REV. AL SHARPTON’S STATEMENT ON FORMER GOV. ANDREW CUOMO’S MWBE EXPANSION PLAN

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Jun 06, 2025

NEW YORK, NY (June 6, 2025) — Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement on former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s plan to support minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs).

“Governor Cuomo announced an MWBE plan with a 35% goal of the City’s procurement spending. Under the Governor’s leadership, New York State reached the highest MWBE rate in the nation at 29.1%. The state MWBE program provides financing, technical, and contracting assistance. Replicating that program is simply good government since it would encourage more suppliers to compete for City contracts. The Governor’s MWBE goal would be the highest in the nation and create thriving new businesses in diverse communities.

I will take a deeper look at what proposals all mayoral candidates have put forth on MWBE procurement, pension fund management, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and I’m glad that Governor Cuomo has come out first with this but I’m going to monitor the positions of the other candidates.

National Action Network does not endorse candidates — we report on where they stand on the issues impacting Black and Brown Americans. We will continue to do that and inform our members on how these candidates plan to lead the nation’s largest city.”

About National Action Network (NAN)

National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States. Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality or gender.

For more information go to www.nationalactionnetwork.net.

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