Liberian Man Runs for City Council in New York, Staten Island, USA, to Help All Communities”

New York, USA: Telee Brown, a 57-year-old man from Staten Island, wants to become the next City Councilmember for the North Shore (District 49). He is running in the June Democratic primary against current Councilmember Kamillah Hanks and two others.

Brown was born in Liberia, a country in West Africa. He came to the United States 24 years ago and worked hard to build a life here. He now works for the New York City Department of Social Services and lives in Mariners Harbor.

Staten Island has one of the largest groups of Liberian people living outside of Liberia. Many came to the U.S. during and after Liberia’s civil wars (1989–2003) looking for safety and a better life. They built strong communities, especially in places like Park Hill in Clifton.

Brown is the president of the Little Liberia Advocacy group. In 2022, he helped rename a street corner in Park Hill to “Little Liberia Way” to honor the Liberian community. He is also a member of Community Board 1, where he listens to local concerns about housing, safety, and transportation.

If elected, Brown says he wants to make sure everyone, no matter where they’re from, feels safe and heard. He also wants to support young people by creating places where they can get help and connect with services.

Brown is running alongside Sarah Blas and Abou Diakhate. Voters will decide in June who will represent them on the City Council.

Liberians began moving to Staten Island in larger numbers during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Liberians Residing in Staten Island USA
Many were escaping civil wars in Liberia, which lasted from 1989 to 2003. These wars made life very dangerous, so thousands of Liberians left their country in search of peace and safety. The United States became one of the main places they came to, and many settled in New York City especially Staten Island.

Over time, Staten Island became home to one of the largest Liberian communities outside of Liberia. Most Liberians on Staten Island live in neighborhoods like Park Hill in Clifton, Mariners Harbor, and other parts of the North Shore. The community is very active, with churches, small businesses, cultural events, and local groups that support new immigrants and families.

Liberians on Staten Island have worked hard to build a better life. Many of them work in city jobs, healthcare, education, and service industries. They have also taken part in local government and community boards. Some have even helped rename streets like “Little Liberia Way” in Park Hill to honor their culture and history.

Today, the Liberian community on Staten Island is known for its strong spirit, hard work, and contributions to the borough’s diversity and culture.