Governor's African American Affairs Commission Announces 2025-27 Commissioners | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Pa - Today, the Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs announced the appointment of 27 commissioners that will make up its 2025-27 advisory board. The Commission's purpose is to gather information regarding African American Pennsylvanians' experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to meet their needs; and serve as a liaison from the Governor's office to the community, providing information about programs and services that may be relevant to the needs of African American Pennsylvanians. The Commission was established by Governor Josh Shapiro through an Executive Order.

"These appointments are more important than ever for Black Pennsylvanians as we continue to navigate and confront disparities around healthcare, education and public safety," said Executive Director Sierra Dunn. "Each Commissioner brings a lived experience, local insight, and a passion for delivering solutions that truly meet the needs of our community. I'm proud to welcome this new coalition of leaders who understand that public service is about showing up and listening, and turning care into action."

Throughout the last two years, the Commission on African American Affairs has supported the Shapiro Administration's commitment to advancing equity and opportunity across Pennsylvania. With the help of the Commission, Governor Shapiro has made historic investments in education, including over $2 billion in K-12 funding, universal free breakfast for 1.7 million students, and $200 million for student mental health. The Administration re-established the Office of Gun Violence Prevention and invested nearly $100 million in community-based safety initiatives. Additionally, the Administration has prioritized maternal health through expanded Medicaid coverage for doulas and nearly $5 million dedicated to addressing maternal mortality, particularly among Black and Brown women.

The Commission Chair and members are listed below.

Andréa Stanford, Chair, Allegheny County

Brittany Forman, Vice Chair, Delaware County

Idris Abdul-Zahir, Philadelphia County

Schnearia Ashley, Philadelphia County

Dr. Nia Bailey, Philadelphia County

Ricardo Bailey, Berks County

Jimyse Brown, Allegheny County

Martell Covington, Allegheny County

Corey Jermaine Dupree, Dauphin County

Cathryn Easterling, Erie County

Alisha Fagg, Philadelphia County

Stephan Fains, Berks County

Kenneth Hall, Clinton County

Leola Hardy, Montgomery County

Phyllis Hicks, Dauphin County

Dr. Erin Houston, Mercer County

Nasaiah Izon Hoskins, Monroe County

Curtis Jones, Erie County

Michael Laws, Lehigh County

Taneise Marshall, Bucks County

Brittany McDonald Ph.D., Allegheny County

Traci Lynn McDonald-Kemp, Washington County

Reverend Michael Robinson M.S., Philadelphia County

Haniyyah B. Sharpe-Brown, Philadelphia County

Mathilda Spencer, Washington County

Brandon Wiley, Erie County

Malcolm Yates, Delaware County

To learn more about the Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, follow the Commission on Facebook and Instagram.