I am a leader, advocate, and builder—of communities, opportunities, and a future rooted in justice and equity. A father, husband, and lifelong learner, I am driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, fairness, and progress.

For over a decade, I have served as an MTA NYCT Station Agent, standing on the front lines of one of the world’s most vital transit systems. Every shift, I witness the struggles and resilience of working people—the lifeblood of New York City. I see the barriers they face and the gaps in the systems meant to support them. And I refuse to accept the status quo.

My time in public service has reinforced a simple truth: every worker deserves to be valued, protected, and empowered. That is why I have committed myself to the fight for labor rights, economic justice, and systemic reform—because dignity is not a privilege; it is a right.

A LEGACY OF SERVICE

I was raised in a family where service was not an abstract concept—it was a way of life.

• My father, a Marine veteran and NYPD officer, served with courage and sacrificed for the greater good.

• My grandmother, a Supervisor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, showed me that justice is not an abstract concept but a daily responsibility—something we uphold through small actions and grand commitments alike.

• My uncle, Professor Craig Steven Wilder, a leading historian whose work explores how race, power, and history intersect, I learned the value of understanding the past to build a more just future. His scholarship reminds me that the stories we uncover shape the possibilities we create.

• My aunt, Dr. Gloria Wilder, a public health advocate, has devoted her career to eliminating disparities and ensuring access to care for the underserved.

These influences shaped my mission: to uplift, to empower, and to build a society where fairness is not an aspiration, but a guarantee.

Justice is not just about laws and policies—it is about how we treat people, how we stand up for workers, and how we hold institutions accountable. That is the leadership I bring to the table.

WORKERS’ RIGHTS: STRENGTH IN UNITY

I believe in the power of collective action and the fundamental right of every worker to fair treatment, dignified wages, and a safe working environment. I also believe that Unions are not just organizations; they are engines of economic justice, and labor rights are human rights.

The fight for workers is a fight for stronger families, stronger communities, and a fairer society. That is why I am committed to:

• Securing livable wages and fair contracts for those who keep our economy moving. No worker should struggle to survive while corporations thrive.

• Ensuring workplace protections and safety standards so that employees are not just enduring but thriving in their work environments.

• Demanding transparency and accountability from leadership, preventing corruption, and ensuring workers have a real voice in decision-making.

• Expanding benefits, retirement security, and worker protections to ensure that workers are not abandoned after years of service.

• Pushing back against corporate greed and unfair practices that strip workers of their dignity and economic security.

My advocacy extends beyond traditional labor issues. True workers’ rights include universal healthcare, housing security, child care, and education access. A just economy is one that serves everyone—not just the wealthy few.

When workers stand together, we are unstoppable and I will always stand on the front lines of the fight for economic justice.

EDUCATION: KNOWLEDGE is power

I believe that education is the foundation of opportunity and that knowledge is the key to empowerment. Every individual deserves access to a well-rounded education that prepares them for both economic independence and civic engagement. That means:

• Science education that fosters critical thinking and curiosity—because understanding the world through logic, evidence, and discovery is essential for progress.

• A comprehensive teaching of history that includes the full scope of world history, American history, and Black/Indigenous/POC history—ensuring that every student understands how the past shapes the present and future.

• Trade education that provides viable career pathways—because college is not the only path to success, and skilled labor is the backbone of our economy.

• Financial literacy that equips people with real-world knowledge—so that individuals and families can build wealth, avoid economic traps, and secure financial freedom.

• Access to arts and creative expression—supporting musicians, writers, filmmakers, actors, content creators, artists and performers to ensure that art remains a vibrant, protected, and a valued part of society.

Education must be accessible, equitable, and designed to serve the needs of all learners—not just those who can afford it. It’s why I believe public colleges and universities should be tuition free. As a former performing artist and NAACP ACT-SO award winner, I also know firsthand the importance of fostering and protecting artistic expression. Our future depends on how well we educate and empower the next generation.

HEALTHCARE: A HUMAN RIGHT

Healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. No one should be denied care because of their financial situation, and no family should have to choose between medical bills and basic needs. I am committed to:

• Expanding access to quality healthcare for all, regardless of income or employment status.

• Addressing healthcare disparities in marginalized communities to ensure equity in medical treatment and preventive care.

• Fighting for mental health parity, recognizing that mental wellness is just as vital as physical health.

• Supporting reproductive rights and comprehensive healthcare services for all individuals.

• Advocating for protections for frontline and essential workers, ensuring they receive fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect.

Healthcare must be people-centered, preventative, and accessible, prioritizing well-being over profit. A just society ensures that no one is left behind when it comes to their health.

FAMILIES: COMMUNITIES FOR PROSPERITY

At the heart of my journey is my family.

My wife, Melissa, and I have spent over 15 years building a life together—one rooted in love, growth, and shared values. We are raising our daughter, Aria, with the values that define us: curiosity, courage, and compassion.

Strong families are the backbone of strong communities. Every person deserves access to the resources, stability, and support systems that allow them to thrive. I am committed to policies that uplift families and ensure that no one is left behind, including:

• Universal childcare and paid family leave, so parents don’t have to choose between their careers and their children.

• Affordable housing initiatives, ensuring safe and stable homes for all, regardless of income.

• Investing in small businesses and local economies, strengthening community resilience and job creation.

• Comprehensive public safety reform, focusing on prevention, intervention, and community-based solutions.

• Mental health and wellness initiatives, ensuring families and individuals have access to care and support.

A thriving community is one where families can grow, businesses can prosper, and every individual has the opportunity to succeed. My goal is to create policies that foster stability, dignity, and prosperity for all.

JUSTICE: EQUITY & CIVIL RIGHTS

True justice means dismantling systemic inequities and ensuring that all people, regardless of race, gender, background, or income, have the same rights and opportunities. My commitment to civil rights and equity includes:

• Fighting for voting rights and political representation to protect democracy from suppression and disenfranchisement.

• Ending racial and economic disparities by pushing for fair housing, equal pay, and access to quality education.

• Protecting LGBTQIA+ rights and gender equality, ensuring that no one faces discrimination based on who they are or whom they love.

• Reforming the criminal justice system to prioritize rehabilitation over punishment and end mass incarceration.

• Defending immigrant rights, advocating for humane immigration policies that recognize the dignity and contributions of all people.

As a lifetime member of the NAACP, I am deeply committed to civil rights, justice, and ensuring that equity is at the forefront of every fight I take on.

THIS IS WHO I AM

My life’s mission is clear: to dismantle inequities, strengthen communities, and fight for the dignity of all people. I am unafraid to challenge outdated systems and demand better. Progress requires courage.

I am Tuan A. Phoenix — a leader and advocate for workers, families, and communities. A believer in justice, fairness, and the power of collective action. A fighter for a future where opportunity is not a privilege, but a right.

With purpose as our compass, community as our foundation, and courage as our fuel, we can build a world where justice and equity are not just ideals—they are realities.