Nathaniel Hezekiah III: The Community Champion Ready To Fight For Southeast Queens In Albany
By Edwin Freeman for Black Star News Photos: Edwin Freeman In every generation, communities look for leaders who not only understand their struggles but have dedicated their lives to addressing them. For the residents of Southeast Queens, Nathaniel Hezekiah III represents that kind of leadership—a community champion whose life story, professional experience, and commitment to public service have prepared him to be a powerful advocate in Albany. Born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, Hezekiah’s roots run deep in the neighborhoods he seeks to represent. A product of New York City’s public school system, he attended P.S. 160, New Preparatory Middle School, and Benjamin N. Cardozo High School before earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Business and Finance from Penn State University. But Nathaniel Hezekiah’s story is about more than educational achievement. It is a story of resilience. Like many families in urban communities, his family endured heartbreaking tragedy. After losing his father to gun violence and later his stepfather, Hezekiah experienced firsthand the challenges that many Southeast Queens families face. Yet through those difficult moments, he also witnessed the power of community support. Neighbors, mentors, and local leaders helped his family persevere, shaping his belief that government should work for everyday people and that communities thrive when residents lift one another up. That philosophy has guided his entire career. As Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Gregory Meeks, Hezekiah has spent years helping constituents navigate government systems and access critical services. He has assisted seniors seeking Social Security benefits, veterans pursuing earned resources, and working families in need of Medicare and Medicaid support. His work has focused on delivering real solutions for real people—not political rhetoric. Throughout his career, Hezekiah has also helped secure millions of dollars in investments that have benefited Southeast Queens residents. His efforts have supported women-owned and minority-owned businesses, expanded scholarship opportunities for local students, and contributed to economic development projects that create jobs and strengthen communities. Among his notable accomplishments, Hezekiah played a key role in helping recover more than $13 million in federal funds owed to residents of Rochdale Village, ensuring that resources intended for the community were delivered where they belonged. Now, he is seeking to bring that same commitment and effectiveness to the New York State Assembly. His campaign is focused on issues that directly impact working families throughout Southeast Queens: Making Life More Affordable At a time when inflation and rising costs continue to strain household budgets, Hezekiah is committed to fighting for policies that ease financial burdens on families. His priorities include reducing unnecessary fees, protecting critical benefits programs, and pursuing measures that help residents keep more of their hard-earned income. Addressing Housing Challenges As housing costs continue to rise across New York City, Hezekiah supports initiatives that assist homeowners facing costly repairs and financial hardship. He also advocates for programs designed to help families remain in their homes and avoid foreclosure. Strengthening Public Education As someone who benefited from public education, Hezekiah understands its transformative power. He supports expanding early childhood education, increasing opportunities for college access, and creating stronger partnerships between schools, unions, and workforce development programs to prepare students for successful careers. Protecting Vulnerable New Yorkers Hezekiah believes government has a responsibility to protect those most in need. He supports strengthening Medicaid services, safeguarding essential public benefits, and expanding community-based support systems that help families, seniors, and individuals facing crises. His message of service, accountability, and community investment has earned the support of respected leaders and organizations throughout New York. Endorsements from Congressman Gregory Meeks, State Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblymember Vivian E. Cook, Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, the Queens County Democratic Party, 32BJ SEIU, the District Council of Carpenters, and the Communications Workers of America reflect broad confidence in his ability to lead and deliver results. For many voters, the choice in this election comes down to trust, experience, and commitment to community. Nathaniel Hezekiah III has spent his career standing up for Southeast Queens families, advocating for resources, and helping residents navigate challenges large and small. Now, he is asking for the opportunity to continue that work in Albany. As Southeast Queens looks toward the future, Nathaniel Hezekiah III offers a vision rooted in service, o
Black News 
By Edwin Freeman for Black Star News
Photos: Edwin Freeman
In every generation, communities look for leaders who not only understand their struggles but have dedicated their lives to addressing them. For the residents of Southeast Queens, Nathaniel Hezekiah III represents that kind of leadership—a community champion whose life story, professional experience, and commitment to public service have prepared him to be a powerful advocate in Albany.
Born and raised in South Jamaica, Queens, Hezekiah’s roots run deep in the neighborhoods he seeks to represent. A product of New York City’s public school system, he attended P.S. 160, New Preparatory Middle School, and Benjamin N. Cardozo High School before earning dual bachelor’s degrees in Business and Finance from Penn State University.
But Nathaniel Hezekiah’s story is about more than educational achievement. It is a story of resilience.
Like many families in urban communities, his family endured heartbreaking tragedy. After losing his father to gun violence and later his stepfather, Hezekiah experienced firsthand the challenges that many Southeast Queens families face. Yet through those difficult moments, he also witnessed the power of community support. Neighbors, mentors, and local leaders helped his family persevere, shaping his belief that government should work for everyday people and that communities thrive when residents lift one another up.
That philosophy has guided his entire career.
As Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Gregory Meeks, Hezekiah has spent years helping constituents navigate government systems and access critical services. He has assisted seniors seeking Social Security benefits, veterans pursuing earned resources, and working families in need of Medicare and Medicaid support. His work has focused on delivering real solutions for real people—not political rhetoric.
Throughout his career, Hezekiah has also helped secure millions of dollars in investments that have benefited Southeast Queens residents. His efforts have supported women-owned and minority-owned businesses, expanded scholarship opportunities for local students, and contributed to economic development projects that create jobs and strengthen communities.
Among his notable accomplishments, Hezekiah played a key role in helping recover more than $13 million in federal funds owed to residents of Rochdale Village, ensuring that resources intended for the community were delivered where they belonged.
Now, he is seeking to bring that same commitment and effectiveness to the New York State Assembly.
His campaign is focused on issues that directly impact working families throughout Southeast Queens:
Making Life More Affordable
At a time when inflation and rising costs continue to strain household budgets, Hezekiah is committed to fighting for policies that ease financial burdens on families. His priorities include reducing unnecessary fees, protecting critical benefits programs, and pursuing measures that help residents keep more of their hard-earned income.
Addressing Housing Challenges
As housing costs continue to rise across New York City, Hezekiah supports initiatives that assist homeowners facing costly repairs and financial hardship. He also advocates for programs designed to help families remain in their homes and avoid foreclosure.
Strengthening Public Education
As someone who benefited from public education, Hezekiah understands its transformative power. He supports expanding early childhood education, increasing opportunities for college access, and creating stronger partnerships between schools, unions, and workforce development programs to prepare students for successful careers.
Protecting Vulnerable New Yorkers
Hezekiah believes government has a responsibility to protect those most in need. He supports strengthening Medicaid services, safeguarding essential public benefits, and expanding community-based support systems that help families, seniors, and individuals facing crises.
His message of service, accountability, and community investment has earned the support of respected leaders and organizations throughout New York. Endorsements from Congressman Gregory Meeks, State Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblymember Vivian E. Cook, Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman, the Queens County Democratic Party, 32BJ SEIU, the District Council of Carpenters, and the Communications Workers of America reflect broad confidence in his ability to lead and deliver results.
For many voters, the choice in this election comes down to trust, experience, and commitment to community. Nathaniel Hezekiah III has spent his career standing up for Southeast Queens families, advocating for resources, and helping residents navigate challenges large and small.
Now, he is asking for the opportunity to continue that work in Albany.
As Southeast Queens looks toward the future, Nathaniel Hezekiah III offers a vision rooted in service, opportunity, affordability, and community empowerment. His campaign is not simply about winning an election—it is about ensuring that the voices of Southeast Queens are heard and represented in the halls of state government.
To learn more about Nathaniel Hezekiah III, his platform, endorsements, and campaign initiatives, visit his official campaign website and join the movement to build a stronger future for Southeast Queens.
Edwin Freeman is a community advocate, journalist, and contributor to Black Star News, covering issues impacting New York communities, public policy, and grassroots leadership.
