New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently announced the release of a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the city’s 2-K and 3-K programs, initiatives aimed at expanding access to early childhood education. The announcement, made during a press conference in the Blue Room at City Hall, featured four pre-K students from District Two and was attended by New York City Public Schools chancellor, Kamar Samuels.
A New Approach to Civic Engagement
The event itself deviated from traditional press conferences, with seating arrangements altered and a second, smaller lectern positioned for the young students. Julian Shapiro-Barnum, creator of the web series “Recess Therapy” with 3.2 million Instagram followers, was also present and permitted to ask questions beyond the scope of the official announcement.
The announcement itself concerned the RFI process—a “request for information”—described by Chancellor Samuels as a way to solicit input from potential providers. Mayor Mamdani encouraged parents to submit applications for the programs by February 27th.
The Rise of the “Pseudo-Event”
The event is part of a broader strategy by Mayor Mamdani to connect with New Yorkers through unconventional means, including videos featuring him explaining city services in everyday settings. These efforts, described as a “parasocial civic bond,” have already generated significantly higher engagement on social media than those of the previous administration, despite the former mayor’s “rivetingly weird” online presence.
The Mayor’s office has released videos of him washing his hands in a Harlem park to promote bathroom access and explaining the city’s budget. This approach has been likened to “Obamacore,” a term used to describe the wave of earnest pop-culture optimism seen in the 2010s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the press conference?
The press conference was to announce the release of a Request for Information (RFI) for the city’s 2-K and 3-K programs.
Who attended the press conference?
The press conference was attended by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York City Public Schools chancellor Kamar Samuels, four pre-K students from District Two, and Julian Shapiro-Barnum of “Recess Therapy.”
What is an RFI?
According to Chancellor Samuels, an RFI is a “request for information.” The city is using it to solicit input from providers interested in participating in the 2-K and 3-K programs.
As the city continues to explore innovative ways to engage its citizens, it remains to be seen whether these “pseudo-events” will translate into tangible results for programs like 3-K and pre-K. Will this new approach to civic engagement inspire greater participation and ultimately benefit New York City’s youngest learners?
