Eddie Gibbs (politician)

Summary

Edward L. Gibbs (born October 28, 1968) is an American politician who is currently representing the 68th district in the New York State Assembly since 2022.[1][2] He is the first formerly incarcerated New York Assembly member.[3]

Eddie Gibbs
Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 68th district
Assumed office
January 26, 2022
Preceded byRobert Rodriguez
Personal details
Born
Edward L. Gibbs

(1968-10-28) October 28, 1968 (age 55)
New York, New York, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Residence(s)New York, New York, U.S.
Signature

Early life and incarceration edit

Born the second-eldest of four, Gibbs was raised in public housing in East Harlem by a single mother. His family lived off of welfare.[4] As a teenager, Gibbs sold crack cocaine to support his family.[5]

At 17 years old, Gibbs was stabbed in the leg in an attempted robbery. In an act of self defense, Gibbs shot and killed his attacker before turning himself in at a local police station.[5] He spent 17 months on Rikers Island before accepting a plea deal. Gibbs then served time at the Elmira, Cayuga, and Mid-State Correctional Facilities.[6] In prison, he received his GED and associate degree.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ "Edward Gibbs". New York State Assembly. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  2. ^ "Eddie Gibbs". Ballotpedia. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  3. ^ Gartland, Michael (January 20, 2022). "Eddie Gibbs becomes first formerly incarcerated N.Y. Assembly member". New York Daily News. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  4. ^ a b "From Rikers to Albany, Eddie Gibbs is Making History". The Village Voice. March 22, 2022. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Fastenberg, Dan (February 11, 2022). "In a first, former prisoner takes seat in New York State Assembly". Reuters. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
  6. ^ "From Rikers to Albany – Eddie Gibbs wants to be the first ex-offender Assembly member". City & State NY. Retrieved March 25, 2022.