16 Facts About Chirlane McCray

Chirlane Irene McCray was born on November 29,1954 and is an American writer, editor, and activist.

Chirlane McCray has published poetry and worked in politics as a speechwriter.

Chirlane McCray's mother, Katharine Clarissa Eileen, was an assembly worker at an electronics factory, and her father, Robert Hooper McCray, was an inventory clerk at a military base.

Chirlane McCray is of Barbadian and St Lucian descent, but traces her grandmother's last name to Ghana.

Chirlane McCray cites her early experience with racism and bullying as part of the reason she began to write, using her poetry as an outlet for her anger.

Chirlane McCray wrote a column for her school newspaper in which she denounced classmates for their racism.

Chirlane McCray published an essay in Essence in 1979 titled "I Am a Lesbian".

Chirlane McCray worked as a speechwriter for the New York State Comptroller Carl McCall and for New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson.

In 2004, Chirlane McCray left Thompson's office to work in the private sector.

Chirlane McCray worked for five years at Maimonides Medical Center.

Chirlane McCray worked for Citigroup in its public relations department for six months before deciding it was "not a good fit".

In May 2018, The New York Times reported that Chirlane McCray had last visited the offices of the Mayor's Fund in May 2017.

In November 2015, Chirlane McCray led the launch of ThriveNYC, a plan to overhaul the city's mental health and substance abuse services.

In March 2018, Chirlane McCray stated that she was "seriously considering" running for office in 2021.

Chirlane McCray published an essay in Essence in 1979 entitled "I Am a Lesbian".

Chirlane McCray met Bill de Blasio in 1991, when they both worked at New York City Hall for then Mayor David Dinkins.