Linda Tigani Won’t Let NYC Abandon Racial Equity
Six years after George Floyd’s murder sparked global protests and deep conversations about racial equity, the pushback against civil rights has grown fierce. Many cities, including New York, have scaled back their equity efforts. But Linda Tigani, chair and executive director of New York City’s Commission on Racial Equity (CORE), is not backing down. She’s leading the charge to ensure NYC’s racial equity work continues—even in a hostile climate.
What Is CORE and Why Does It Matter?
CORE was created to hold the city accountable for racial equity. Tigani explains her job: “I manage the commissioners and staff to execute the five original charter mandates. That includes creating community equity priorities—the people’s voice for racial justice in city government.” She also works with the mayor, city council, and elected officials to make sure they follow through on equity promises.
In its first year, CORE helped pass two local laws: Local Law 91 and Local Law 92. These laws require NYC to study reparations and create a citywide truth, healing, and reconciliation process.
Why Reparations Matter for Black New Yorkers
Tyrik Washington, a political strategist and community organizer, partners with CORE on the reparations study. He says, “Racism is about power—who has it and who doesn’t. We’re co-leading the reparations and truth initiatives to guide the city budget.” Research shows reparations could even increase life expectancy for Black Americans by addressing historic harms from slavery and Jim Crow.
Tigani recently returned from Geneva, Switzerland, where she discussed NYC’s reparations model. “We put community at the center,” she says. “We incentivize community-led meetings so those closest to the harm are closest to the solutions.”
The Problem with NYC’s 2026 Racial Equity Plan
The Mayor’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice released a preliminary racial equity plan for 2026. But CORE found major problems:
- No citywide plan: Only 45 of 150+ city agencies submitted plans.
- No data disaggregation: The plan doesn’t collect data reflecting the identities of people served.
- No neighborhood-level outcomes: There’s no way to see what Black and brown neighborhoods actually get from the budget.
- No budget numbers: The plan doesn’t show how money is spent on equity.
- No response to community priorities: Residents said, “We don’t see ourselves in this plan.”
Tigani is pushing the city to fix these gaps before the final plan is approved.
Staying Strong in an Anti-DEI Climate
Despite growing hostility toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, Tigani stays grounded. She credits the African American community for building the civil rights infrastructure that benefits everyone. “There is no liberation if we don’t address harms from chattel slavery and Jim Crow,” she says. “Solidarity with the African American community is essential for every other group—not just in NYC, but in the world.”
Her motivation comes from her mother, a single mom who raised two kids on welfare. “She says there’s no other choice. You’re not turning back. You have to move forward. I took that seriously. This moment is no different.”
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Racial equity work is under attack, but leaders like Linda Tigani are fighting to keep it alive.
- NYC’s CORE is holding the city accountable through laws, community input, and budget oversight.
- Reparations are not just about the past—they can improve health, wealth, and life expectancy today.
- If you face pushback at work or in your community, remember: “There’s no other choice. Keep moving forward.”
Linda Tigani won’t let NYC abandon racial equity. And she’s showing us all how to stay the course.
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