The New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (NJLBCF) welcomed five new board members to its Foundation Board – Regina Appolon, Associate for Princeton Public Affairs; Drew Giddings, Principal of Giddings Consulting Group; Ed Gittens, Chief of Staff for Asw. Verlina Reynolds Jackson; Anthony Mitchell, Political Director for the Communications Workers of America Union (CWA) 1037; and Crystal Pruitt, Councilwoman of Franklin Township.

The esteemed organization, which examines topics that impact the Black community and communities of color, decided to have legacy intertwine with opportunity by including a group of bright and eager professionals who can contribute their extensive experience, innovative concepts, and insight into the institution’s instructional programming and strategic planning.

“We are fortunate to have such a dynamic group of individuals with such a vast array of experience to join our board this session. I’m confident these members will help us deliver fresh, new programming and approaches to public policy as we continue to encourage the interaction of the community with legislators.”- Asw. Angela McKnight, Chair, New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation

“The great thing about adding new members is new energy and remaining with your hand on the pulse of what’s happening today and the different industry sectors that impact us,” said Asw. Shavonda E. Sumter, Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation.  “Putting new energy into [NJLBCF] with Foundation members is critical for us to have sustainability and to thrive and have relevancy. The exciting thing is with new members from various backgrounds, it allows for the Foundation to continue to do the policy work and [spearhead] programs to impact change.”

“I am humbled to be able to join this board of distinguished members. After having the privilege of working with the Legislative Black Caucus over the years, I look forward to advocating for initiatives that uplift the Black community and New Jersey as a whole.” – Regina G. Appolon

“The NJ Legislative Black Caucus Foundation’s mission to provide educational activities for our
communities, access and collaboration among community leaders, legislators, and the business
community, completely resonated with me. As a lifelong educator, my own personal mission has been to support Black and Brown students as the Foundation has with its robust scholarship and internship programs. I jumped at the opportunity to serve on this board, simply so that I could help build a unified agenda for Black people in New Jersey. Our communities continue to need us, more than ever, to work collaboratively and effectively on their behalf. I am always #RootingForEverythingBlack.” – Drew Giddings

“The work of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is so important in helping address the challenges and initiatives that are vital to the success of our Black communities and the residents of the State of New Jersey overall in general. I am a firm believer in the statement ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’ by way of fulfilling what I see as my service requirement.” – Ed Gittens

“It is an honor to join the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation as a Board Member. I am committed to continuing the organization’s legacy of bringing awareness to the issues that impact the Black community. I hope to expand upon the great work already being accomplished.” – Anthony Mitchell

“Promoting public policy engagement and providing access to government for our community is a
cornerstone of democracy and is the core focus of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. I’ve spent much of my professional and personal life pursuing the goals of equity and diversity in and outside of government and advancing the goal of bringing policy to the people resonates deeply with me. I am incredibly honored to have joined the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation as a board member to continue the tremendous legacy of those who have served before me.” – Crystal Pruitt

As NJLBCF looks ahead to the future, the organization is pleased to welcome its new board members.

For more information, please visit njlbcf.org or email info@njlbcf.org.