Jets new PR head plans to create MWBE program.

The New York Jets named long-time Harlem community leader and political activist Larry Scott Blackmon as senior manager of public affairs. Blackmon's first priority will be to convene a taskforce of New York City political and labor leaders that will develop a comprehensive model MWBE program for the New York Sports and Convention Center, slated to begin construction next spring.

Blackmon will work to expand the growing coalition of New York community, civic and business leaders who have united to keep the project on course, despite a disinformation campaign being waged by Cablevision. The coalition now includes numerous assembly members from all around New York City, including Bronx Democratic County chair assemblyman Jose Rivera, Queens assemblyman Michael Gianaris, Brooklyn assemblyman Daryl Towns and Manhattan assemblyman Keith Wright.

Blackmon joins the New York Jets from the New York City Council, where he served as special assistant to Speaker Gifford Miller.

"Larry's in-depth knowledge of New York City and his dedication to issues affecting minority communities will be an asset to the Jets," said New York Jets president Jay Cross said. "We are committed to ensuring real minority and women participation in the New York Sports and Convention Center. Larry will help translate that commitment into a model MWBE program. And he will help expand the growing coalition of New Yorkers who recognize this project is great for our City."

In his new position as senior manager for public affairs, Blackmon will report to Matthew Higgins, vice president for strategic planning and will work to expand the Jets outreach efforts in all five boroughs. Blackmon will also convene an MWBE taskforce in mid-September to fulfill the Jets pledge to create a comprehensive program to ensure meaningful MWBE participation in the construction of the New York Sports and Convention Center.

Blackmon began his political career in 1997, working on the successful campaign to elect then New York City council member C. Virginia Fields as Manhattan Borough President. He took a leave of absence to serve as Manhattan field coordinator for Hillary Clinton's successful U.S. Senate campaign. Blackmon then served for two years as deputy state director for United States senator Charles Schumer.

His responsibilities included assisting with the management of eight satellite offices, advising the senator on key policy issues, managing the senator's relationships with elected and party officials, maintaining a continuous dialogue with a number of labor unions, as well as working with members of religious communities. Throughout his political career, Blackmon has organized many events around the state, including: Census 2000 caravans, rallies for former State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, and a youth rally at the legendary Apollo Theatre.