| Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Assemblyman Demond Meeks is a dedicated public servant who has worked tirelessly to strengthen our community. Throughout his life, Assemblyman Meeks has been a stalwart advocate for quality education, housing, childcare, fair wages, worker rights, and other key issues facing residents and families.
Demond's educational background includes an Associates from MCC and a BA from SUNY Brockport. He has received additional labor related training and certifications from Cornell University.
Prior to becoming the representative for the 137th NYS Assembly District, Demond worked as an Administrative Organizer with 1199SEIU, representing thousands of healthcare sector employees, and taking on an array of tasks including bargaining contracts and mobilizing workers around workplace and community issues. Demond also served as a member of the Rochester Chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, served on the Civic Design Team of the Parent Leadership Training Institute, is an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, a proud mentor to youth, and a regular volunteer within his community.
Across his two terms in office, Assemblyman Demond Meeks has worked in close collaboration with his state colleagues to secure significant funding and enact transformative legislation in New York State.
Demond's notable legislative achievements include championing the Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act, eliminating discriminatory barriers and making it easier for victims of violent crime to access compensation and much needed services. He played a pivotal role in passing the Clean Slate Act into law, which will automatically seal certain criminal convictions for members of our community that have paid their debt to society. This will allow individuals and families to move forward with their lives by creating equitable pathways to jobs, housing, and higher education. Demond has also been a strong supporter of environmental initiatives, co-sponsoring acts to achieve climate justice and emission reduction mandates.
Beyond funding and legislation, Demond has demonstrated his commitment to bringing local issues to the state level by organizing the first-ever convening of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, Asian (BPHA) Legislative Caucus Day of Service in Rochester. This event brought legislative colleagues from across New York State to see Rochester up close and personal for the first time. Together, the legislators met providers in the space of substance abuse and recovery to discuss successes as well as barriers, followed by a community clean sweep in the Clinton Avenue area in which they recovered hundreds of used needles and other drug paraphernalia.
Demond continues to apply the practices of an organizer to his current capacity as a State Assemblyman and public servant. He remains intentional in keeping the community informed through social media platforms, mailers, and conducting community town halls. His dedication has been recognized by a number of grassroots organizations and leaders in our community-
Black Men Achieve Awards, Brother of the Year award, Civil and Human Rights Activist of the Year award
Frederick Douglass Award from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
2022 Legislator of the Year from the American Red Cross
Dr. Walter Cooper Community Service Award from the Rochester Black Bar Association
Superior Community Service Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Certificate of Appreciation from the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning
Empowering Communities and Changing Lives Award from the National Urban League and NYS Affiliates
Demond resides in the 19th Ward with his wife Cratrina, a dedicated social worker, proud Girls Scout Troop Leader, graduate of the African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP), member of the Black Women Leadership Forum, and graduate of the Parent Leadership Training Institute. Together, they are the proud parents of four children and two grandchildren. Demond and his family worship at Aenon Missionary Baptist Church. As proud residents and neighbors, they remain committed to public service and improving the quality of life for all. |