New Bedford Human Rights director named to Gov. Healey's Council on Black Empowerment
BOSTON - New Bedford Human Rights Commission Executive Director Marcelina Pina-Christian has been appointed to Gov. Maura T. Healey's Advisory Council on Black Empowerment.
Pina-Christian is one of 33 Black leaders from across the state who have been selected to serve, according to a press release from the governor's office.
The Council will advise Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on issues related to the economic prosperity and well-being of Massachusetts’ Black community, including education, health care, housing and workforce development.
Healey will sign the Executive Order and appoint the members at the first meeting of the Council on Monday, Feb. 27.
Pina-Christian said the appointment was an honor, and that she was proud to serve on the Council.She added she hoped it can make a difference in the community and address any issues that may arise.Pina-Christian said she's known Healey for a long time through her work on the New Bedford Human Relations Commission - now the New Bedford Human Rights Commission.
They first met when Healey was a civil rights attorney within the state Attorney General's Office.When Healey became attorney general she appointed Pina-Christian to her advisory council for race and equity.
Pina-Christian is going into Boston Monday for the appointment and inaugural meeting.
Why is this important?:New Bedford Human Relations Commission now Human Rights Commission. Why is this important?
"When we go on Monday I'm sure we will hear from her as to what her vision is, and what powers, authority we might have. My understanding is that there are going to be committees and that's where the work will take place. So that's what I'm looking to find out, what our role and responsibilities will be. And how I can contribute," Pina-Christian said.
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Healey said in her announcement Friday, “Massachusetts’ Black residents make tremendous contributions to our state, but far too often they face systemic barriers that hold them back from opportunity. Our administration is committed to bringing people together and centering equity in all that we do, and that requires ensuring that those who are most impacted by our policy have a seat at the decision-making table.”She added, "We look forward to working closely with our Advisory Council on Black Empowerment to explore how we can best support our Black community, reduce inequities and expand opportunity for all.”
Member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment will also include:
Co-Chair: Tanisha Sullivan, President, NAACP Boston
Co-Chair: Anthony (Tony) Richards, II, VP, Equitable Business Development, Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency
Alfred Enchill, President, Berkshire Black Economic Council
Sheena Collier, Founder/CEO, Boston While Black
Nicole Obi, President, BECMA
Trina Martin, Vice President of Community Engagement & External Affairs, Boston Medical Center
Rep. Bud Williams, Chair, Black & Latino Caucus
Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council
Rev. Willie Bodrick II, Senior Pastor, Historic Twelfth Baptist Church
Pamela Everhart , Senior Vice President, Head of Regional Public Affairs & Community Relations, Fidelity
Beth Chandler, President/CEO, YW Boston
Sharra Gaston, Co-Founder/Co-Executive Director, Boston HBCU Alumni Network, Inc.; Deputy Chief Equity & Strategy Officer, Boston Public Schools
Pratt Wiley, President/CEO, The Partnership Inc.
Denise Jordan, Executive Director, Springfield Housing Authority
Makeeba McCreary, President, New Commonwealth Racial Equity & Social Justice Fund
Filaine Julce-Deronnette, Vice President, Health Systems 1199 SEIU
Che Anderson, Vice Chancellor for City & Community Relations of UMass Medical School
Karilyn Crockett, Professor of Urban History, Public Policy & Planning, MIT
Dr. Aisha Miller, Vice President, Related Beal
Isa Woldeguiorguis, Executive Director, Center for Hope and Healing, Lowell
Jha D Amazi, Principal, MASS Design Group
Fred Taylor, Business Agent, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Worcester
Dr. Moses Dixon, President/CEO, Central MA Agency on Aging Inc.
Sophia Hall, Deputy Litigation Director, LCL
Dr. Thea James, MD, Vice President of Mission, Associate CMO BMC, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Rev. Clyde Talley, Senior Pastor, Belmont AME Zion Church Worcester
Monalisa Smith, Executive Director, Mothers for Justice & Equity
John Borders IV, Director of Tourism, Sports & Entertainment, City of Boston
Shanique Spalding, Executive Director, MA Voter Roundtable
Rev. Dr. Gregory G. Groover, President, Black Ministerial Alliance
Deborah Enos, Senior Leader & Advisor on Healthcare
Bithiah Carter, President, New England Blacks in Philanthropy
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford's Marcelina Pina-Christian named to Gov.'s council
