Yusef Salaam is an influential American politician, motivational speaker, and activist, currently serving as a member of the New York City Council, representing the 9th council district since 2024. As a member of the Democratic Party, Salaam is widely recognized as one of the Exonerated Five, a group wrongfully convicted in the infamous Central Park jogger case in 1989. After spending years in prison, his conviction was vacated in 2002, leading to a significant civil rights settlement with New York City in 2014.

Following his release, Salaam transitioned into various roles, initially working as a construction worker before joining Weill Cornell Medicine. His commitment to justice reform led him to serve on the board of the Innocence Project, where he advocated for the rights of the wrongfully convicted. In 2023, he announced his candidacy for the New York City Council, winning the Democratic primaries and succeeding outgoing councilwoman Kristin Richardson Jordan.

Throughout his career, Salaam has utilized his platform to raise awareness about mass incarceration and police brutality. He has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, prison reform, and the abolition of juvenile solitary confinement. His impactful speeches and writings, including his memoir “Better, Not Bitter,” have inspired many and contributed to the national conversation on these critical issues.

In recognition of his contributions, Salaam has received numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama in 2016. He has also been featured in prominent documentaries and series, such as Ken Burns’s “The Central Park Five” and Ava DuVernay’s “When They See Us,” further solidifying his role as a key figure in the fight for justice and equality.