Khari Edwards, the son of Trinidadian and Guyanese immigrants, is running for Brooklyn Borough President because his life’s work has been dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion, and community engagement in every corner of the borough.

“As the son of Caribbean immigrants raised in Crown Heights, I witnessed firsthand how many Brooklyn neighborhoods have been neglected and underserved, and I understand that meaningful progress demands leadership that is accessible, accountable, and truly listens to the people,” Edwards, a former vice president of external affairs at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, told Caribbean Life exclusively over the weekend.  

“Over the past 25 years, I have focused on delivering real solutions — expanding healthcare for more than a million residents, championing restorative justice, and launching initiatives like ‘It Starts Here’ to empower our youth,” he added. “I believe Brooklyn deserves a leader committed to closing economic and health gaps, investing in safer schools and affordable housing, celebrating our diversity, and making sure every voice is heard.

“My mission is to bring Brooklyn together, leveraging the power of Borough Hall to build a more just, sustainable and vibrant future for all who call this borough home,” continued Edwards, stating that he’s in a strong position to unseat incumbent Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, the son of Dominican Republic immigrants, because of his (Edwards) “deep roots” in Brooklyn, his decades of public service, and the broad coalition of support that he has built across the borough.

As a lifelong Brooklyn resident and the son of immigrants, Edwards said he understands the unique challenges and aspirations of the communities.

“My 25 years of experience — expanding healthcare access for over 1.3 million residents, leading restorative justice initiatives, and founding programs like ‘It Starts Here’ — demonstrate my commitment to equity and real solutions that directly impact people’s lives,” he said, adding that his campaign is “resonating” because his focus on uniting all neighborhoods, from Brownsville to Park Slope, and ensuring that “everyone feels heard and invested in.”

Edwards said he has “prioritized proactive leadership and has a proven record of bringing together diverse communities, non-profits, and city agencies to address disparities and drive progress.”

Financially, he said his campaign is “competitive, with strong fundraising and grassroots support reflected in the number of contributors (1,182 unique so far) and the breadth of donations coming from across Brooklyn.”

Edwards said he is “proud” to have earned recognition and endorsements from community leaders and organizations who believe in his vision for “a more inclusive, equitable and thriving borough.”

Ultimately, Edwards said his chances rest on continuing to engage with voters, listening to their concerns, and demonstrating his “experience, integrity, and passion to lead Brooklyn forward.

“I am confident that my lifelong dedication to service and my holistic approach to the borough’s challenges position me well to earn the trust and votes of Brooklynites in this race,” he affirmed.

Edwards said he has devoted his career to addressing racial, health, and civic disparities.  

He heads corporate responsibility at Ayr Wellness and leads initiatives focused on equity, access, and opportunity for communities impacted by systemic injustice.

Edwards said he launched the “Changing Legacies” program, “which has successfully expunged hundreds of nonviolent criminal records—offering individuals second chances and advancing reformative justice.”

As the former vice president of external affairs at Brookdale Hospital, Edwards said he was “a fearless advocate during the COVID-19 crisis.”

He said he invited national media to spotlight the hospital’s challenges and led equitable vaccine distribution efforts in Central Brooklyn.

Edwards said he also created the “It Starts Here” program, connecting over 2,200 students with victims of gun violence to foster healing and dialogue.

He is also the Brooklyn Community Connector for Make-A-Wish Metro New York, helping to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Edwards is a respected voice on health equity and social justice and is regularly invited to speak on panels and forums.

A proud New York City public school graduate, he earned his degree from Thomas Edison State University and lives in Crown Heights with his wife, Jahmila, and their three children — Ethan, Niah, and Myles.

Now a candidate for Brooklyn Borough President, Edwards stressed that he is “committed to building a more just, healthy, and united Brooklyn.”

He said his campaign is rooted in the pillars of “equity, inclusion, and engagement,” focusing on “improving healthcare access, promoting public safety, and expanding economic opportunity for all.”