Bob Casey Announces Council of Black Leaders Across the Commonwealth to Advise and Support Re-Election Campaign
PENNSYLVANIA – Today, Senator Casey announced the formation of a Black Leaders Advisory Council for his campaign for U.S. Senate. This advisory council consists of leaders across Pennsylvania, from community advocates, to faith leaders, to labor leaders, to elected officials who will advise and support the Senator’s re-election campaign.
“Just as the history of our Commonwealth can’t be told without acknowledging the service and sacrifice of Black Pennsylvanians, our future can’t be built without the guidance and support of Black leaders,” said Senator Bob Casey. “I am grateful for the commitment of the leaders from across our Commonwealth who have joined this council to fight with me for greater investment in underserved communities, to reduce disparities in health care, and ensure a brighter future for all families across Pennsylvania.”
Senator Bob Casey is committed to ensuring Black families across Pennsylvania have an ally in Washington. Throughout his career, he has worked hand-in-hand with community leaders throughout Pennsylvania to help deliver inclusive economic and workforce development, healthcare, and affordable housing for Black Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth.
Senator Casey has worked to protect Pennsylvania communities from gun violence, including by delivering over $8.5 million in funding through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Senator Casey has also been a champion for Black maternal health, cosponsoring the Mamas First Act, legislation aimed at addressing the maternal mortality crisis that disproportionately affects Black and Brown women. Finally, Senator Casey has worked to bring millions in federal investments to disadvantaged neighborhoods in South Philadelphia and Northeast Philadelphia.
The Council includes Black leaders from across the Commonwealth, including State Representative Lindsay A. Powell (D-Allegheny), Pike County Commissioner Christa Caceres, Pastor Marshall Mitchell, Mayor JoJo Burgess of the City of Washington, and Director of Adult Learner Programs & Services at Penn State University Leslie Laing.
Hear from members of the Black Leaders Advisory Council:
“Now more than ever, it’s imperative that we’re reaching voters all across the state to get them engaged in our November election. We need experienced leaders who will stand up for everyday Pennsylvanians like Senator Bob Casey,” said State Representative Lindsay A. Powell (D-Allegheny). “I’m proud to join the Black Leaders Advisory Council to help reach and activate our neighbors to reelect Senator Bob Casey and send him back to Washington, D.C. so that he can continue to fight for all of us.”
“Senator Casey has a proven track record of results and I am proud to serve on this council to help share his record with our NEPA neighbors. We have representation who understands the needs of the people and has consistently delivered,” said Pike County Commissioner Christa Caceres. “We can count on him to preserve and protect voting rights and make sure big business pays their fair share and I look forward to help sending him back to Washington this November.”
“Bob Casey is a proven and tested leader who draws from a deep well of courage, knowledge, faith and integrity,” said Pastor Marshall Mitchell. “His commitment to diversifying the federal judiciary and recommending Black judges has been singular in the U.S. Senate.”
“Senator Casey has worked tirelessly for the citizens and residents of the state of Pennsylvania. His work should not go unnoticed as he has spearheaded work since he’s been in the Senate that have benefitted all the people in the Commonwealth,” said Mayor JoJo Burgess, City of Washington, Pennsylvania. “Supporting Senator Casey is supporting all the residents of this Commonwealth and ensuring great representation of its residents for years to come.”
“Now more than ever, Pennsylvania needs leaders in Washington that will stand up to protect their rights and deliver for their communities — the future we wish to leave for our children depends on it,” said Leslie Laing, Director of Adult Learner Programs & Services at Penn State University. “Senator Bob Casey has spent his entire adult life in service of his neighbors and is exactly the kind of fighter our families and our Commonwealth need at this pivotal moment. I’m proud to stand with him as part of his Black Leaders Advisory Council because there’s far too much at stake.”
Members of the Advisory Council Include:
- Ryan N. Boyer, Business Manager for the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council
- JoJo Burgess, Mayor of Washington
- Christa Caceres, Pike County Commissioner
- Amber Cruz, AFSCME International State Political Representative
- Dr. Janine Darby, M.D., Montgomery County Coroner
- Bishop J. Louis Felton, Senior Pastor of Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ
- Linda Fields, Community Activist and DNC Member
- Derek Green, Former Philadelphia City Councilmember
- Kenya Johns, Mayor of Beaver Falls
- Leslie Laing, Director of Adult Learner Programs and Services at Penn State University
- Marshall Mitchell, Pastor of Salem Baptist Church of Abington
- Tameko Patterson, Chair of the Monroe County Democratic Party
- State Representative Lindsay Powell (D-Allegheny)
- Mungu Sanchez, Deputy Political Director for the Northeast Regional Council Council of Carpenters
- Sam Staten, Business Manager for the Laborers Local 332
- Dr. Monica Taylor, Chair of the Delaware County Council
- Jamila Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners
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