New York, NY – New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke at the 22nd Annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit Gala Thursday night, where he commended Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. on his legacy, impact on the world, and continued efforts in the fight for equality, “breaking the mold and doing something different.” Before the Mayor left the stage, award-winning journalist, author and the emcee for the evening’s gala Ed Gordon, award-winning journalist, asked Mayor de Blasio to give the organization a sense of whether he would be running for president. Mayor de Blasio replied: “everyone has to make their own decision on their own time, with their families, and with their heart. But in the interest of furthering the dialogue in this country and the very same things we were talking about, I will be visiting the people of Iowa on Saturday.”

Attendees also heard from honorary chair Susan L. Taylor, Founder & CEO, National CARES Mentoring Movement, and Editor-in-Chief Emerita, Essence Magazine and enjoyed the sounds of Lalah Hathaway, Singer, Songwriter.

Earlier, Rev. Jackson opened the day with a fireside chat with Thomas M. Moriarty, Chief Policy and External Affairs Officer, General Counsel, CVS Health about their current initiative, Building Healthier Communities, and innovative approaches within the African-American communities CVS Health shared their commitment to advance healthcare and health needs beyond the traditional aisle, such as improving local access to affordable quality care, impacting public health challenges and partnering with local communities.

“While we focus on closing the wealth gap it is also essential that our community focus equally on our health, said Rev. Jackson. “Managing and maintaining good health is mandatory for growing a prosperous community.”

Additional Highlights from Thursday included:
• An exclusive panel session on the current ‘Business of Hip Hop’ with Percy “Master P” Miller on utilizwed his mogul platform to empower the next generation of black entrepreneurship

• Faith & Labor Leaders Luncheon featured special remarks from Rev. Al Sharpton

The Summit ends with a look at pension fund investment with minority money managers, an urban policy plenary, and its Business Luncheon with the Congresswoman Maxine Waters as the keynote speaker. CVS Health will also be honored with a Leadership Award for their commitment to diversity, which will be accepted by David L. Casey, Vice President, Workforce Strategies & Chief Diversity Officer, CVS Health.

Click here for full agenda: https://rainbowpush.org/wall-street-project