Thank you all for showing up to our multiple town hall meetings over the last few weeks. It’s always so valuable to see you and hear from the folks in our communities. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today hosted t he Pennsylvania State Coalition of the National Council of Negro Women for the NCNW’s lobbying day at the state Capitol. "Today, we warmly welcome the National Council of Negro Women, a beacon of empowerment and advocacy for our communities,” said state Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who chairs the PLBC. “Its tireless work inspires change and uplifts voices that need to be heard. Thank you NCNW for your unwavering commitment to justice and equality -- together, we can continue to forge a brighter future." The NCNW advocated for the passage of state Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes’s Crown Act, and well as state Rep. Darisha Parker’s H.B.s 850 and 851. The Crown Act (H.B. 1394) would prohibit discrimination based on hair type or hair texture. It passed the PA House in August 2023, but there has been no action on it in the state Senate. House Bills 850 and 851 would create better accessibility to feminine hygiene products. The bills passed the state House in June and await further action in the state Senate. The NCNW was founded in 1935 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and activist, to enlighten and inspire and has connected more than 2 million women and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate for, and empower women of African descent, Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today hosted the Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of the most well-known civil rights leaders of his era, at the state Capitol. Jackson and members of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition visited Harrisburg to evaluate the progress of the PLBC in Dauphin County regarding voting rights for incarcerated individuals, particularly in relation to Rep. Rick Krajewski’s H.B. 1756 . Their goals also include supporting the PLBC tour from this past summer and promoting Black economic development. “Rev. Jackson has been a pivotal figure in the civil rights and voting rights movements, advocating for social justice and racial equality through grassroots activism and national campaigns,” said Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who chairs the PLBC. “His leadership and unwavering commitment have helped amplify the voices of marginalized communities and shaped critical dialogues around civil rights issues in America.” Jackson was recognized by both state legislative bodies for founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which advocates for civil rights, economic equality, voting rights and social justice. He played a crucial role in pushing for federal and state legislators to implement legislation addressing voter impediments, affirmative action in contracts, and major civil rights campaigns, including the push for economic empowerment. “Let Read more
I’m spending a few hours here in Pittsburgh today to participate in a Tech Ethics Symposium with students from Duquesne University. Read more
Please make use of these resources this election season to ensure your vote is counted. Read more
You’re receiving this email because you want to stay informed on what’s happening in Harrisburg and in the community. I love you guys for that and I want to honor that desire with this update from the Capitol. Read more
I’ve put my ballot in the mailbox, so I guess election season has now become voting season. There will be just a few obligatory emails from between now and Election Day (November 5th) to remind folks to vote, to use drop boxes if you vote by mail, to sign the back of your mail-in ballot envelope and add the date that you are filling out your ballot in the spot next to your signature. Check in on your students, service members and other loved ones that are registered here but currently living somewhere else. Read more
We hope everyone enjoyed this year’s Senior Fair. Read more
We are entering a busy fall season packed with opportunities to meet and interact with folks around the district, and we can’t wait to see you! Read more
“This project has invested in the lives of people, not only wrapping their arms around the youth in the community but also stepping in to help young adults by providing the guidance they need in order to transition to the workforce,” said Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus chairman and hearing host Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who represents portions of Montgomery County. “We cannot expect to see success until we focus on how to improve the lives of the people in our communities.” Read more
This is not “back to school” season. We’ve never been here before. Welcome to the 2024-25 school year. A year like no other! Or at least it can be… The choice is yours! Read more
The Gavel: The official newsletter of the PA Legislative Black Caucus. Summer 2004 Edition Read more
According to statistics, cancer will grip two in five people in this country, meaning it will likely touch all of us. We respond with love, and tears. We show up with lasagna and meat loaf and soup and cake. We offer rides to appointments and take kiddos to the movies. Cancer simultaneously rips away lifeblood while it bonds us together in community. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 19 – State Rep. Napoleon Nelson’s Aug. 29 Jenkintown Town Hall, originally scheduled to be in-person, will now take place virtually at www.PaHouse.com/Nelson beginning at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 29. “In an effort to reach as many folks as possible, we decided to move the event online,” said Nelson, D-Montgomery. “Residents of Jenkintown are welcome to visit PaHouse.com/Nelson for exciting discussion on all things state and Jenkintown related. “I look forward to seeing you there.” Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP here . Nelson will also hold a Cheltenham Town Hall in-person from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at 2000 Ashbourne Road in Elkins Park. Read more
Welcome to my weekly newsletter, where you will find legislative information and updates from Cheltenham, Jenkintown and Springfield along with information about state-related programs and services. The local news and events page can be found here. Read more
HARRISBURG, Aug. 14 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus said they are examining the Pennsylvania State Police’s report on traffic stops in 2023, the latest data in an effort that the PSP is undertaking to improve safety, training, public trust and more. The report, which was released today, was co-issued by Dr. Robin S. Engel, a professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati, and details information collected at 449,047 traffic stops in 2023. The report can be found here . “The members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus are analyzing this report, and I can say that we have already set up continued conversations with PSP and local police officials about issues of race and law enforcement,” said PLBC Chair Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery. “Transparency and accountability require thorough and accurate information. This data is an important look at policing on the ground and should be helpful in learning more about factors that affect a traffic stop. “We also look forward to future years, when the majority of our local departments will be reporting their data along with the state in a similar fashion. We thank the State Police and the Shapiro administration for a model on how to keep comprehensive reporting. Transparency and collaboration are central to achieving public safety.” Read more
PennDOT is scheduled to begin construction on Monday, Aug. 12 for a project to improve traffic flow and safety on Route 73 (Church Road) at Greenwood Avenue and Rices Mill Road intersections in Cheltenham Township. Read more
RSVP for Aug. Townhall Read more
Paper Shredding, Water Rate Hearings, National Night Out, a Community Day in La Mott, a Town Hall meeting in Springfield… I’m already tired and these events haven’t even happened yet! I’m looking forward to seeing so many of you over these next few weeks as we come together to advocate for each other, to celebrate our neighbors, and to learn more about the improvements that are coming to our district. Read more
State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more
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