WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, The Collective PAC, the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political engagement, representation and power across all levels of government, endorsed Pierina Sanchez and Althea Stevens for election to the New York City Council. Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement: 

“The Collective PAC is proud to endorse Pierina Sanchez and Althea Stevens in their bids for the New York City Council. City councilors are uniquely positioned to directly address their communities’ day to day challenges, which have been laid bare and exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Strong, compassionate leadership at the local level is critical, and we’re especially thrilled to stand with Black women candidates, who remain severely underrepresented at all levels of government. Pierina and Althea will be champions for equity and justice on the city council and will work to ensure that America’s largest city remains at the forefront of progressive leadership.”

Pierina Sanchez (Candidate for New York City Council, District 14) is a proud Afro-Dominicana and daughter of immigrants, who understands the importance of hard work and accessibility of opportunity. A lifelong fighter for immigrant families, racial justice, and community economic empowerment, Pierina has served on community boards, in the New York City Hall, and in the White House. Once elected, Pierina will work to dismantle structural barriers through a social justice framework, improve New York City public schools, and fight for every person to have a healthy and stable home.

Althea Stevens (Candidate for New York City Council, District 16) is an experienced civil servant, who’s served her community for more than 15 years through non-profits and community centers. During the pandemic, she has continued her work as a leader, organizing food and PPE distributions across some of the most vulnerable neighborhoods in New York City. On the city council, Althea will invest in youth to inspire a civic-minded generation, advocate for all New Yorkers to have safe and affordable housing, and continue to champion public safety initiatives that empower the community.

ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE PAC 

The Collective PAC is working to create an America where Black people are equally represented at every level of government. The Collective PAC is 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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, The Collective, the nation’s largest group of affiliated organizations dedicated to increasing Black political engagement, representation, and power across all levels of government, called for the United States Senate to abolish the filibuster and finally move forward with progressive legislation to expand the rights of historically marginalized communities. Co-founders of The Collective, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:

“The Collective calls for an end to the filibuster, a racist relic of the past that was originally intended to preserve slavery and obstruct civil rights for Black Americans. We know that we cannot truly build Black political power until the Senate rids itself of this archaic tool and finally gets to work passing critical legislation like the For The People Act, which will bring much-needed reform to voting rights, election security, gerrymandering, campaign finance, and ethics rules for federal office holders. We urge Senate Democrats to immediately abolish the filibuster and call on Senate Republicans to stop playing politics with the lives and rights of Black and marginalized communities who continue to bear the brunt of our failing institutions and the partisan rancor that has made progress through the Senate impossible. 

Upholding the filibuster means upholding a broken democracy and a legacy of racial division and obstruction. We are hopeful that Senate Democrats will deliver on their bold promises and stand with the millions of Americans who are counting on them to pass the progressive policies they championed on the campaign trail and finally secure an end to the filibuster.”

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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, The Collective PAC, the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political representation and power across all levels of government, endorsed eight candidates for election and reelection to state and local offices in Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio and Virginia. Founders of The Collective PAC, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:

“The Collective PAC’s mission to build Black political power and change the face of leadership starts at the local level and we’re thrilled to endorse these eight progressive champions for office today. From the school committee to the city council to the state legislature, each of these leaders are committed to playing a direct, active, and crucial role in shaping the future of their communities and bettering the lives of working families. Their leadership and innovative solutions to their cities’ respective challenges will serve as an example to leaders across the country of the power of championing justice, equity, and dignity for all. We’re excited to stand with this group of experienced and passionate changemakers and look forward to supporting them on the campaign trail.”

Del. Candi King (Virginia House of Delegates, District 2) has been a steadfast advocate for education in the legislature, working to support students with disabilities and deliver equitable funding for HBCUs. If reelected, she will continue working to help her district recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, improve transportation infrastructure, and champion police accountability.

Del. Joshua G. Cole (Virginia House of Delegates, District 28) is a vocal advocate for protecting reproductive freedom, expanding economic justice, and improving infrastructure across the Commonwealth’s 28th District. Josh is also a pastor, the former president of the Stafford County NAACP, and has held many positions in the Virginia House of Delegates prior to taking office.

Councilmember Andrea Jenkins (Minneapolis City Council, Ward 8 – MN) serves as the vice president of the Minneapolis City Council and brought historic leadership to the council as the first Black, openly transgender woman elected to any office in the United States. Andrea is dedicated to reimagining law enforcement and policing, increasing accessible and affordable housing across Minneapolis, and sustainably rebuilding the city and its infrastructure.

Councilmember Sandra Washington (Lincoln City Council, Member at Large – NE) has served the people of Nebraska for 35 years. On the city council, she is focused on increasing access to affordable housing, building policies that center racial equity, and ensuring that Lincoln is ready to address the climate crisis. Sandra was previously a Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commissioner and was appointed to the council in 2019.

Councilmember Jeremy Blake (Newark City Council, Ward 2 – OH) made history in 2014 when he became the council’s first openly LGBTQ+ member. He has spent more than twenty years in public service advocating for equitable education, robust infrastructure investments, an increase in public safety, and better accountability for public officials in Newark. Jeremy currently serves as chair of the Rules Committee and minority leader on the city council.

Councilmember John Chapman (Alexandria City Council, VA) is a fourth-generation Alexandrian, small business owner, and educator. He is running for a third term on the Alexandria City Council, where he’s worked to address issues like public safety, fair housing, and stormwater management. John is also a Community Use Program Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools and owner of the Manumission Tour Company which specializes in African American history and stories.

Alyia Gaskins (Candidate for Alexandria City Council, VA) has spent her career working in both the non-profit sector and for city government. With a commitment to neighborhood engagement, affordable housing, and child success, Alyia is ready to bring equity and community to the forefront once she’s elected to the Alexandria City Council. She has served on the Transportation Commission and serves on the steering committee for Hunger Free Alexandria.

Committee Member Ayesha Wilson (Cambridge School Committee Member – MA) is an alum of Cambridge Public Schools, who understands the importance of investing in future generations and empowering students. Through her work as a committee member, she is focused on increasing cultural competency training for educators, closing the achievement gap, and offering  universal pre-K. Ayesha is also Secretary of the NAACP Cambridge Branch and a member of the YWCA Board of Trustees.

ABOUT THE COLLECTIVE PAC 

The Collective PAC is working to create an America where Black people are equally represented at every level of government. The Collective PAC is 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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, less than two weeks before the general election, Collective Future, the 501(c)4 affiliate of the nation’s largest organization dedicated to increasing Black political representation and power across all levels of government, announced a new $60,000 digital ad campaign in support of St. Louis mayoral candidate Tishaura Jones. Collective Future Founder and President Quentin James released the following statement:

“Electing Tishaura Jones remains one of our top priorities and Collective Future is committed to doing everything in its power to ensure she becomes the next mayor of St. Louis. Based on her proven record of service to St. Louis, Tishaura is the leader who will bring St. Louisans through the current public health and economic crises. Our ads will play a critical role in educating and turning out likely and low propensity voters, helping ensure Tishaura becomes St. Louis’ first Black woman mayor on April 6th.”

Collective Future’s latest round of ads started running on Facebook, Snapchat, and YouTube on March 19th and will remain live until polls close on April 6th. Collective Future spent $25,000 on ads in support of Tishaura in the March 2nd nonpartisan primary election, when she finished in first place.

ABOUT COLLECTIVE FUTURE

Collective Future is working to create an America where Black people are equally represented at every level of government. Collective Future is 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.