At a Black History Month reception at Gracie Mansion, Mayor Eric Adams delivered a passionate speech celebrating Black contributions to American history while fiercely defending his administration’s record.

The evening, hosted by city officials including Deputy Mayor Tiffany Raspberry and Commissioner Dynishal Gross, highlighted the resilience and achievements of Black New Yorkers, from early labor contributions to modern business successes. But it was Adams’ fiery remarks that stole the night, framing his tenure as a critical chapter in Black history and pushing back against critics calling for his resignation.

“We Are Not a Myth or a Legend”

Deputy Mayor Raspberry set the tone, honoring past Black leaders such as David Dinkins, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and Shirley Chisholm. “We are living in Black history every day,” she declared, reminding attendees that Black excellence is not just a commemoration but an ongoing reality.

Commissioner Gross expanded on this theme, reflecting on the economic strides Black New Yorkers have made under the Adams administration. “Black New Yorkers are using their passion, their positive obsession, their skills, their expertise, and they are striving for economic opportunity in our city,” she said, citing record-high labor participation rates and a surge in Black-owned businesses.

Her words carried a personal note as she recounted a visit to the African Burial Ground National Monument, connecting the legacy of enslaved laborers to the modern workforce. “All labor is honorable and contributes to this city,” she emphasized.

Adams: “My Flame Is Still Burning”

When Mayor Adams took the stage, he launched into an electrifying defense of his administration’s accomplishments, likening leadership to a relay race in which every generation passes the baton. “Don’t worry about who gets across the finish line,” he urged. “Just make sure you do the right hand-off.”

His speech carried an air of defiance, particularly toward critics calling for his resignation. “All these Negroes who were asking me to step down, God, forgive them,” he quipped. “Are you stupid? I’m running my race right now.”

He rattled off his administration’s achievements: record housing construction, billions allocated to minority- and women-owned businesses (M/WBEs), record job creation, expanded pre-K access, and the removal of 20,000 illegal firearms from the streets. “What we have done—you have to be stupid to try to stop me from running this race,” he declared.

“Cuff the Flame” – A Call to Support Each Other

Adams drew on a personal anecdote, recalling a time he struggled to light a match in the wind to help a stranded motorist. Each match, he explained, represents a person—some burn bright, some fail to ignite, but together, they illuminate the path forward. “The most powerful part of it was that match one did not see the car drive off,” he said, urging people to play their part in history even if they don’t witness the outcome.

He extended this metaphor to the struggles faced by many New Yorkers, from mental health crises to homelessness, calling on the community to “cuff the flame” and shield the vulnerable from being extinguished by adversity.

“Keep the Faith, Baby”

Channeling Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Adams ended with a rallying cry: “Just allow your flame to burn.” He invoked the legacy of past Black leaders who ran their race without seeing the finish line, urging New Yorkers to continue striving forward.

The evening concluded with a musical performance and a renewed sense of unity among attendees. While the mayor faces ongoing scrutiny over policy challenges and calls for resignation, his speech made one thing clear—he sees his leadership as an integral part of the ongoing Black history narrative in New York City.