Mayor Adams Rings Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange, Pushes to Build a More Inclusive Economy

February 28, 2022

Video available at: https://youtu.be/r2i4VBMv4dk

Mayor Adams Closes Out Black History Month With Focus on Giving BIPOC Entrepreneurs More Opportunities in Rebuilding NYC’s Economy

NEW YORK – Surrounded by those from underrepresented communities in the business world, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today rang the opening bell at The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). On the final day of Black History Month, Mayor Adams highlighted efforts underway to provide more opportunities to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), as well as women, as New York seeks to rebuild the economy and recover from COVID-19.

“Ringing this iconic opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange is not only how New York’s economy opens up every morning, but how the worldwide economy opens for business every day,” said Mayor Adams. “After two years of struggle, now is the time to accelerate our city’s economic recovery and show that we can build an inclusive economy that allows us all to rise together. It is an honor to ring this bell on the final day of Black History Month and highlight how Black New Yorkers are crucial to New York City’s recovery. Black New Yorkers, as well as other communities of color, are crucial to our economy, which is why we will do everything in our power to help provide opportunities for all New Yorkers.”

“We are excited to welcome Mayor Eric Adams to the NYSE today as we celebrate New York City’s return to work,” said Sharon Bowen, chair, The New York Stock Exchange. “We look forward to working with Mayor Adams as he fights to strengthen the city’s economy and create a healthier place that delivers for New Yorkers across the five boroughs.”

“As an institution thriving in Lower Manhattan for 230 years, thanks to the work ethic, ingenuity, and resilience of the region’s people, it is vital to New York’s continued leadership as a global financial capital to provide a safe and well-run city in which to return to work,” said Lynn Martin, president, The New York Stock Exchange. “We applaud Mayor Eric Adams for getting to work immediately on these important issues since his first hours in office and appreciate his open door approach to views from the city’s business community. We welcome him with open arms today to ring our opening bell as another day of trading begins, continuing a long and great tradition of world leaders and New York City mayors before him.”

“Every day we are working towards an inclusive economic recovery for all New Yorkers. As we emerge from the scourge of the pandemic, we will grow New York City's thriving tech sector by finding ways for more New Yorkers to benefit from its opportunities,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. "Under the leadership of Mayor Adams, New York City is forging a clear path for underrepresented innovators and entrepreneurs to be successful in our city."

“Sharon Bowen’s groundbreaking leadership as the first Black woman to chair the NYSE should make us all proud,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “Her exemplary career and expertise have uniquely prepared her for this moment. As a Black woman leader, I am particularly proud to join her and Mayor Adams as we close Black History Month and declare that we are steadfast in our commitment to advancing economic opportunities for Black and Brown people in the City of New York.”

Joining Mayor Adams to ring today’s opening bell at NYSE was Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright, NYSE Chair Sharon Bowen, and NYSE President Lynn Martin.

Also joining Mayor Adams on the podium to ring the opening bell were representatives of a number of companies chosen last week to participate in New York City Economic Development Corporation’s inaugural cohort of the Founder Fellowship program. This initiative will provide urban tech startup founders from underrepresented backgrounds — BIPOC, as well as women — with the resources to build and scale their companies in New York City. The fellows will benefit from access to an 84,000 square foot space in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, its vast member community and extended global network, and on-site product realization resources.

The fellows standing with Mayor Adams today were:

• Joy Fan, re/tell
• Samori Harris, Farm to Flame Energy Inc.
• Brittany Kendrick, Hydronomy Inc
• Jelynne Morse, The Drivers Cooperative
• Atif Qadir, REDIST
• Shelly Xu, SXD

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