“We have numerous historic sites throughout the state, but not all of them are doing the scale of work being done here in Lancaster,” said Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Napoleon Nelson, who represents portions of Montgomery County. “There is a real need to preserve this history and tell the story of Pennsylvania and our nation, so falsehoods, myths and flat-out lies aren’t embraced and adopted as truth.” Read more
We are admittedly a divided state and nation; far more divided than what our local community reflects. Read more
CHELTENHAM, Nov. 4 – State Sen. Art Haywood and state Rep. Napoleon Nelson presented a $1 million check for Cheltenham Township from Local Share Account Statewide Program funding. Cheltenham will utilize these funds to renovate the Rowland Community Center, a vital resource for the community. “This grant is an essential step toward revitalizing the Rowland Community Center and enhancing the quality of life for residents of Cheltenham Township,” Nelson said. “It is crucial that our community spaces are safe, accessible and equipped to serve the public effectively.” Haywood added, “This funding is a significant investment in our community, ensuring that the Rowland Community Center will continue to be a welcoming space for all residents. Together, we are making strides toward a better future for Cheltenham.” The township’s renovation plan is part of phase I of a comprehensive five-year strategic management plan adopted in 2020. This plan identifies necessary structural improvements, including the demolition of parts of the existing facility, which currently does not meet modern construction or federal ADA standards. Due to inoperable HVAC and electrical systems that have exceeded their life expectancy, the center cannot remain open during colder months. The renovation will address these critical issues, ensuring the building meets safety standards and is accessible to all residents. Read more
What I want to celebrate today is one part of the normal work of government … advocating for and receiving state funding for projects that are important to our community. Read more
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
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