By: Janet Howard
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Community service, education, and leadership are not just professional pursuits for Lawman Lynch—they are lifelong commitments rooted in both personal experience and cultural values. From his early days in Jamaica to his current role in New York City, Lynch has consistently worked to expand opportunities for children, families, and underserved communities. His story, recently featured on People Power & Politics, illustrates how persistence, vision, and a heart for service can transform challenges into platforms for change.
“After-school programming is so much more than childcare. It’s really ensuring that young people are providing the tools, the skills, and the education necessary for them to become actively involved in society.” Those words, shared by Lawman Lynch during a recent appearance on People Power & Politics, capture the philosophy that drives his life’s work. Lynch, a community development practitioner and program manager at New York Edge, has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for young people. His path began in Jamaica, where he joined the Ministry of Education’s Education Transformation Team.
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Leading at New York Edge
At New York Edge, one of New York City’s largest providers of after-school and summer programs, Lynch oversees programs across more than 40 schools. He describes his role as a balance of coaching and partnership. “A typical day is really centered around engaging our stakeholders… our children, of course, and our families. But we also have to have a wonderful relationship with principals and program directors,” he said. The programs under his guidance extend far beyond academics, incorporating enrichment in STEM, arts, dance, music, and literacy, all while embedding social-emotional learning.
The Lawman Lynch Foundation
Lynch’s commitment didn’t start with his professional role. At just 20 years old, he founded the Lawman Lynch Foundation, Inc., first as an informal effort to help children and families in need. What started as a Facebook group quickly grew into a binational nonprofit serving both Jamaica and the United States. “In Kingston, Jamaica, we have adopted over 150 children, ensuring that they got at least one hot meal per day while in basic school,” Lynch shared. The foundation also provides scholarships, parenting support, and youth resources. In the U.S., its emphasis has shifted to civic education. Lynch even authored a children’s book, The Adventures of Kiko: Being the Best You, accompanied by an educator’s guide, to teach young people about citizenship and character.
Entering Public Service
This year, Lynch expanded his community leadership by running for political office in New York City’s District 41. “I found it so hard to call myself a politician because… there’s a negative connotation to the word,” he admitted. Instead, he views himself as a community development worker seeking to “access the resources so that we can do more for our communities.” The campaign proved both challenging and rewarding. While his opponent spent over $1.2 million, Lynch’s campaign operated on less than a tenth of that amount. Still, he credits the experience with strengthening his tenacity and deepening his ties to residents.
Looking Ahead
Lynch’s vision for the future is clear. He intends to complete his doctoral program, expand the reach of his foundation, and regroup for another campaign. He continues to work on the ground, from back-to-school drives in Brownsville to daily interactions with young people at New York Edge. For Lynch, the journey is about more than positions or titles. It is about persistence, service, and opportunity. “Every single day, when I see our young people… enthused about learning, that underscores why we do what we do,” he said.
Lawman Lynch: Building Communities Through Education, Service, and Persistence added by Caribbean American Weekly on
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