Alvin Bragg

Alvin Bragg: biography

Alvin Bragg is an American politician, lawyer and public official who was elected as the Manhattan District Attorney in 2021.

Childhood and youth

Alvin Bragg was born on October 21, 1973 in Harlem, New York City, where he spent his childhood and youth. Growing up in a predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhood, Bragg witnessed firsthand the systemic inequalities and injustices that plague communities of color in the United States.

Despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges, Bragg excelled academically and earned a scholarship to attend Harvard College, where he studied government and graduated with honors in 1990. He then went on to attend Harvard Law School, where he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review and earned his law degree in 1994.

Bragg's upbringing and experiences as a young Black man in Harlem shaped his worldview and inspired him to pursue a career in public service. He began his legal career as a clerk for U.S. District Judge Robert L. Carter, who was a pioneering civil rights lawyer and served as lead counsel in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education.

Political career

Alvin Bragg's political career has been defined by his commitment to social justice and criminal justice reform. He has worked in a variety of public service roles at the local, state, and federal levels, where he has advocated for policies that promote fairness, equity, and accountability.

Bragg began his political career as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, where he worked for several years prosecuting cases involving white-collar crime, public corruption, and other offenses. In this role, he gained a reputation as a tough and fair prosecutor who was committed to upholding the rule of law.

After leaving the U.S. Attorney's Office, Bragg continued his public service career in the New York State Attorney General's Office, where he served as the chief deputy attorney general under Eric Schneiderman. In this role, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Attorney General's Office and was responsible for managing a wide range of investigations and litigation on issues such as consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental law.

In 2018, Bragg left the Attorney General's Office to become a visiting professor at New York Law School, where he taught courses on criminal law and procedure. During this time, he also served as a legal analyst for several media outlets, including CNN, where he provided commentary on legal issues related to the Trump administration.

In 2021, Bragg announced his candidacy for Manhattan District Attorney, running on a platform of progressive criminal justice reform. He campaigned on a promise to reduce mass incarceration, address racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and prioritize alternatives to incarceration for low-level offenses. Bragg's campaign was successful, and he was elected as Manhattan District Attorney in November 2021, becoming the first Black person to hold this office.

As Manhattan District Attorney, Bragg has continued to advocate for criminal justice reform and to implement policies that promote equity and fairness in the criminal justice system. He has promised to end cash bail for most non-violent offenses, to increase transparency in the DA's office, and to hold police officers accountable for misconduct.

Personal life

Alvin Bragg is a private person who values his personal life and family. He has been married to his wife, Jamila Marie Ponton, since 2003, and they have two children together.

In his free time, Bragg enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with his family. He is an avid sports fan and supports the New York Yankees and New York Giants. He has also been a mentor and coach for youth basketball teams in Harlem.

Bragg is known for his integrity, humility, and commitment to justice. He has spoken publicly about the importance of community engagement and the need for prosecutors to listen to and work with the communities they serve. He has also emphasized the importance of mental health and wellness, both for himself and for his staff.

Throughout his personal and professional life, Bragg has remained committed to his values and to making a positive impact in the world. He has been recognized for his leadership and dedication to public service by numerous organizations, including the New York County Lawyers' Association, which awarded him its Public Service Award in 2021.