Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s decision to appoint hip-hop artist and long-time activist Mysonne Linen as his Social Justice Advisor has already generated significant conversation online. Conservative outlets have attempted to resurface a decades-old criminal case—one that Mysonne has consistently said was a false accusation—to question his credibility. But a closer look at his body of work over the last twenty years shows why this appointment is not only justified, but a powerful step forward for New York City.
For more than a decade, Mysonne has been a national voice for anti-violence efforts, police accountability, criminal justice reform, and community uplift. His work with groups such as Until Freedom, one of the country’s most influential social justice organizations, placed him on the front lines of protests for Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and numerous victims of police misconduct. These aren’t abstract talking points—Mysonne has marched, organized, spoken at national rallies, and helped mobilize young people who often feel disconnected from traditional politics.
In New York City, he has been deeply involved in anti-gun violence initiatives, mentoring youth and using his platform to redirect young men away from street culture and toward education, opportunity, and self-empowerment. His advocacy reflects lived experience, community trust, and a commitment to breaking cycles of harm—qualities that perfectly align with Mamdani’s progressive vision for Queens and the broader city.
What critics fail to acknowledge is that Mysonne’s past is part of what makes him credible. His own story of incarceration, rehabilitation, and activism mirrors the experiences of the very communities City Hall aims to reach. He is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between government institutions and neighborhoods that have historically felt ignored.
The conservative backlash also reveals a familiar pattern: selective outrage used to discredit leaders who challenge systemic inequality. Many of the same commentators attacking Mysonne have routinely minimized or ignored harmful actions by politicians and public figures on their own side. Their attempt to weaponize a 20-year-old case—while disregarding decades of positive impact—speaks more to political agenda than public interest.
Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s appointment demonstrates confidence in lived experience, restorative justice, and authentic community leadership. Rather than allowing reactionary voices to shape the narrative, New Yorkers should recognize Mysonne’s appointment for what it is: a forward-thinking choice that elevates someone who has dedicated his life to reducing violence, empowering youth, and fighting for equality.
In a city facing persistent disparities and rising polarization, a Social Justice Advisor with real-world credibility is not a risk—it is an asset.
