Black Chicago Leaders Launch “The Black Bench” on MLK Day

Today, Chicago Black Leaders have come together to launch “The Black Bench.” The Black Bench is a 6-month training program for Black Chicago’s next generation of leaders in the political arts.

The Bench is co-chaired by Secretary Jesse White and Jacky Grimshaw. The strong and diverse advisory board consists of leaders in various disciplines including business, labor, and organizing. Members include Mike Strautmantis, Andy Zopp, Kurt Summers, Greg Kelly, Felicia Davis, and Jonathan T. Swain.

“Given the political ‘off-cycle,’ we see an opportunity to strategically train our generation on everything from how to collect petitions, how to work with special interests, and how to manage a state/city/federal budget. Therefore, we gathered our experts and asked them for their guidance.” – Alex Sims and Ronnie Mosley, Program Organizers

“We are proud of these young people coming together on a day of service to launch The Black Bench. This program is Black-led, Black funded and Black Chicagoans will all benefit. ” – Jacky Grimshaw, Co-Chair of The Black Bench

“We see this as a great opportunity to give back and also learn. This next generation of leaders is teaching my generation things every day. I am so proud that they are bringing us together to build and it is a privilege to pass on what we have learned.” – Jonathan Swain, Advisory Board Co-Chair of The Black Bench.

For more on The Black Bench visit their website at blackbenchchicago.org.