SHAPING THE LEADERSHIP
EAST HARLEM DESERVES
NEW ERA
HERE TO DO THE WORK
ABOUT ME
Putting My Experience
to Work
Hello! I’m Tameeka Maria Garcia-Taylor, AKA "Tami" a proud U.S. Army and National Guard Veteran, Howard University EMBA 2026 Candiate, Judge Advocate at the American Legion Post 398, and candidate for the New York State Assembly. My story is rooted in service from protecting our country to uplifting the people of Harlem through education, advocacy, leadership, and community engagement.
For nearly two decades, I’ve worked across public and private sectors leading projects in finance, technology, and government, while mentoring youth, supporting veterans, and creating spaces for small businesses to thrive.
Now, I’m running to bring that same spirit of service and accountability to Albany.
My mission is simple: to build stronger communities, meaningful after school programs, safer neighborhoods, and real opportunities for every resident of East Harlem, Randall’s Island, and the greater Manhattan area.
Together, we can continue the proud legacy of Harlem a legacy built on courage, unity, and people for progress.
About People for Progress
People for Progress is more than a campaign committee it’s a movement built on community, accountability, and action.
Our team is made up of passionate volunteers, civic leaders, veterans, educators, and small-business owners who share a commitment to building a stronger, fairer New York. Together, we focus on issues that matter most restoring after-school programs, expanding small-business support, improving public safety and access to affordable housing, and creating pathways for economic and educational opportunity.
The idea for People for Progress was born from Tameeka’s lived experience in growing up in different places to include Harlem, the Caribbean, Brooklyn & serving her country.
After spending two decades leading projects and community work, she noticed how communities like East Harlem were being left behind and decided to use her expertise to bridge the gap between government, business, and the people.
What makes People for Progress different is our hands-on approach. We don’t wait for change, we organize it! We listen to residents, empower youth, and collaborate with community organizations to turn ideas into impact. Every initiative we take on is guided by integrity, transparency, and the belief that real progress begins with the people.
Together, we’re building a new era of progress and purpose where leadership serves, voices are heard, and every New Yorker has a fair chance to thrive.
HOUSING:
East Harlem families deserve stability , not constant fear of rent hikes, eviction, or being pushed out of the neighborhood we built.
I’m fighting for real housing security: preventing displacement, expanding truly affordable units, and making it easier for working families and seniors to stay in place.
MY PRIORITIES:
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Stronger anti-displacement protections and tenant resources (especially for seniors, working families, and longtime residents).
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Expand and streamline rental assistance so people can stay housed and move from shelter to stable apartments faster. NYC already uses rent supplements like CityFHEPS and other rental assistance tools we should make access faster, clearer, and more accountable.
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Advantage 2.0: a modern “back-to-stability” rental support model that helps people who are working or getting back on their feet secure housing and keep it building on what past programs like Advantage/Work Advantage were designed to do.
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Quality-of-life enforcement: faster repairs, safer buildings, stronger oversight for negligent landlords.
EDUCATION & AFTER-SCHOOL:
Safe Spaces, Strong Schools, Real Opportunity
Our kids deserve more than “getting by.” They deserve consistent, high-quality schools, safe after-school options, and pathways that turn talent into opportunity from reading support to STEM, arts, sports, and career readiness.
MY PRIORITES:
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Expand after-school programs so every family has access to safe, structured care beyond the school day.
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Academic support + enrichment (tutoring, literacy, STEM/tech, arts, music, and sports).
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Youth workforce and career pipelines (paid internships, apprenticeships, and career exposure early not just in senior year).
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Whole-child supports: mental health resources, family engagement, and partnerships with local community-based organizations.
VETERANS:
Benefits, Housing, and Respect in ActionVeterans shouldn’t have to fight a second war to get basic support.
I’m pushing for a district-level veteran-first approach that helps vets access benefits, secure housing, and move into good-paying work with dignity.
MY PRIORITIES:
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Veteran benefits navigation: hands-on support for VA claims, appeals, and paperwork so veterans aren’t left behind.
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Veteran housing stability: targeted help connecting to rental assistance, supportive housing, and emergency resources.
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Employment + entrepreneurship: job pipelines, skills training, and support for veteran-owned small businesses.
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Mental health and reintegration support, including peer-based services and family support.
ICE Reform:
Due Process, Community Safety, and Human Dignity
East Harlem is home to immigrant families who deserve fairness, safety, and respect. While immigration enforcement is federal, New York State can still protect families by strengthening due process, expanding legal support, and ensuring our local systems don’t treat people like they’re disposable.
MY PRIORITIES
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Legal defense and rapid-response support so families understand their rights and aren’t forced to navigate complex systems alone.
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Clear accountability and transparency around how public resources interact with immigration enforcement.
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Protect access to schools, hospitals, and essential services so no one is afraid to seek help when they need it.
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Language access + community education so residents can get accurate information and support without confusion or fear.
NEWS
🗞️
Honoring the Legacy of the Harlem Hellfighters
On September 3rd, 2025 Tameeka Maria Garcia-Taylor, U.S. Army Veteran and current Judge Advocate at American Legion Post 398, attended the Harlem Hellfighters Commemoration Event a powerful celebration of courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Black soldiers who fought for freedom abroad and justice at home.
The Harlem Hellfighters, members of the historic 369th Infantry Regiment, were recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, one of the nation’s highest civilian distinctions, recognizing their extraordinary bravery and service during World War I. Their story holds a special place in Harlem’s history and in Tameeka’s heart.
Their legacy continues to inspire her unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and advocacy for veterans and their families.
“As a veteran and a daughter of Harlem, I carry their story with pride. Their fight for equality reminds us that progress comes from courage, unity, and purpose.”
T. Garcia-Taylor
This event reaffirmed her mission to honor those who paved the way by continuing the work of empowerment, representation, and opportunity for every resident of Harlem and beyond.
EastHarlem district68 NYStateAssembly
FOLLOW TAMEEKA MARIA GARCIA-TAYLOR ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Community Services & Awards
Recognitions honoring dedication to cultural preservation, youth mentorship, and creating safer, stronger communities across New York City.
My work continues to empower families through arts education, civic engagement, and support for initiatives that expand access to affordable housing and community resources.
🏛 City of New York – Mayoral Citation (2024)
Honored by Mayor Eric Adams for leadership in Caribbean arts, youth mentorship, and community empowerment. This recognition celebrates my ongoing commitment to building safer neighborhoods by guiding young people through music, culture, and education turning creativity into a pathway toward opportunity, unity, and progress.
🏙 NYC City Council Citation – CM Rita Joseph (2023)
Recognized by the New York City Council for exemplary public service and cultural stewardship. This award reflects my continued efforts to uplift underrepresented communities, foster safer streets, and advocate for resources that strengthen families and support housing equity.
