Hi I'm Kwani B. O'Pharrow

I have a long-standing record in public service protecting our nation and the great state of New York. I served in the U.S. Navy from 1990-1994 as Radioman Petty Officer 3rd Class (RM3)-Intel and retired from the New York City Police (NYPD) as a Detective after 25 years of faithful service. My extensive NYPD career brings a wealth of valuable experience; which includes: School Officer, Community Patrol Officer, Domestic Violence Officer, Gang Investigations, holding various plainclothes details and assigned to the Chief of Departments office. Notably, my final assignment was in the Intelligence Bureau where I had the esteemed honor and privilege of protecting International dignitaries as well as Presidents Obama, Trump and Joe Biden.

My contributions extend beyond law enforcement. My grandfather, James O’Pharrow taught me the importance of community building which meant building leaders. My grandfather opened Starrett City Boxing in 1978; and as a third-generation former president, I utilized Starrett City Boxing as an outlet to equip our youth with life skills such as discipline, teamwork and leadership. I'm also certificated as USA Boxing Coach and Boxing Fitness instructor. 

In 2019, Kwani co-founded Cops N’ Kids Long Island, Inc., an organization focused on mentoring youth and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and young people. My work included working with local leaders, and organizations to administrator youth boxing events in the community during events such as National Night Out, working with youth on know your Rights and Responsibilities workshop, financial planning, entrepreneurship, and encouraging young people to join the police department. I created Operation Giveback, a program providing essential supplies and toys to families and youth during the holiday season. 

My dedication to community relations is evident in my past leadership role in Brentwood, where I co-crated a specialized unit called SACRO (Student & Community Relations Officers). Through this role, I was able to forge connections between students, communities, faith-based organizations, and law enforcement. In addition, I collaborated with SCPD police officer candidates, assisting them with physical training to ensure they meet the initial physical requirements. As a New York State Department of Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Instructor, I imparted essential policing skills and community relations training to new officers at the New York Racing Association Peace Officer Academy.

During Covid-19 pandemic, many families faced challenging times, I worked with local leaders and organizations to personally fund and deliver food to homebound individuals when Meals on Wheels services were disrupted in Suffolk County. This act of compassion and leadership garnered recognition from reputable sources such as Newsday and News 12, further highlighting my unwavering commitment to serving others.

My wife and I have 4 beautiful children and 5 amazing grand-children, I'm committed to building a district, a Long Island and a state for all children and families to prosper.  My platform is rooted in public safety, education, families, veterans, seniors and the environment. I aim to build trust and collaboration between law enforcement and communities, improve access to quality education for all students, and provide support for families through affordable housing and mental health services. I will also seek to honor and continue to support veterans, ensuring they have access to services, advocate for programs that help seniors age in place with dignity and access to essential services. Additionally, I'm committed to environmental protection, advocating for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all communities. 

My dedication, integrity, and compassion for Assembly District 11 resonates well with my constituents. I'm is ready to continue my work towards making our community a better place for all.