Senator Baskin Named 2025 Black Trailblazer

FOR IMMIEDIATE  RELEASE
February 7, 2025
CONTACT: Brenda Alesii, 716-826-2683 balesii@nysenate.gov

BUFFALO, NY- Earlier this week, Senator April Baskin was named a 2025 Black Trailblazer by City & State. Recognizing game-changers in politics and policy in New York, the 2025 Black Trailblazers list includes outstanding individuals in such fields as business, real estate, labor, social services and advocacy.

Said Senator Baskin, "I am honored to be included in this list of Black leaders and game changers. It is a privilege to serve in the NYS Senate under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins who blazed a trail as the first Black Leader of the Senate. I am proud to be the first Black woman to represent the 63rd Senate District. I look forward to the work ahead to deliver for the people of Erie County."

A former chair of the Erie County Legislature, Baskin easily won a state Senate seat last year, succeeding now Rep. Tim Kennedy. While in county government, she led the creation of the Erie County Urban Initiative Program, which has invested $13 million in capital funds in the county's underserved communities. Baskin is chair of the state Senate Procurement and Contracts Committee.