Akeem Browder, Kalief’s brother, runs for NYC mayor

<p>The brother of a Bronx man who committed suicide after three years of incarceration at Rikers Island without going to trial is running for mayor.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 19, 2017, 11:40 PM

Updated 2,728 days ago

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The brother of a Bronx man who committed suicide after three years of incarceration at Rikers Island without going to trial is running for mayor.
Akeem Browder says he's been fighting for criminal justice reform ever since the death of his younger brother, Kalief Browder.
"When it comes to our people and the cries and concerns, I'm boots on the ground," he says. "I'm grass-roots."
For example, Browder says some New Yorkers are afraid to step outside due to violence.
"I know these people," he says. "Does de Blasio know this?"
In addition to criminal justice changes, Browder says he wants to increase after-school programs, change immigration policy and increase the transparency of city government and its finances.
"New York City has five boroughs," Browder says. "If you're going to spend our money, do it in a way that we approve of."
He says he is not running as a Democrat or a Republican, but he lists state Assemblyman Michael Blake and Councilman Ritchie Torres as politicians he respects.
He says he wishes his younger brother and his mother were around to support his campaign. The brothers' mom died last year, and Browder blames stress and depression.