Chirlane McCray
Keynote Speaker: New York City's First Lady, Writer & Poet
-
Travels From:
-
Speaking Fee:
-
Categories:
Chirlane McCray Biography
Chirlane McCray is a writer, poet, editor, communications professional and political figure. She has published poetry and worked in politics as a speechwriter. Married to current New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, she is the First Lady of New York City.
McCray was born in and spent her early years in Springfield, Massachusetts. Her mother was an assembly worker at an electronics factory, and her father was an inventory clerk at a military base. She is of Bajan and St. Lucian descent, but traces her grandmother's last name to Ghana."
When McCray was ten years old, her family moved to Longmeadow, Massachusetts, becoming only the second black family in the area. Other families in the neighborhood circulated petitions demanding they leave.
In high school, McCray was for a time the only black student in her entire school. McCray cites this early experience with racism and bullying as part of the reason she began to write, using her poetry as an outlet for her anger. She also wrote a column for her school newspaper, in which she denounced classmates for their racism.
McCray enrolled at Wellesley College in 1972. While studying at Wellesley, McCray became a member of the Combahee River Collective, a black feminist lesbian organization, which inspired her to write prose and poetry.
After graduation, she moved to New York City to work for Redbook. She published an essay in Essence Magazine in 1979, entitled "I Am a Lesbian," an essay described as "groundbreaking" for how a black woman discussed her sexuality in a black magazine. The purpose of the essay was to "dispel the myth that there are no gay black people." Some of her poetry is included in "Home Girls: A Black Feminist Anthology."
In 1991, McCray entered politics. She worked as a speechwriter for the mayor, David Dinkins. During the Clinton administration, she worked for the New York Foreign Press Center as a public affairs specialist. She also worked as a speech writer for the state comptroller, Carl McCall, and the city comptroller, Bill Thompson.
In 2004, she left Thompson's office to work in the private sector. She worked for five years at Maimonides Medical Center. She also worked for Citigroup in their public relations department for six months, before deciding it was "not a good fit." During her husband's campaign for mayor of New York City in the 2013 election, she edited his speeches and helped interview candidates for staff positions.
In November 2015, McCray led the launch of ThriveNYC, a plan to overhaul the city's mental health and substance abuse services, promoting a shift from a traditionally more reactive model, which can strain police, prisons, hospitals, and schools,[21] to an integrated public health approach, focused on awareness and early identification.
McCray has expressed a desire to run for office in 2021.
McCray and de Blasio have a daughter and a son and live in Park Slope, Brooklyn. They plan to move into Gracie Mansion.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Chirlane McCray and other top speakers and celebrities.
Chirlane McCray Videos
How do I book Chirlane McCray to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Chirlane McCray for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Chirlane McCray, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Chirlane McCray or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Chirlane McCray for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Chirlane McCray, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Chirlane McCray, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Chirlane McCray speak about?
Chirlane McCray is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Diversity & Inclusion, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Government and Political.
Where does Chirlane McCray travel from?
Chirlane McCray generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Chirlane McCray?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Chirlane McCray for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Chirlane McCray for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Chirlane McCray or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Chirlane McCray is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Diversity & Inclusion, Black Heritage and Black History Month. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. Chirlane McCray generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Reverend Al Sharpton, Wendy Osefo, PhD and Roland Martin. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Chirlane McCray for an upcoming event.
VIDEO
Chirlane McCray Videos
NEWS
Chirlane McCray News
-
De Blasio says his wife 'kept him grounded in the bedroom' - NY ...
Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray have some unorthodox pillow talk.
-
Chirlane McCray helps raise reelection money for Mayor de Blasio ...
The city's First Lady Chirlane McCray emailed her husband's supporters on Monday, asking people to “show that you stand with us and a progressive future.” .
-
Chirlane McCray hits D.C. in push for mental health funding - NY ...
First Lady Chirlane McCray is taking her mental health push on the road this week. McCray, in an unusual move for a First Lady, will head to Washington, D.C. , ...
-
Talking to Chirlane McCray About Mental Health, Voting for Hillary, and Closing Rikers
Since the moment New York Mayor Bill de Blasio took office in 2014, his wife Chirlane McCray has been the object of fascination, controversy, praise, and hundreds of weird tabloid stories. This week, she talked with Jezebel about her ambitious plan to revamp New York City’s mental health services, her support for Hillary Clinton, and why closing Rikers Island is “a great idea.”
-
NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray Attends NAMI #IWILLLISTEN Day
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City, Inc. (NAMI-NYC Metro) held their first ever #IWILLLISTEN Day on Saturday, May 9th.
FAQS
-
How do I book Chirlane McCray to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Chirlane McCray for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Chirlane McCray, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Chirlane McCray or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Chirlane McCray for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Chirlane McCray, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire Chirlane McCray, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Chirlane McCray speak about?
Chirlane McCray is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Diversity & Inclusion, Black Heritage, Black History Month, Government and Political. -
Where does Chirlane McCray travel from?
Chirlane McCray generally travels from New York, NY, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Chirlane McCray?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Chirlane McCray for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Chirlane McCray for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Chirlane McCray or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOK CHIRLANE MCCRAY
We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.
Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.
We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.
We are happy to help! Call us to speak with a booking agent about your event or specific speaker request.
Gauge Interest and check availability for appearances, speaking engagements, or corporate events.
Provide you with speaking fee to book Chirlane McCray or other celebrity appearance fees
Give you personal recommendations for the best keynote speakers or celebrities
Assist you with any questions you have throughout the talent booking process
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
