Ismail Shabazz, 68, is a longtime community activist in Kingston. He is a regular volunteer at People’s Place and works with local nonprofit mutual aid group Beyond the Four Walls. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Kingston Wire: How did you or your family come to Kingston?

Ismail Shabazz: I was born here, we’re an old family in Kingston. So grew up right here with my brother, my sister. My dad was always there doing what men are supposed to do, teaching you to be a man. So when I grew up I had four kids, so I understood it. I was a Black Panther when I was young, my mom let me do it because I was never really interested in anything before but I was into that, so she was OK with it and that’s kind of how I got started working for the community.

KW: What do you like about Kingston?

IS: Kingston is OK, I guess. It’s getting better. At least we don’t have gun violence and kids shooting kids as much as we used to, that’s a big thing. But people need jobs, it’s hard for people here.

KW: What would you like to change about Kingston?

IS: We need another mayor, the one we have now isn’t doing nothing. I liked [brothers and former mayors of Kingston T.R. and Shayne Gallo] because anytime I was trying to do something in the community, they allowed me to do it. That’s what a mayor is supposed to do. This guy we have now, I don’t know him personally but I don’t see him doing anything. He might show up [at People’s Place], but then he’ll leave. He’s the mayor, he represents Kingston. And I don’t see the city doing anything for all the homeless people — that’s sad because it means they don’t care.

KW: How do you think Kingston will be different in 10 years?

IS: If we still have mayors like we have, it’s not going to be different at all. We need somebody in there that’s going to help the people — all of the people.