Harlem Rent Control Rally: Mayoral Candidate's Plea for Affordable Housing

Harlem Rally Highlights Rent Crisis: Assemblymember Mamdani Advocates for Control Harlem, NY – A rally held at the Riverside Church in Harlem on May 30, 2025, brought attention to the escalating rent crisis in New York City. State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for NYC Mayor, delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the urgent need for rent control. "It’s not the wealthy and powerful who are leaving New York City—it’s the working class," Mamdani stated, highlighting the displacement of many New Yorkers due to skyrocketing rents. Mamdani shared a poignant story of an 82-year-old woman in his district whose rent has doubled, exceeding her social security check, leading to an eviction notice. "My office fought for three months, and through HRA, we kept her in her home," he explained. This anecdote underscores the systemic issues faced by numerous low-income residents. The rally served as a platform to showcase the struggles of working-class New Yorkers and to advocate for policies that ensure affordable housing for all residents. The event concluded with a resounding call for rent control, reflecting the growing demand for change within the city.