Jacksonville, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Democratic Candidate for Governor Nikki Fried today announced the first members of her Statewide Black Advisory Council.
“This campaign is about leaders stepping up to take our state back — and our Black Council is going to guide and shape our platform, our message, and most importantly, our administration when we win,” said Fried. “I’ve spent my entire career, in the private sector and in the Florida Cabinet, trying to build a state we can be proud of, and that only happens when Black Floridians have a seat, a voice, and influence in state government. Unfortunately, that isn’t happening right now. It’s time to change that with something new.”
Kathy Lewis, CEO of My Life in my Pocket, and Chair of the Candidate Recruitment and Training for the Florida Democratic Black Women’s Consortium, will Chair the Black Council.
“Commissioner Fried has always been there for us— before, during, and after elections,” said Lewis. “She knows she can’t win without Black voters, our ideas, and our talent. And if we don’t win, everyone loses. That’s why I’m so proud to lead this Council and help return respect and dignity to the Governor’s Mansion.”
“As a Senior Advisor for the campaign, I’m proud of the incredible group of leaders of all different walks and locations working to elect Nikki Fried the next governor of Florida,” said Nwabufo “Obi” Umunna, a Senior Political Campaign Advisor. “Nikki understands Black voters aren’t monolithic, she understands what’s at stake for us, and she’s willing to do the work required to win and govern.”
Additional Members of the Council Include:
Reverend Gary Johnson
National President King Clergy – Florida
Nikki Barnes
Former DNC Member – Campaign Consultant – Wakulla County
Jasmen Rogers
Founder of Folding Chair Consulting – Broward County
Sandra Cherfrere Previl
Mother. Daughter, Advocate, Professor, Democrat. – Miramar, Florida
Mrs. Narnike Pierre-Grant
B.A Political Science/M.A Cross Disciplinary Studies – Broward County
Mutaqee Akbar
Managing Partner Akbar Law Firm P.A. – Leon County
Fred Atkins
Former Mayor of the City of Sarasota – Sarasota County
George B Beasley
CEO and Owner of Veterans Security Corps of America – Broward County
London Camel
Student Activist – Leon County
Tonya Edwards
Voting Advocate & SME on Florida Elections – Broward County
Nicole Hamm
Community Activist – Duval County
Arlon Kennedy, Sr.
Entrepreneur and Business Consultant – Broward County
Jacquelyn McMiller
Safety and Risk Management Consultant – Lee County
Lou Murray
Food Security Leader and Advocate – Sarasota & Manatee County
Ted Victor
Educator – Community organizer – Owner of The Broward Social Network – Broward County
Don Wiggins
Owner and CEO of The Wiggins Agency – Broward County
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