City & State New York: The 2025 Black Trailblazers List

Published in: City & State New York

Black politicians hold some of the most powerful positions in New York politics, from the minority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives to the state’s legislative majority leaders and attorney general to the mayor of New York City. It’s a political reality that reflects the gradual gains made during hard-fought battles for equality and justice over decades, if not centuries. Of course, the most influential and prominent officeholders aren’t the only Black trailblazers in the state. This year, City & State is introducing the inaugural Black Trailblazers list, recognizing scores of outstanding individuals in such fields as business, real estate, labor, social services and advocacy. The list, written and researched in partnership with journalist Jenna Flanagan, replaces the Power of Diversity: Black 100, which will return in 2026. It features some familiar faces as well as some new names that have never appeared on other City & State lists. We’re pleased to present the first Black Trailblazers.

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey

President and CEO, Brooklyn Org

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey is the powerhouse behind Brooklyn Org, where she leads the organization in developing an innovative model for community philanthropy. In 2023, the foundation distributed $21.1 million in grants to 120 nonprofit organizations, of which 78% are led by people of color. Rainey led the foundation, formerly known as the Brooklyn Community Foundation through a comprehensive rebranding process. The rebranding was done with the goal of showcasing the foundation as a community driver funding organization looking to serve all of Brooklyn.