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MEET HERCULES
Originally Hercules’s plan was to train for the Olympics as a decathlete but pursuing a higher education made him homeless for all his undergraduate years.
HERCULES E. REID
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Hercules Emile Reid went from a homeless young adult to a community leader fighting for youth, low-income communities and immigrants’ rights. Hercules is running for New York City Council District 45 to represent the neighborhoods of Flatbush, East Flatbush, Flatlands, Midwood, and Canarsie. He started his career as an organizer for higher education and is now a mentor to several youths from across New York City. Hercules most recently served as the Legislative Director of the University Student Senate at the City University of New York.
Mr. Reid hails from Jamaican parents who migrated to New York at a young age for a better life. His mother went to Baruch College and Mount St. Mary College, where she received a Masters in Special Education. His father joined Local Union 157 as a Carpenter and later received his education in Political Science from Lehman College. From a very young age, Hercules found a love for design, and problem-solving. Growing up, he was always very hands-on. He quickly realized he had an interest in “engineering and architecture” which became his academic ambition years later as a student at New York City College of Technology.
Originally, Hercules’s plan was to train for the Olympics as a decathlete but while pursuing a higher education at City Tech in Brooklyn, he did not have a place to call home during these undergraduate years. During this time, he lived with a very unsure future but an undeterred vision to finish his education. The emotional support he sought while in school helped him succeed as a student and community leader. Hercules received a Bachelor's Degree on June 5th 2017 and moved into his own apartment in 2018.
Hercules' advocacy work earned him an appointment from the Speaker of the New York City Council to the CUNY Task force where he served as Co-Chair. Together a white paper was created addressing accessibility, affordability, and raising graduation rates. The report increased public support for further research in higher education.
Hercules most recently served as the Legislative Director of the University Student Senate. He oversaw the organization’s legislative priorities and direct advocacy work with the New York City Council and New York State Legislature.
Follow his journey at IG and Twitter → @Hercules_reid