Valerie Bell Endorses Alfonso Quiroz for NYC Council

Valerie Bell, the mother of Sean Bell, who was killed by police15 years ago, today announced her support for District 25 City Council candidate Alfonso Quiroz, citing his dedication to fair policing that ensures a safer and more equitable city for all.

"This election comes at a crucial time for our city. In the coming months, our leaders will be asked to rebuild our economy, strengthen our healthcare system and most importantly, help heal a divided city,” Valerie Bell said. “I am confident Alfonso Quiroz is the right voice for the residents of Jackson Heights and Elmhurst. Alfonso understands that we must reform law enforcement, stand up for justice and keep our communities safe. His vision for a more equitable New York for everyone is what our city deserves and I am proud to endorse his candidacy."

Sean Bell was 23 when he was killed on Nov. 25, 2006. Plainclothes New York City police officers fired 50 shots into his car. The officers thought Bell’s friend had a gun. Three of the five officers involved in the shooting faced criminal charges, but were acquitted.

Valerie Bell is the founder of Mothers of Never Again (MONA) and has been in the activist space for seven years. In 2016, she released a book, "Just 23: Thoughts From a Mother."

“Valerie Bell shows her character every day by turning her grief over the loss of her son into action on behalf of other New Yorkers,” Quiroz said. “She has dedicated herself to ending police violence, which too often takes the life of young people of color here in New York City and across the nation. We need to let the many good police officers in our city do their jobs and hold accountable those who abuse our trust.”

Quiroz advocates community-based policing, decriminalizing low-level offenses, putting a halt to incarcerating people for low-level drug offenses, and additional funding for youth programs. He also opposes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement having a presence in our communities.

Read more about his positions on protecting our communities.

This is the latest endorsement for Quiroz. He previously was endorsed by former New York State Senator and New York City Councilmember Thomas K. Duane; former New York State Senator and New York City Councilmember representing District 25 John Sabini; New York State Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell; LGBTQ Victory Fund; Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City, former New York State Governor David Paterson, and more than 100 other LGBTQ New Yorkers and advocates, civic leaders, artists, and equality champions.

Quiroz, a resident of Jackson Heights, is a former president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Queens. He is vice president of the JFK Democratic Club and a member of the Queens Theater board, the Stonewall Democratic Club of New York City, and the Jackson Heights Beautification Group. As the founder of the 37th Avenue Sidewalk Cafe Coalition, he advocated for the expansion of outdoor dining along 37th Avenue in Jackson Heights.

In his neighborhood, Quiroz has served as deputy chief of staff to former Councilmember Helen Sears and is a former Democratic district leader in Queens. He was a White House intern when President Clinton was in office and served as a field organizer for Al Gore's 2000 campaign. Learn more about Alfonso Quiroz’s stances on issues.