Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook Supports Freedom Plaza in New Op-Ed: "Prioritizing Equity, Opportunity, Vision and Values"

NEW YORK, Aug. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a powerful published op-ed, Rev. Dr. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook publicly supports Freedom Plaza, the transformative civic and cultural vision for Manhattan's East Side developed by Soloviev Group and Mohegan.

Rev. Dr. Ambassador Johnson Cook is a minister and former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom. She has founded several nonprofit and advocacy organizations, including Women on the World Stage, served as the official chaplain of the NYPD for more than 20 years, and is the author of nearly a dozen books.

As the project continues to build momentum across the city, Ambassador Cook's support adds to the growing coalition of faith and civic leaders, labor unions, small business owners, and local residents who back Freedom Plaza for its bold commitment to community-focused development.

The full op-ed, as it appeared in The Amsterdam News, can be read below:

Freedom Plaza: Prioritizing Equity, Opportunity, Vision and Values

As a minister, a former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, and a proud native New Yorker, I have always believed that our moral compass must guide our economic choices. Scripture reminds us in Micah 6:8 that the Lord requires us "to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly." This sacred calling doesn't end in the sanctuary, but it extends to our city streets, our workplaces, and yes, our development projects. That is why I am honored to lend my voice in support of Freedom Plaza, a transformative vision for economic development that puts equity, inclusion, and community at the center.

A project rooted in purpose
Too often, economic growth in our communities comes at the cost of displacement, exclusion, or broken promises. However, I believe Freedom Plaza offers a better way — one rooted in the belief that those historically marginalized and left out should be first in line for opportunity.

This project goes beyond rhetoric. With a bold commitment to exceed New York State's 30% Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation goal, Freedom Plaza aims for 40% MWBE inclusion in operations and allocates 30% of construction contracts and retail food opportunities to homegrown MWBEs. These are not symbolic gestures, but rather real chances for families to build generational wealth, for entrepreneurs to grow, and for justice to manifest in tangible form.

Faith that works through love
James 2:17 reminds us that "faith without works is dead." Freedom Plaza embodies faith in action. Indeed, entertainment resort developer Mohegan and the project team are investing in mentorship, technical training, access to capital, and bonding support so that minority- and women-owned firms can not only participate but succeed and scale.

Whether through partnerships with organizations like the Queens Economic Development Corporation, Accompany Capital, Hot Bread Kitchen, my own Global Black Women's Chamber of Commerce, and Women on the Worldstage (W.O.W.), or by connecting with programs like Helmets to Hardhats and Pathways to Apprenticeship, this project ensures that the workforce reflects the city it serves: diverse, talented and deserving.

As a people of faith, we believe in the power of community. We believe in lifting as we climb. And we believe that when one of us rises, we all rise. Freedom Plaza reflects these truths by giving veterans, women, immigrants, and minority-owned firms a seat at the table — not just during construction, but for the long haul.

A framework for accountability and growth
Moral leadership demands more than vision, it requires integrity and follow-through. Freedom Plaza's detailed reporting system, compliance checks, mentorship programs, and incentives for exceeding inclusion benchmarks create an environment of transparency and trust. Contractors are not just asked to do better; they are held accountable, supported, and evaluated with the seriousness equity deserves. This is how we live out the values of fairness, stewardship, and community.

A call to the faith community
Now more than ever, New York needs projects that are built on justice, not just steel and stone. Freedom Plaza is an opportunity to show what's possible when we blend vision with values. To my fellow and sister clergy and colleagues, diplomats, lay leaders, and community builders: this is our moment to stand for righteous development — to support economic growth that reflects the heart of God. We can no longer afford to separate our spiritual lives from the policies, projects and entrepreneurial opportunities shaping our communities.

Freedom Plaza gives us a glimpse of the promised land, not one we're hoping for years from now, or on the "other side," but one we can see and have right now, a place where equity flows, where opportunity is local, and where faith and justice work hand in hand. It's within our reach, let us support it. Let us amplify it. And let us walk boldly into a future built on dignity and hope.

About Freedom Plaza
Freedom Plaza is a $11.1 billion mixed-use development from Soloviev Group and Mohegan, spanning 6.3 acres from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue on Manhattan's East Side. The project will deliver 1,049 new homes—including 513 units that working families can afford—alongside nearly 5 acres of public open space, locally oriented retail, and a wide range of shopping and dining options, plus a daycare center, food market, museum dedicated to democracy, and community center. Two world-class hotels from Mohegan and the owners of Banyan Tree will feature retail, dining, and entertainment, including modern gaming for those 21 and over. Built entirely with union labor, Freedom Plaza will support 17,000 high-quality full- and part-time union jobs during construction and operations and nearly 40,000 jobs overall throughout the economy, while generating $3.2 billion in annual economic impact. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.

About Soloviev Group
Unwavering in its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, the Soloviev Group brings four generations of successful development across community-focused verticals, including hospitality, residential and commercial development, agriculture, energy, logistics and philanthropy. The firm's most recent project, Freedom Plaza, will encompass more than 6 acres on Manhattan's East Side from 38th to 41st Street east of First Avenue and is committed to helping New York City thrive. The mixed-use development will feature nearly 5 acres of publicly accessible green space; two world-class hotels by global resort leaders Mohegan and the owners of the Banyan Tree hotels and resorts, featuring the option of modern gaming for those 21-and-over; locally oriented retail and an array of shopping and dining options; a museum dedicated to democracy and community center; and two residential towers with housing that working people can afford. For more information, visit freedomplaza.nyc.

About Mohegan
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan's U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand's iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan's loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit mohegangaming.com.

Visual Assets
Video and high-resolution rendering is available for download here, courtesy Soloviev Group.

SOURCE The Soloviev Group