All About N.Y.C. Mayor Eric Adams' Son Jordan Coleman

Mar. 15, 2025

Jordan Coleman and Eric Adams in 2024.Photo:Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Johnny Nunez/WireImage

Jordan Coleman is New York City MayorEric Adams' only child.

Adams shares his son with ex-girlfriend Chrisena Coleman, whom he split from when Jordan was just a toddler, according to theNew York Post. Jordan spent his childhood in Hackensack, N.J., with Chrisena; his stepfather, Roosevelt; and his brother Justin but has always remained close to Adams.

“I think he’s awesome,” Jordan toldCGTN Americaof his dad in August 2023. “We’re all a team — me, my mom, my dad.”

Before being elected mayor of N.Y.C. in 2021,Adamswas a police officer for more than 20 years and served four terms in the New York State Senate. Meanwhile, Jordan was also making a name for himself as a child actor. He got his first big break at age 11 when he was cast as the voice of Tyrone on Nickelodeon’s animated seriesThe Backyardigans.

So, who is N.Y.C. Mayor Eric Adams' son? Here’s everything to know about Jordan Coleman.

Jordan graduated from American University

Eric Adams and Jordan Coleman in 2022.JASON SZENES/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

JASON SZENES/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

In May 2017, Jordan graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., with a degree in film and media arts.

“This Speaks For Itself,” he wrote onInstagramalongside celebratory photos in his cap and gown.

Jordan is an actor, filmmaker and rapper

Jordan Coleman.Jordan Coleman/Instagram

Jordan Coleman/Instagram

Jordan discovered his passion for performance at a young age.

In 2006, he joined the cast of Nickelodeon’sThe Backyardigansand voiced Tyrone for 36 episodes. He went on to write, produce and star in his first film,Payin' the Price, in 2011.

It wasn’t until 2017 that he expressed interest in becoming a rapper. Since then, Jordan has released two albums — JORDAN and SYNCED — under his stage nameJayoo.

“My end goal is to be a filmmaker, whether it’s as a producer, an actor, director or whatever, but during my young years, I want to be a hip-hop artist,” he told theNew York Post. “I want to be like Marky Mark turning intoMark WahlbergorWill Smith, you know what I’m saying?”

Jordan Coleman and Eric Adams in 2023.Shareif Ziyadat/Getty

Shareif Ziyadat/Getty

In 2022, Jordan took his rapping talents to Albania where he competed on anAmerican Idol-style show calledKënga Magjike(which translates to Magic Song). He made it to the semi-finals before being eliminated, per theNew York Post.

“I’m Looking To Be An International Rap Artist, This Was A Major Step In That Direction,” Jordan wrote onInstagramat the time.

Jordan attended Adams’ mayoral swearing-in ceremony in 2022

Jordan Coleman and Eric Adams in 2021.Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock

Adamsbecame the mayor of N.Y.C.on Jan. 1, 2022. His swearing-in ceremony took place in Times Square just minutes after the ball drop — and Jordan had the special responsibility of holding the family Bible, which Adams used to take his mayoral oath.

Jordan and his dad don’t always see eye to eye

Eric Adams and Jordan Coleman in 2024.Johnny Nunez/WireImage

While Jordan and Adams are close, they don’t always agree. One particular disagreement went public in 2022 when Adams urged social media companies to ban the promotion of drill rap — a controversial subgenre of hip-hop music known for glorifying violence.

“I had no idea what drill rapping was. My son sent me videos. It was alarming,” he said during anemotional speechfollowing the death of 18-year-old drill rapper Jayquan McKenley, aka Chii Wvttz.

“Coming out saying that the drill scene is going to be banned is outrageous because you can’t ban a genre of music — any kind of genre of music,” he told the outlet.

“As mayor of any city, you want your city to be safe. You want people to come there, not to kill people, but to spend money and to enjoy themselves and create memories,” Jordan continued. “So I think his focus was on the social media companies to not promote the bragging of killing one another, but it’s a tricky situation because that’s what that culture consists of.”

His mom, Chrisena, was diagnosed with dementia

Chrisena Coleman, Jordan Coleman and Eric Adams.Jordan Coleman/Instagram

During the same interview withComplex, Jordan revealed that his mother, Chrisena, has an aggressive form of dementia.

“Over these last two years, it’s been progressing rapidly,” he told theNew York Postin January 2023, adding that his success as an adult is “bittersweet” because of her illness. “But I know she’s still proud.”

source: people.com