A Daily News article focuses on how Jumaane Williams -- the newly elected City Councilman representing Foster Avenue and South -- persisted despite Tourrette's:
Williams was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome as a teenager growing up in Brooklyn, and spent years battling school bureaucrats who wanted him out of gifted classes and into special ed.Full story is here.
Now Williams, 33, wants to draw from the experience to help others.
"Especially as a kid of color, if my mother hadn't been so involved I would have been in special ed," said Williams, who tested into the Philippa Schuyler Middle School for the Gifted and Talented and Brooklyn Technical High School before attending Brooklyn College, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees.
"Having gone through those times when I needed help and didn't get it, I empathize a lot with people who are having a hard time," added Williams, who beat Stewart by 12 percentage points in a six-way race.
These days, Williams says he is at ease with his condition - which causes involuntary movements such as shoulder jerks and occasionally vocal tics - and never lets it slow him down or hold him back.
But growing up, things weren't always so easy.
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here
