Khari Edwards is a son of immigrants, a loving father and husband, and a lifelong champion for Brooklyn communities. He’s running for Brooklyn Borough President because we need a leader that is proactive about problem solving, builds up relationships between communities, and meets people where they are. During his 25 years of public service to date, Khari has done just that.

 

During his professional career, Khari has worked for several elected officials, non-profit organizations, and city agencies with a dedicated focus on strengthening communities by advocating and addressing racial, health and civic disparities. Currently, he serves as the Head of Corporate Responsibility for Ayr Wellness, working to create a culture of inclusion and providing avenues of opportunity in the cannabis industry. Earlier in his career, Khari served 8 years as the Vice President of External Affairs at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn where he crafted and executed a strategic plan to build community trust and inclusion with the 1.3 million Brooklynites who live in neighborhoods serviced by the hospital.

 

Khari has also been an advocate for direct community action in his personal life. He created the “It Starts Here” program, which connected over 2,200 students with victims of gun violence; organizing 250 union members, healthcare professionals, elected officials, and community stakeholders to address health, housing, and employment disparities in East Brooklyn. He also serves as the Brooklyn Council President for Make A Wish NY, served on the Panel for Educational Policy and the executive advisory board for the God Squad, 67th Precinct Council, and is a former member of the Board of Trustees for WIADCA.

 

Having been committed to the people of Brooklyn through direct action and services for decades, Khari is ready to take that passion and experience to a new level. He’s ready to grind it out and get things done for every community because that’s the Brooklyn way. 

 

Khari went to St. Mark’s Day School and Midwood High School and he graduated from Thomas Edison University. Khari is proud to be a lifelong Brooklynite. He resides in Crown Heights with his wife, Jahmila, and has 3 children: Ethan, Niah, and Myles.