaza, you showed up with questions, insights, and powerful stories. Thank you to everyone who came out to engage, share ideas, and connect with state resources. This is what community accountability looks like—and we’re just getting started.

Join me this afternoon to keep the conversation going. Let’s talk housing, youth jobs, schools, benefits, and the issues that matter most to our neighborhoods. Your voice shapes our action.

📍 St. John’s Park (in front of St John’s Rec)

🕓 4–7 PM

07/24/2025

📢 Transit Alert

Starting Friday, July 25, there will be no LIRR service between Jamaica and Atlantic Terminal on weekends through August 15 — from Fridays at 9PM to Mondays at 4AM.

This temporary change is due to necessary switch replacement work to improve train safety and reliability.

The last trains before the weekend shutdown:

🕗 8:44PM from Jamaica

🕗 9:21PM from Atlantic Terminal

LIRR riders can use select subway stations at no cost by showing your ticket to the station agent. See list on the graphic.

Let’s keep our neighbors informed — share this update with your community.

07/18/2025

On Monday, July 14, we gathered at Abolitionist Place Park to honor our ancestors and recommit to the unfinished work of liberation.

As the Assemblymember for Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights—communities built on resilience—I stood alongside the Abolition Commemoration Day Committee and ASALH to uplift a legacy that demands remembrance and action.

Our freedom fighters paved the way. Now it’s on us to carry the torch.

Freedom is justice in housing, wages, education, health care, and representation.

Let’s walk forward in their legacy—with purpose, with pride, and with power.

07/18/2025

After decades of service, the Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps (BSVAC) is one step closer to having a permanent home—and we made history together.

A bill has officially passed the New York State Senate and Assembly authorizing the transfer of 727 Greene Avenue—where BSVAC has operated for years—to become their permanent headquarters.

From trailers to legacy. From struggle to sustainability. This moment honors the first minority-run, multicultural volunteer ambulance corps in the country—and the generations of Bed-Stuy neighbors BSVAC has trained, saved, and uplifted.

I was proud to present a ceremonial deed during their 37th Anniversary Celebration on July 12. Thank you, BSVAC, for showing us what it means to lead with courage, compassion, and community.

Now we await Governor Hochul’s signature to make it official. Let’s get it done!

07/17/2025

Join us for the 10th Annual International Nelson Mandela Day of Service!

🗓 Friday, July 18

⏰ 12–4 PM

📍 1360 Fulton Street – Restoration Plaza

We’re honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy the best way we know how—through joyful service, youth empowerment, and community connection.

✨ Trivia & games

✨ Youth showcase performances

✨ Giveaways & family-friendly activities

✨ A space to reflect, build, and take action together

This celebration marks a decade of community-powered service in AD56. Let’s come together to inspire change, uplift our neighbors, and carry the spirit of Mandela forward—right here in the heart of Bed-Stuy.