Many of the issues now associated with progressive politics have long been central to Black civic life: strong public schools, affordable housing, fair wages, voting rights, healthcare access, environmental justice and accountable government.
Black communities have not simply participated in movements for social progress. Black organizers, faith leaders, educators, workers and community advocates have repeatedly helped define what progress should look like in America.
Yet much of today’s political conversation happens at the national level, even as decisions with immediate consequences are being made much closer to home.
Local governments determine where development happens, how public resources are distributed and which communities receive investment. School boards, city councils, county legislatures and state governments make decisions that shape daily life long before an issue becomes part of a presidential campaign.
That makes sustained local civic participation especially important.
Across Westchester, organizations are working to create more opportunities for residents to move beyond simply voting and become active participants in local public life. That is why Westchester Progressives reignited. It is one of the many groups rebuilding year-round organizing and developing pathways for residents interested in advocacy, community leadership, and public service.
The work is particularly focused on building a deeper bench of people who understand their communities and are prepared to lead.
Communities should not wait until an election to begin developing their next generation of leaders.
Black civic institutions have historically demonstrated the power of that approach. Churches, neighborhood associations, civil rights organizations and community groups created places where people could learn, organize and develop leadership long before their names ever appeared on a ballot.
A single election rarely creates lasting political power. It is built through institutions, relationships, and communities that continue developing leaders year after year.
Dr. Haley Pilgrim is a strategist, sociologist, and co-president of Westchester Progressives. Haley Pilgrim is a Mt. Vernon resident and passionate about building the power of Black and Brown communities.
