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While we practice social distancing, use some of your time at home to fill out the #2020Census. It’s the first one available online and over the phone—in 13 languages. It takes less than ten minutes! Fill it out now at my2020census.gov

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New Yorkers are resilient, but I know there is a lot of anxiety right now. Rest assured, your city has your back. Your health and safety, and the health and safety of your family, friends and loved ones is our most important priority.

That’s why we encourage social distancing. Social distancing can be difficult to put into practice. New Yorkers are used to spending and enjoying a lot of time close to other people. Social distancing can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but it is scientifically proven to help stop this virus.

For those of you who are feeling anxious, stressed or depressed about what is going on around you 1-888-NYC-WELL is here to help. Over the coming days, we’ll be working with city agencies to make sure the mental health needs of New Yorkers are a priority.  Your health comes first, and there is no health without mental health.

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My new podcast "Thrive With Chirlane McCray” is out today! Visit http://nyc.gov/firstlady to find where you can start listening.

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New York City will always be my valentine! (Don’t tell Bill.)

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74 Interview: NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray on Spreading Social-Emotional Learning to the Nation’s Mayors and What Being Bullied in School Made Her Realize

See previous 74 interviews: Sen. Cory Booker talks about the success of Newark’s school reforms, researcher Gloria Ladson-Billings on culturally relevant teaching and the role of teachers in Trump’s America and Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson on getting more students to and through college. The full archive is right here. New York City’s First […]

We can give kids the tools to identify, manage and regulate their emotions. Teachers can teach these skills, and once they do, our children will learn better. 

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This year during Black History Month, I’m thinking of how much we can learn from the past—not just our collective experiences, but our individual histories too.

Two weeks ago, I learned something I never knew about my own family’s history. My father was a Buffalo Soldier! I have a picture of him in his uniform — he enlisted when he was 18, younger than our son Dante is now.

He served briefly in the segregated 9th Calvary Regiment in North Africa during World War II. I can’t imagine how he must have felt, heading overseas to fight for a country that didn’t respect and believe in him.

Our past, and our present, are filled with so many hidden truths and harsh realities. But they are also brimming with stories of people who overcame incredible odds, who fought for a better life for themselves, their families and their communities.

So I challenge you: Ask an older relative, friend or maybe even a neighbor to tell you about their history. You will find things that bring you together and help you understand your place in the present.

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Every year I look forward to joining faith leaders from around New York City for our Interfaith Breakfast. This gathering gives me hope.

Thank you for your partnership and for showing us what faith and love look like in action.

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Abortion has been LEGAL in the U.S. for 47 years, but just couple of weeks ago 207 members of Congress asked the Supreme Court to “Reconsider” Roe v. Wade. We should have known this was coming, but until everyone catches up: Don’t wait! Organize. Be loud. Take nothing for granted!

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For decades, BAM has provided space for us to reflect on what Dr. King’s legacy means for us today. And there is still so much more to learn from the past—not just our collective experiences, but our individual histories too.

Our past and our present are filled with so many hidden truths, cruel truths and harsh realities—they are also brimming with stories of people who overcame incredible odds and who fought for a better life for themselves, their families and their communities.

So today, as we celebrate Dr. King’s vision and his work, I ask you to stay focused on the positive. Stay focused on the things that bring us together.

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As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, I’m remembering Rep. Conyers, who fought valiantly for this holiday.

When you feel overwhelmed by the hate being dredged up around you, remember that we have overcome many a struggle before – together.

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I stand in solidarity with all those marching for progress in the streets of New York City and all over the world today.

Where are the women who are discriminated against, abused, paid less or not paid at all?  They have have taken to the streets, speaking louder and organizing!

More women than ever are leading our nation, and that’s because they rally and raise their voices for ourselves and each other. There is power in all of us. Dr. King called it “the ability to achieve purpose.” We must keep growing, keep building, keep leading — TOGETHER.

Now is not the time to shrink away from our power. Register more women to vote, encourage more women to run for office, learn what unites us all and our movement will grow. We are unstoppable!

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In New York City, we can’t stand by in silence when we see people hurting.

Today on #NYCGoBlue Day, help raise awareness about human trafficking and child sex exploitation by spreading the word about the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

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Being connected to what’s going on in the world is important, but to recharge ourselves, we need to unplug. Take care of yourself!

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The ZORA Canon: 100 Best Books by African American Women Authors

Celebrating more than 150 years of African American literature with 100 books written by African American women

What a great collection to inspire my library as we begin this new decade. Now I just have to pick what I want to read, or re-read, first!

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Let’s celebrate Zora!

Last year around this time, I read Barracoon, the story of Cudjo Lewis, brought to the US enslaved, fifty years after the slave trade was outlawed. Her work, her persistence in telling the stories of people not seen is an invaluable contribution to history and culture.

Let’s remember Zora Neale Hurston born this day in Notasulga, Alabama!

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Marching in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors today. This is a time to come together and make our diversity our greatest strength— it’s up to all of us to stop hate and violence from growing in our neighborhoods.

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In recent weeks, horrifying anti-Semitic attacks have sent waves of fear and pain across the city. This morning Chancellor Carranza and I visited teachers and 10th grade students at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School to talk about how we can make diversity our greatest strength.

Every community has experienced hate of some kind, and it's time to stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. It's up to all of us to reject this violence, and to stop it from growing in every one of our schools and neighborhoods.

Thank you to Principal Katz, Mr. Bernardi and the students at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School for letting us join their class today. Remember: What brings us together is so much stronger than what tears us apart.