Childhood / Education
Norman Sobie McGill was born and raised in the 77th District in the Highbridge section of the Bronx. He attended PS 11 for his public school education and later went to Elementary School 126. He went to high school at Alfred E. Smith and also attended Bronx Community College. He then joined the United States Army Reserves. After completing his service, he received an Honorable Discharge. While attending Sobro in the Bronx, he learned cable installation and worked for Cablevision for several years. Currently, Norman is an apprentice at Nouveau Elevator Company.
He has worked for the board of election for numerous elections as a coordinator. McGill is also the President of a non-profit company called S.P.A.R.E A Life (Supporting People Around Risk Environments), which has created programs for the youth (Podcast studio and music studio) and is currently working on a program that helps boys to become men.
Community Involvement in THE 77 th District.
McGill’s community work was started with his mother, who has been a pastor for over 30 years. He was taught to give back and to always help others. He started young in the political arena under Aurelia Green in the 77th district. As a kid, he handed out campaign flyers for upcoming candidates. He also visited Albany with Aurelia Green. As a young adult, he started working with the local community center creating programs to empower the youth. He was affiliated with the start of the Highbridge DEP Program (Drug Elimination Program). Workshops were held on drug prevention and the negative effects they caused in our communities. The youth he worked with ranged from the ages of 13-19 years old. As the President of the Highbridge Advisory Council, he and his board members created effective ways to keep the youth involved in serving the community. Norman is also the current President of the Highbridge Gardens Resident Association, a position he has held for nearly 10 years. He has dedicated many years of his life to enhancing the quality of the lives of local residents and families by responding to the many social, economic, and educational challenges they are faced with. He has performed numerous wellness checks on seniors in the community. Norman has been involved in various marches against gun violence with community-based organizations (RTG – Release the Grip, and SOS - Save Our Streets).
Turkey & Food Giveaway in Highbridge Gardens 2020 w/ Superstar Comedian Tracy Morgan
During the highest point of Covid-19, he delivered food to the Highbridge community, as well as Sedgwick Houses, including PPE equipment. Norman has organized numerous food drives for years within the Bronx community. He has hosted many events in the community for over 4 decades which includes basketball clinics, Mother’s Day dinners, Father’s Day Barbecues, Health awareness screenings, Thanksgiving (Turkey Giveaways), Christmas (Toys for Kids), and Juneteenth celebrations.
In August of each year, Norman takes pride in making sure that over 500 bookbags with supplies and reading books are provided to the kids during his annual back-to-school drive. He continues to deliver food and clothing to shelters in the 77th district. He strives to make Highbridge Day/Old Timers Day, a true family day of 35 years and counting. He partnered with another community leader to help enhance the creation of Highbridge in Heaven. Every 3rd Saturday in August, homage is paid to the people that passed away in the community with a banner displaying their names and a tribute video. While believing that making a difference in the lives of others is paramount, through tireless work he has attained several citations and proclamations from the Assembly member, City council, Senator, and Congressman (Vanessa Gibson, Latoya Joyner, and Ritchie Torres). He also works closely with the community affairs department at the 44th Police precinct to ensure safety within the Highbridge community.
Family
McGill was raised in a bicultural household, with his father being an African American man and his mother, Puerto Rican. Formally, he was an active member at Union Baptist Church, but now fellowships at The Gospel of St. Luke Church in the Bronx. He has been married for over 26 years with 3 children. He and his wife have raised their 3 kids in the 77th District, and all have attended the same elementary schools that he attended, while each is presently furthering their education with full basketball scholarships in college.
Goals
Norman Sobie McGill is a homegrown current resident of the 77th District. He is familiar with the struggles and prepared to bring major improvements to the community. Norman Sobie McGill will take the community's voice with him to Albany. One of the issues that is important to him is affordable housing. It is imperative to him that seniors are made safe and cared for. Seniors should not have to worry about losing their homes. Affordable housing will also help the less fortunate with housing. Another issue of concern to him is the lack of youth development programs. Norman proposes that by initiating positive youth engagement programs, restorative justice programs, and anti-gang initiatives, violent crime statistics will decrease and increase their chances of making a positive impact in society.