Jamaican-American Candidate for NYC Mayor Unveils Project 2026 NYC

NEW YORK, New York – The Jamaican-American candidate for the Mayor of the City of New York,  Rev. Michael Blake, has officially launched Project 2026 NYC as part of his campaign for the polls.

Rev. Michael BlakeThe son of Jamaican immigrants, launched the event at Bronx Drafthouse in the Bronx, New York, featuring performances by Tony & Grammy Award-winning actor and singer Leslie Odom, Jr. and Grammy Award-winning contemporary Christian artist Israel Houghton.

Blake told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that he introduced Project 2026 NYC as “a bold, New York-first initiative designed to push back against federal overreach and build a stronger, more resilient city”

He said his platform prioritizes economic justice, tenant protections and social services to ensure New Yorkers thrive.

“New York needs leadership that delivers policies to improve lives, not scandals and excuses,” said Blake, a former New York State Assemblymember, Democratic National Committee Vice Chair and aide to former United States President, Barack Obama.

“I’m the only person in this race who has worked at every level—federal, state, nonprofit, and business—to turn resources into tangible and positive results for our five boroughs,” he said.

“While others in this race are focused on staying out of jail by cozying up to a president who wants to cut our city’s social services or using taxpayer dollars to defend their transgressions after resigning as governor, I’m focused on defending our city’s future,” said Blake, clearly taking a dig at New York City Mayor Eric Adams and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“New York is the wealthiest city in the world, there is no reason a person should go unhoused, hungry or forgotten,” he said.

According to Blake, the key priorities of Project 2026 NYC, include no federal cuts; guaranteed income; universal childcare; taxing empty apartments; pay faster; elimination of credit checks; free City University of New York (CUNY) tuition; cash for content; reproductive rights protections; and immigration protections.

Blake said in the coming weeks, his campaign will roll out detailed policy positions for each initiative, hosting press briefings, community events and forums to engage New Yorkers and outline how Project 2026 NYC will be implemented.

Following the announcement, Leslie Odom Jr. and Israel Houghton took the stage, adding their voices to the movement.

Odom was recently recognized by Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 list, while . Houghton, a five-time Grammy Award-winning artist, has been a leader in contemporary Christian music.

Rev. Michael Blake is the founder and chief executive officer of Atlas Strategy Group Inc., focused on economic empowerment by increasing access to capital, contracts, and opportunities for minority-owned, women-owned and small businesses.

He said his work includes collaborations with the Washington Football Team, Eccalon and Operation Hope.

Blake also founded the KAIROS Democracy Project, a nonpartisan social welfare organization mobilizing communities of color and engaging young Americans on the real-world impact of democracy.

With Project 2026 NYC now launched, Blake said he is reaffirming his commitment to “fighting for a stronger, more just New York”.