Gotham Gazette

The Place for New York Policy and politics

Larry Seabrook

Larry Seabrook

  • Special Election Shows Need for Democratization

    silver seat KALC

    Charles Youn, executive director of KALCA, speaks at a press conference


    Any good democracy should reflect a society’s diversity in its leadership. The undemocratic way in which the 65th Assembly District special election is unfolding should galvanize all communities, particularly underrepresented ones, to push for reforms and encourage underrepresented New Yorkers to be more civically engaged.

    America does not always have accurate and inclusive representation in government. This is especially true in state legislatures. A few weeks ago...

  • Reforming Solitary Confinement At The City's Biggest Psych Ward — Rikers Island

    Ismael-Nazario-Solitary-Confinement

    NEW YORK — After about three days of being isolated in “the Box” away from his fellow detainees at Rikers Island, Ismael Nazario was beginning to break.

    "That's when it started to take it's toll,” he said, conjuring memories of his time in punitive segregation — solitary confinement — in

    ...