Helen Foster (politician)

Helen Diane Foster represented District 16 in the New York City Council, which comprises the neighborhoods of Morrisania, Highbridge, and Morris Heights for 11 years. She was the first Black woman to be elected within Bronx County. She served as the commissioner for the New York State Division of Human Rights from September 2013 until April 2019 and was appointed to the post by Governor Andrew Cuomo.[1]

This article is about the New York City Council member. For the actress, see Helen Foster.
Helen Diane Foster
Member of the New York City Council from the 16th District
In office
January 1, 2002 – December 31, 2013
Preceded byWendell Foster
Succeeded byVanessa Gibson
ConstituencyWest Bronx, Morrisania, South Bronx, Highbridge & Melrose
Personal details
BornBronx, New York
Political partyDemocratic Party
Spouse(s)Eric McKay
Children2
ResidenceBronx, New York
Alma materHoward University
City University of New York School of Law
CommitteesAging; Community Development; Education; Finance; General Welfare; Health; Public Safety; State & Federal Legislation (Chair)

Education

Foster holds degrees from Howard University and CUNY School of Law.

Career

Elected in 2001, she replaced her father, Rev. Wendell Foster, who was forced to retire from the city council due to term limits. With her election she became the first African-American woman to be elected within Bronx County. During her tenure on the city council, Foster served as chairwoman of the Parks & Recreation Committee, and served as a member of the Aging, Education, Health, Lower Manhattan Redevelopment, and Public Safety Committees.

Prior to her election to the council, Foster was an assistant district attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's office, subsequent to which she became an assistant vice-president for legal affairs at St. Barnabas Hospital.

She serves on the board of trustees for Christ Church.

Remarks on police shooting

In the wake of the murder of Sean Bell, Foster made a series of comments that criticized the NYPD, declaring that the shooting itself was an illustration of racism within the city's police department.[2]

Personal life

Foster resides in Bronx County with her husband, Eric McKay, and their two children.[1]

References
  1. ny.gov https://dhr.ny.gov/biographies. Retrieved 31 October 2018. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2006-12-01.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
Preceded by
Wendell Foster		 New York City Council, 16th District
2002–present		 Incumbent
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