New York City Appoints LGBTQ+ Advocate as Records Commissioner

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz, a Black lesbian archivist and librarian, as the new commissioner of the New York City Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS). This appointment, announced on Wednesday, positions Smith-Cruz to lead an agency pivotal in preserving the city's history and managing public records. Her extensive background in archives and commitment to information access come at a time when discussions around public records and historical representation are increasingly significant.

The Advocate

Smith-Cruz, a Brooklyn native, brings nearly two decades of experience in various archival settings, including academic and community-based institutions. She previously served as the dean of the Barnard College Library and has held senior roles at New York University and the Brooklyn Public Library. Her work has focused on expanding access to information for marginalized communities, including initiatives supporting incarcerated individuals and exhibitions highlighting LGBTQ+ history. Smith-Cruz co-founded the nonprofit Sister Outsider, which empowers young women in Brooklyn through peer education programs.

The Advocate

Smith-Cruz's appointment is part of a broader trend in Mamdani's administration, which has actively promoted LGBTQ+ leadership within city government. Earlier this year, Mamdani established New York City's first Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, appointing civil rights attorney Taylor Brown as its inaugural director. Additionally, Lillian Bonsignore was appointed as the Fire Department's first out gay commissioner. These appointments reflect Mamdani's commitment to inclusivity and representation in city governance.

The Advocate

In her new role, Smith-Cruz will oversee the preservation of historical materials and the city's response to public records requests. She emphasized the urgency of this work, particularly in an era of increasing digital information and concerns about access to government data. “Providing access to government records, documents, and data is our municipal responsibility,” Smith-Cruz stated, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the city's historical record encompasses diverse communities.

The Advocate

Smith-Cruz's appointment comes amid national debates over historical preservation and the documentation of marginalized stories. Critics have raised alarms about efforts by the Trump administration and other Republican leaders to restrict how government institutions record LGBTQ+ lives and racial histories. These concerns underscore the significance of Smith-Cruz's role in safeguarding the narratives of underrepresented groups.

The Advocate

• “We have such a rich New York City history when it comes to Stonewall in particular,” — Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz, Commissioner of DORIS

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• “Providing access to government records, documents, and data is our municipal responsibility,” — Shawn(ta) Smith-Cruz, Commissioner of DORIS

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Smith-Cruz's leadership is anticipated to play a crucial role in navigating these challenges, ensuring that the historical record of New York City remains inclusive and reflective of its diverse communities.

The Advocate