Young Up and Coming Bronx Leader: Anthony Perez

Many of you have most likely heard me speak about my passing the torch onto a new generation of Bronxites as I complete over fifty years of being active in the fight for social justice. It was thrilling to see Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. appoint two sixteen year old leaders, Justin Lowery and Jon-Michael Provetto to Community Boards 9 and 10 respectively. They and others are already carrying the torch which is being passed to them. Starting today, and from time to time, I will be writing about our young up and coming leaders in the Bronx.

The first up and coming leader is Anthony Perez.

Anthony Perez

Over the last year, many Bronxites have come to know Anthony very well as a leader, as a man of principle, and as a man who is truly committed to social justice. His inclusiveness, commitment to what our nation stands for, and his desire to get many more young and older people involved in the democratic process is truly impressive.

Anthony in Bronx Day Parade

Anthony in Bronx Day Parade

At the age of 25, Anthony serves as the Executive Director of the Bronx Democratic County Committee (BDCC). In that position Anthony has worked to ensure BDCC’s mission and his mission to help elect Democrats across the borough who will continue to fight for progress and for the residents of our communities. He is also deeply committed to our democratic values through engaging Bronxites year-round to increase access to resources by connecting them to legal, financial, and other public services, as well as participating in political activism initiatives.

Before joining BDCC, Anthony served under the Bloomberg and de Blasio administrations at City Hall with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. During his three and half year tenure there, Anthony wore multiple hats, including managing over $40 million in program assets as Acting Director of Finance and overseeing large interagency collaborations as Associate Director of Special projects.

Anthony Perez with his mother Mildred and brother Hector

Anthony Perez with his mother Mildred and brother Hector

Anthony was born in the Bronx but his mother, Mildred, came to New York from the Dominican Republic in the hope of finding opportunity and prosperity. She married and raised Anthony and his brother, Hector, as a single parent when their father returned to the Dominican Republic. Anthony has stated that although his family did not have money they were very rich in the desire to succeed, to overcome adversity, and in knowing that better days would come. Through persistence and viewing their struggles as blessings, they were able to succeed.

A graduate of Union College, Anthony bleeds Union’s garnet red. Anthony held various leadership positions while earning his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology, including serving as the Senior Student Trustee on the college’s Board of Trustees, President of the Sigma Phi Society, and President of the freshman and sophomore classes consecutively. In addition to the awards he received for his commitment to community development and service while at Union, Anthony was also named a 40 under 40 Rising Latino Star in 2012.

Anthony as a mentor with iMentor mentoring young people and recruiting other mentors

Anthony as a mentor with iMentor mentoring young people and recruiting other mentors

When not involved in politics, causes, marching in parades and helping others Anthony can be found at sporting events especially NY Jets and NY Knick games. In college he played rugby. In his younger days he was a huge sneaker collector. At one point he had over forty pairs of collectible/rare Nike basketball sneakers. When working or studying Anthony loves to listen to violin covers of hip hop songs

To sum up what he feels is his obligation and responsibility Anthony said: My mom taught me that life was transient, material objects decay, but our contributions live on beyond our existence. I’m a student of my own path to give back as much I’ve benefited from and my hope is that I’ll somehow have opportunity to fulfill this debt.”

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