From the entertainment industry to becoming New York City's youngest council member

History · Published 6 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Chi Ossé didn't start in the halls of government; he began in the world of hip hop and promotion. His path from a Brooklyn upbringing to legislative power highlights a new era of activism where personal identity and grassroots organizing collide with traditional political structures.

Chi Ajani Ossé’s trajectory is rooted in a multi-generational Brooklyn lineage. Born in 1998 to a Haitian-American family, his heritage connects him to diverse cultural hubs, from the Caribbean to Hong Kong. His father, Reginald Ossé (known as Combat Jack), was a prominent hip hop attorney and journalist, while his mother’s side includes Grammy-winning producer Teddy Vann. This background provided a foundation of cultural influence before Ossé entered public life.

Ossé's transition into politics was catalyzed by the 2020 nationwide protests following the murder of George Floyd. Despite having little prior knowledge of city government, he co-founded the activist collective "Warriors in the Garden" and launched a campaign for New York City Council’s 36th district. His candidacy was notable for its ideological positioning; backed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Courage to Change PAC, he was viewed as the furthest-left candidate in a field of more traditional political figures.

His victory in June 2021 was considered a significant upset, as he defeated opponents with deeper political ties to win his seat. As the youngest council member in history, Ossé has focused on police reform and housing justice. He sponsored the CURB Act to limit NYPD tactics during protests and faced arrest while protesting evictions in April 2026. His career reflects a shift toward "influencer" politics, where personal style and direct activism serve as primary vehicles for legislative change.

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