BROOKLYN, NY – Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso delivered his 2025 State of the Borough address last night, bringing together over 800 New Yorkers to Boys and Girls High School in Bed-Stuy. Lamenting the city’s stagnant growth, the Borough President called on New York City to return to its roots as a city of big ideas; one that invests in its people and paves the way for the rest of the world to follow. Throughout his remarks, Borough President Reynoso announced several new initiatives supporting maternal health, workforce development, emerging artists, and more. Deputy Borough President Kim Council served as MC for the night, Pastor Steven Eugene Carter, Sr. of Mount Ararat Church of Brooklyn delivered the invocation, Mill Basin resident Suleila Clarke performed the National Anthem, and the Nelson Mandela Drumline performed an original piece. For the third year, BRIC served as the media partner.
“New York City was once synonymous with progress and opportunity – but not anymore. As the rest of the world builds, we’ve become obsessed with keeping things the same and keeping people out. New York City must return to the business of opportunity,” said
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Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “That means ensuring that every block, every neighborhood, every borough is a gateway to the resources – schools, jobs, public transit, healthcare, parks, and more – that can provide New Yorkers with stability and the pathway to a better life. A system based in possibility and hope is possible, all it takes is political will and a bet on Brooklyn.”
Launching New York State’s First Credit-Bearing Maternal Health Program
In his first year in office, Borough President Reynoso set an ambitious goal to make Brooklyn the safest borough in New York City to give birth. Building on that commitment, the Borough President announced a new partnership with Brooklyn College to launch New
York State’s first credit-bearing Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) Advanced Certificate Program. The program will prepare healthcare, mental health, early intervention, and early educational professionals to support pregnant mothers and birthing parents experiencing mental distress.
Mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in New York City, underscoring a major need to create more mental health support systems for expectant mothers. Borough President Reynoso and Brooklyn College partnered to establish the program and designed the rigorous, year-long program that includes 120 in-person clinical hours in collaboration with the Borough President’s Maternal Health Task Force. Brooklyn College is piloting two PMH courses this spring and will host its first full cohort in Fall 2025. To learn more about the program, click here.
Introducing Brooklyn’s First-Ever Arts Ambassador
Recognizing Brooklyn’s role as a global leader in arts and culture, Borough President Reynoso unveiled a new Brooklyn Arts Ambassador Initiative to spotlight emerging artists and connect Brooklyn creatives with opportunities. At the address, Reynoso introduced the public to Brooklyn’s first-ever Arts Ambassador: renowned multi-disciplinary artist and fashion designer Colm Dillane, also known as KidSuper.
Dillane – who spent his days as a student at Brooklyn Tech High School making and selling t-shirts – started KidSuper only a few blocks away from the Barclays Center. KidSuper blends fashion, art, and community storytelling through and is known for its bold, colorful designs and playful approach to streetwear. In 2021, Dillane was awarded the coveted Karl Lagerfeld Prize by global luxury goods corporation LVMH. In 2023, he guest-designed the Louis Vuitton Homme Autumn/Winter 2023 menswear collection. Dillane has collaborated with major brands like the Brooklyn Nets and PUMA. Today, KidSuper Studios is based in Williamsburg, where Dillane has built a hub for creatives that features not only his store but also an art gallery, podcast studio, screenprinting shop, and more.
As the inaugural Brooklyn Arts Ambassador, Dillane was charged with the unique honor of redesigning a limited edition run of the official Brooklyn pin.
The full 2025 Comprehensive Plan for Brooklyn will be released in the coming weeks.
