Bill Perkins, a former New York State Senator and City Council member, passed away on 16 May 2023. Pamela Green Perkins, his wife, said he died at his Harlem home. He was 74.
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No cause of death has been given although it was reported in 2022 that he suffered from dementia and no funeral arrangements have been announced.
“It was shocking to hear of Bill’s death this morning,” said Assembly member Inez Dickens, who rounds out this year’s council primary. “My heart goes out to his wife, Pam, and all of his loved ones. He was a fierce advocate for the village of Harlem, and although we did not always agree on everything, our goals have always been linked to the fight for the betterment of our neighbourhoods. Harlem has lost a great warrior today – a giant. I’d like to thank him for his decades of contributions and tenacity.”
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Bill Perkins served in Harlem’s 9th Congressional District twice. He served in the state senate from 2007 to 2017.
Bill Perkins led the fight against lead paint and advocated for the five young men accused of rape in Central Park. Yusef Salaam, one of them, is now running for the city council seat Perkins once held, blaming him for their eventual acquittal.
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