Who is Eric Adams: Biography, Career, and Net Worth
Born into a working-class family in Brooklyn, he built his career on public service, focusing on criminal justice reform, public health, and economic development. Adams became the 110th Mayor of NYC, assuming office on January 1, 2022, succeeding Bill de Blasio.
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1. Early Life
- Full Name: Eric Leroy Adams
- Date of Birth: September 1, 1960
- Place of Birth: Brownsville, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Age: 64 (as of 2024)
- Ethnicity: African-American
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
- Master’s in Public Administration from Marist College.
- Family:
- Eric Adams is the fourth of six children in a working-class household. His mother, Dorothy Mae, worked as a house cleaner and cook, while his father was a butcher.
- He has one son, Jordan Coleman, who is a filmmaker and actor.
2. Career
2.1 Law Enforcement Service
- Adams began his career in New York City Transit Police in 1984 before transferring to the New York Police Department (NYPD) when the two merged.
- During his 22 years with the NYPD, he rose to the rank of Captain.
- He co-founded 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, an organization advocating for criminal justice reform and better community relations with police.
- Adams was known for speaking out against police brutality and racial discrimination, pushing for greater accountability in law enforcement.
2.2 Transition to Politics
After retiring in 2006, Eric Adams officially entered politics:
- New York State Senate (2007–2013):
Adams represented Brooklyn’s 20th District, focusing on criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and reducing economic inequality.
- Brooklyn Borough President (2014–2021):
Adams became the first African-American to hold this position. During his tenure, he prioritized health initiatives, urban development, and addressing the effects of gentrification on long-time residents.
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2.3 Becoming Mayor of New York City
- Election Victory:
In 2021, Adams won the mayoral race with strong support from working-class communities and minority groups. He is seen as a moderate Democrat, advocating progressive social policies while focusing on crime reduction and public safety.
- Key Policies as Mayor:
- Public Safety: Adams prioritizes reducing gun violence and crime while promoting community policing and crime prevention strategies.
- Economic Recovery: Leading NYC through the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, Adams has emphasized supporting small businesses and creating job opportunities.
- Public Health: A vocal advocate of plant-based diets, he promotes healthier eating habits to address chronic diseases and combat food insecurity in the city.
3. Personal Life and Advocacy for Health
Eric Adams is a strong proponent of healthy living.
- In 2016, he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Instead of relying solely on medication, he opted to change his diet and lifestyle.
- Adams reversed his diabetes symptoms by adopting a plant-based diet and has since become a public advocate for health and wellness.
- He authored the book "Healthy at Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes", sharing his journey and encouraging others to adopt healthier lifestyles.
4. Net Worth
- Estimated Net Worth (2024): Between $2–5 million.
- His wealth comes from his salary as mayor, investments, public speaking engagements, and book royalties.
5. Leadership Style and Public Image
- Leadership Style:
Adams is known as a hands-on leader, frequently visiting city neighborhoods at night. He refers to himself as the “night mayor”, reflecting his commitment to understanding community issues firsthand.
- Praise and Criticism:
- He has been praised for his efforts to combat crime and advocate for public health.
- However, he has faced criticism for his close ties to wealthy donors and policies perceived as favoring businesses over working-class residents.
6. Legacy
Although still in his third year as mayor, Eric Adams has left a notable mark, particularly in public safety and health initiatives. However, he continues to face significant challenges, including addressing homelessness, economic inequality, and climate change impacts on NYC.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What political party does Eric Adams belong to?
A: He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Q: What is Eric Adams best known for?
A: He is widely recognized for his 22-year career in law enforcement, his role as an advocate for criminal justice reform, and now as the Mayor of NYC.
Q: Is Eric Adams married?
A: No, he is currently single and has one son named Jordan Coleman.
Q: What did Eric Adams do to improve his health?
A: He adopted a plant-based diet to reverse his Type 2 diabetes and advocates for others to follow similar healthy habits.
Q: What has Eric Adams done to reduce crime in NYC?
A: He has focused on community policing, gun violence prevention, and strengthening public safety policies.
Q: What nickname does Eric Adams use to describe himself?
A: He calls himself the “night mayor”, highlighting his active involvement in nighttime city activities and issues.
