On December, 16, 2025 Eric Adams held a press conference in City Hall to look back on what he has achieved during his term. I had the opportunity to go to City Hall and witness this alongside our librarian, Ms. Leshinsky, and fellow journalist Annaya Marrero.
The press conference at City Hall started shortly after the scheduled time due to Mayor Adams being more than 20 minutes late. The conference started with a video looking back at Adams’ life and Mayoral term. The video presented Adams’ challenges throughout his life and what it took for him to get to Mayor set to a rap by JayZ. It also presented his achievements as Mayor and his willingness to help people in the same predicament he was in.
As he started speaking, Adams empathized with parents, mentioning how his mother always believed in him. Adams proceeded to mention his administration’s various “firsts.” He claimed that people are quick to point out his negative aspects and not his positive ones. Adams mentioned that even though he was the first New York City Mayor to be indicted (accused of a major crime) it should not diminish the other things he has done. He claimed that as mayor he was in first place in bringing down the city’s crime to record lows, as well as “the first mayor to build more housing than any mayor in [New York City] history.” He celebrated the diversity of his administration team and reflected on the city’s condition in the beginning of his administration. Adams highlighted his achievements and how far he has brought the city from the state it was in four years ago.
Adams then introduced a time capsule to be buried for New Yorkers to open in ten years. Members of his administration proceeded to place objects into a time capsule to commemorate various achievements, such as a miniature trash can to symbolize the containment of trash. Adams was last to include an item: a paper with the record of all his has accomplishments.
At the end of the conference we and students from other schools were able to ask former chancellor, Mellisa Aviles-Ramos, questions about our schools. One highlight was about school safety: An email was sent regarding scalpels; if you were found in possession of one you’ll get arrested. Aviles stated, “As soon as it came to our offices, we immediately pulled it back because it was incorrect. Students are not being arrested for what you mentioned, with scalpels and other things. The juvenile tickets are done at the precinct, and that is what is happening.” Ramos also mentioned that she is working with the NYPD to keep our schools safe.
Although this was labeled as a press conference it certainly did not feel like it. Adams did not provide any time for reporters to ask questions on his mayoral term. Adams stated that he “diversified the press corps” and immediately after a woman behind me called him out for lying. Instead of addressing her claims he ignored her and advised everyone to do so. Also, it felt as if he was trying to win people over by speaking of his achievements and was not addressing any lingering issues.
