Fighting for Equal Representation
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, honors the late Congressman Alcee Hastings. Co-founders of The Collective, Quentin James and Stefanie Brown James, released the following statement:
“The Collective is saddened to learn of the passing of Florida Congressman and civil rights leader Alcee Hastings. Born in Jim Crow-era Florida, Rep. Hastings dedicated his career in public service to fighting for equality, justice and fairness as a civil rights lawyer, activist, judge and longtime member of Congress. During his 15-term tenure in the House of Representatives, Rep. Hastings consistently and unapologetically spoke truth to power; blazing a trail for future Black leaders and fighting tirelessly for Florida’s working families. As a champion of affordable health care, paid family and medical leave and funding for preschool programs, Congressman Hastings’ commitment to advancing the Black community forward will continue to leave an indelible impact on society. The Collective is grateful for Rep. Hastings’ leadership that spanned generations and bettered countless lives across Florida and the nation.”
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, The Southern Strategy, Collective Future and The Collective Education Fund — 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.