Fighting for Equal Representation
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, The Collective, the nation’s largest group of affiliated organizations dedicated to increasing Black political representation across all levels of government, celebrates Black History Month. Founders of The Collective, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:
“As we mark the beginning of Black History Month, we honor the heroes, trailblazers, and patriots who’ve made our work in the fight to create an equitable democracy where Black people are fully represented in positions of power possible. We take this time to remind ourselves of the history that inspires our movement and celebrate all we’ve accomplished in spite of the structural racism that continues to plague our institutions. In 2020, we coined the phrase ‘Year of The Black Candidate’ due to several Black candidates making history in their elections, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Sen. Raphael Warnock, and Rep. Marilyn Strickland.
Our work today will determine what kind of country we leave behind for future activists, and the growing list of leaders we celebrate every day and especially during Black History Month is proof that our efforts can and will make an impact. We know that when we empower progressive Black candidates to run for office, and give them the tools and resources to succeed, they will be tireless champions for issues that matter like racial justice, equal pay, and reducing maternal mortality. The advocacy we lead today will be the history remembered by our leaders of tomorrow. Through the continued support of Black candidates at every level of government, not only will we build Black political power, but we will codify progressive policy, revolutionize institutions, and unite our community in the push for an America that upholds the values of liberty and justice for all that for too long have been denied to far too many.
Today and every day we reaffirm our commitment to empowering Black people throughout the diaspora and to working together to build a future where Black people are respected, valued, and supported.”
ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE
The Collective is a group of affiliated organizations working to create an America where Black people are equally represented at every level of government. Through our affiliated organizations — The Collective PAC, The Collective Super PAC, Collective Future, The Collective Education Fund, and The Southern Strategy — we are strategically focused on creating a truly equitable democracy where our nation’s local, state and federal governments have diverse and talented elected leadership and Black people are fully represented in positions of power to create the policies necessary to progress our communities forward.