WWW.BROOKLYN-USA.ORG BIOGRAPHY OF BOROUGH PRESIDENT ADAMS 5
Eric Leroy Adams was born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, on September 1, 1960, to
father Leroy, a butcher, and mother Dorothy, a house cleaner and cook. Eric grew
up the fourth of six children and had an early interest in computers. He is a proud
product of the New York City public school system, and is a graduate of Bayside
High School.
Eric received his Associate in Arts Degree in Data Processing from New York City
Technical College and his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College
of Criminal Justice; he later earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration
from Marist College. He held several jobs to pay his way through his collegiate
studies, working in the mailroom of an accounting fi rm, as a mechanic, and as a
clerk in the Kings County District Attorney’s Offi ce.
Eric was drawn to public service at the early age of 15, when he decided to
pursue a career in law enforcement after he and one of his brothers were beaten
badly by police offi cers. This decision was reinforced by his mentor, Reverend
Herbert Daughtry.
In 1984, Eric graduated from the NYC Police Academy as one of the highestranked
students in his class. He went on to serve in the New York City Police
Department for 22 years, initially with the New York City Transit Police system. With
the merger of the NYC police forces, Eric was transferred to the NYPD. As a member
of the NYPD, Eric was assigned to Brooklyn; he served in the 94th Precinct in
Greenpoint as well as the 88th Precinct covering Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. He
ultimately retired, having achieved the rank of captain.
In 2006, Eric retired from the NYPD to make a successful run for the New York
State Senate. As the four-term representative of the 20th State Senatorial District,
covering Borough Park, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Park Slope, Prospect Heights,
Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace, he worked on issues that mattered to his constituents,
including affordable housing, educational funding and preventative
health. He became a champion on statewide matters such as good government,
workers’ rights, quality of life concerns and public safety. In particular, Eric effectively
organized support against the NYPD’s controversial stop, question and frisk
policy and on behalf of gun control. In his district, Eric also became known for initiatives
like his “Stop the Sag” campaign, which spoke out against youth wearing
low-hanging pants, as well as his efforts to tackle child abuse, confl ict resolution,
parental empowerment and protecting small businesses.
Eric has also served on the board of the Eastern District Counseling Service, an
organization assisting former substance abusers to live productive lives without
dependency on drugs or alcohol.
In 2013, Eric was elected by Brooklynites to be the fi rst person of color to serve
as Brooklyn Borough President.
Eric maintains residences in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Prospect Heights, where
he has resided for over twenty years. He enjoys riding the streets of Brooklyn on
his bicycle, meditation and exploring new cultures and places. Eric is the proud
father of Jordan, an aspiring fi lmmaker and student at American University.
Borough President Adams stands next to his
mother Dorothy and his father Leroy, both of
whom are making the sign for One Brooklyn.
Borough President Adams joins Deputy
Borough President Reyna and members of his
Brooklyn Borough Hall team in his conference
room.
/WWW.BROOKLYN-USA.ORG