On the ballot: Q&A with mayoral candidate Dr. Selma Bartholomew

Dr. Selma Bartholomew is an educator and a candidate in this year’s mayoral race against the incumbent Eric Adams.

Her campaign for mayor is the definition of an “underdog” in a crowded field of well-funded candidates with the benefit of name recognition. Still, she seems unfazed by the obstacles ahead of her.

Bartholomew was born in Grenada and grew up in Harlem. She earned a degree in math and physics from Lehman College, as well as two master’s degrees from Adelphi and Fordham University. She went on to earn her doctorate in pure mathematics. She considers herself a staunch educator, and has taught at all levels — with preK-12 students, at the university level, and for those incarcerated. She is also a proud breast cancer survivor.

To date, Bartholomew has only raised $1,264 in private funds, according to the latest filings of the New York City Campaign Finance Board (NYCCFB). Even though she’s made it on the ballot, because of NYCCFB rules on contributions and spending, she’s discovered that she cannot participate in many New York City debates. Fellow candidates who have smaller grassroots campaigns, like Paper Boy Prince, face a similar issue.

The Amsterdam News caught up with Bartholomew over the phone. Here is what she had to say about her campaign. (Questions and answers have been shortened or edited for space and clarity.)

AmNews: I’m curious what inspired you to want to run for mayor.

Bartholomew: I am not a traditional candidate. I have always pretty much voted Democrat, and I think the people have to be the change that they want to see. That is the life that I’ve lived, and I’m confident in my 30-year-plus experience that I bring. I wanted to see change.

My mission is clear: I want to bring our children back. I work in schools in New York and across the country, and I see the slow, slow death of our children. They are pushing this synthetic marijuana on our kids. I wanna be able to bring a bigger, bolder vision to New York City.

I’m an entrepreneur. I grew up in Harlem and so I bring a different sense, and a real perspective of New York. And I want it.

AmNews: Do you agree with mayoral control over the educational system?

Bartholomew: I’m in favor of mayoral control. I understood what it did. I just think that New York City school systems have been run by the robber barons and the poverty pimps. I know fully well that the culture is all about the test, the test. And the money is going out the door to big contracted individuals that aren’t really moving our school system forward. I see it as much more social reproduction of failure. I understood that when it was a community board process, we also had so much nepotism and so much of the resources were not touching the community, so I bring that level of understanding and I’ll bring a level of also understanding how to transform schools. I’m honored to say I’ve been in education in some form all my life, but the dress that fits me well is leadership.

One of the things I want to do in New York City — I want to transform high schools. Just knowing and spending time with our students and leaders, the fact that we still have high schools on the same schedule as elementary and middle schoolers isn’t great.

Everybody talks programs and projects., I want to build ecosystems and business across the city and connect our students in meaningful ways to pathways.

AmNews: Did you feel a huge sense of accomplishment when you made it on the ballot — was that a pivotal moment for you?

Bartholomew: You know, here I am without the Democratic machine— never been an elected official — and I’ve raised the least amount of money, but I’m in the same place as the people who raised $8 million-plus. It’s unheard of.

Absolutely overjoyed. More than an accomplishment — I just did something historic. New York City has had 108 white men as mayors and 110 men. Our election process is really about selection, not election. The people with money are the ones who were able to afford the attorneys. They are able to pay people to go out and collect signatures, and they know the process because they might have that historical knowledge. I just did it all on the strength of love and my army of volunteers, and faith. They went out for me and collected signatures for me. I did it all on people power, and it is a remarkable accomplishment to actually be on the ballot.

Behind the scenes, it was basically, “No, we won’t put a seat out for you,” and this was actually the third forum that I was denied from. I’m fighting, and, sad to say, I’m fighting individuals who look like me as well. It’s really hard and, to be honest, it’s hurtful.

AmNews: When people think of women candidates for mayor, I think voters remember Maya Wiley. She made it really close. Currently, there’s City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. Would you compare yourself to either of those candidates?

Bartholomew: Well, I respect them and I honor their journeys in this process — the fact that we all could be in this democratic process — but I’m very different. I’m talking about the state of community. We’re not making it. We are not surviving here. Individuals will put themselves out as if they’ve done this major transformation. The streets are still dirty. Our schools are failing and the distinction for me is that I wanna talk solutions.

AmNews: You talked a little bit about your platform already, but what are the top three things you’d prioritize?

Bartholomew: I know everyone says safety, education, and housing affordability, but my top would be building thriving ecosystems. Ecosystems for communities, and local entrepreneurs, and small businesses. I want to transform education and give our kids art, music, and STEM. I want to help people build better relationships with the police, block leaders, and youth. A sense of rebuilding the village that we lost.

AmNews: Does the money ever discourage you, in terms of your campaign?

Bartholomew: No. Yeah, it matters, finances. I know what it is to struggle in New York City. I’m here and not because of the financial burden that I carry, but in spite of it, and I want people to know that they deserve a leader who is confident and qualified.

I love this city — I want to say that.

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