A local activist has launched a coalition aimed at increasing Black voter registration and turnout.
The Black Voter Outreach Network of PA is starting off in central Pennsylvania but hopes to expand statewide. It held its first meeting on July 24 and has 40 individuals signed up as members so far. Organizers said it is dedicated to ensuring that “Black voices are heard in every election.”
The network is nonpartisan, founder John Maina said. It is getting under way informally, as a grassroots initiative, though the goal eventually is to incorporate as a formal legal entity of some sort, he said.
Its immediate goal is to register as many new voters as possible by Oct. 21, the registration deadline to vote in the Nov. 5 presidential election. It is planning a mix of community engagement, outreach to likeminded organizations and social media.
Its second meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, on Zoom. To register, click here.
Inaugural members include City Councilman Ahmed Ahmed and Joshua Hunter, director of Crispus Attucks Community Center.
In a statement, Hunter said being part of the coalition “holds a profound significance to me.” Community members owe it to themselves and to the trailblazers who fought and died to expand the right to vote “to be informed, engaged and active participants in shaping our future,” he said.
A real estate management professional, Maina previously led the Central Pennsylvania Equity Project and was part of the Lancaster Justice Seekers Collective. Last year, he ran as a Democrat for magisterial district judge in the Strasburg area, losing in the general election to incumbent William Benner.
“This coalition will ensure a bright and fair future for our government and the people they represent,” Maina said.
