At Common Cause: Recognizing Our Democracy Fellows During Black History Month
As we honor and work to advance the legacies of Black change-makers this Black History Month, we here at Common Cause want to take a special moment to highlight some of our Democracy Fellows – as well as the transformative work they have spearheaded at their Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
These fellows represent the next generation of democracy leaders. We equip them with the skills that they need to hold power accountable on their campuses, in their communities, and beyond.
Please take a few minutes to get to know four of Common Cause’s past and present Democracy Fellows as they make Black history.
Rondez Green
Tell us about yourself and your role at Common Cause.
In a devotion to the community of life and shaping a more just, sustainable future, I have fulfilled roles as both a community volunteer and Bowie State University Democracy Fellow in collaboration with Common Cause.
Why is democracy work so important to you?
My perspective is that for too long, the United States has not had a democracy representative of or accountable to all people. I recognize a need for transformative change and direct action on the environmental crisis. My work, for as long as it is necessary, is meant to communicate the demand for the fulfillment of promises made in the Constitution as well as to shape a sustainable future.
Who is a Black activist or Black history maker you admire?
I admire James Baldwin’s literature and social commentary.
How have you made Black History?
I was the first Black commentator in Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty esports broadcast network.
Jessica Ross
Tell us about yourself and your role at Common Cause.
My name is Jessica Ross, hailing from the Windy City of Chicago, IL. I am a senior elementary education major at THEE Jackson State University. I am working as a fellow for Common Cause, where I draw attention to issues that I think are being overlooked by the public.
Why is democracy work so important to you?
Democracy is important to me because I feel like everyone’s voices should be heard regardless of social stature, and I feel Common Cause gives me a platform to speak out.
Who is a Black activist or Black history maker you admire?
My all-time favorite “Black history maker” is Marsha P. Johnson, because she defied the odds that were built against her and still made Black history.
How have you made Black History?
I don’t think I could ever be on the level as most Black activists and history makers. I do, however, WANT to be like those who came before me because, in reality, I wouldn’t be who I am without them.
Braxton Brewington
Tell us about yourself and your role at Common Cause.
I am a native North Carolinian and HBCU graduate of NC A&T State University where I studied Journalism and Political Science. I grew up very grounded in the Black church – and that has always been central to my identity, and much of where I believe I first developed the critical analysis and political lens through which I see the world today. I’m also a very family-and-friend-oriented person. In my undergraduate years, I was a Democracy Fellow with Common Cause – and now I’m on Common Cause’s National Governing Board working to make the U.S. a more democratic country. This work has always been one of my top priorities!
Why is democracy work so important to you?
A functioning multiracial democracy is important to me not just because of its promise of inclusion and a guarantee that everyone’s voice is heard, but also because democracy can serve as our shield against fascism and autocracy as these threats arise.
Who is a Black activist or Black history maker you admire?
There are too many Black history makers to name, but over the past few years, I’ve been reading and studying Robin DG Kelley’s writings – a historian, academic, writer, and professor who has helped shape my critique of various structures like our government and institutions.
How have you made Black History?
Recently, I’ve been able to publish a few writings in some national publications – and that’s making Black history to me!
Shelby Lewis
Tell us about yourself and your role at Common Cause.
I am a former Davis Democracy Fellow with Common Cause Georgia. As a fellow, I spent two years educating college students on the electoral process and increasing voter participation. During my first year, I registered over 100 first-time voters, held debate watch parties, and oversaw numerous get-out-the-vote events throughout the Atlanta University Center Consortium. I also lobbied at the Georgia State Capitol for the eradication of felony disenfranchisement and the protection of undocumented immigrants from deportation and prosecution. During my second year as a fellow, social gathering restrictions due to COVID-19 required me to limit my work with Common Cause to online activities. I hosted virtual giveaways to boost voter registration, created Zoom phone and text banking events, and held Instagram live meetings throughout the election season to educate students on pressing political issues, familiarize them with the platforms of the 2020 presidential candidates, and provide them with information on polling dates and locations.
Why is democracy work so important to you?
As a member of Generation Z, the group of Americans whose future will be most greatly impacted by the decisions of today’s leadership, I want to do whatever I can today to play a role in shaping the kind of America that I will live in tomorrow. I want to protect and serve our great nation. And I want to help our current leadership succeed at the monumental task of holding our democracy together – of keeping it from crumbling into a mish-mash of warring factions that seek to serve only their selfish desires instead of the wellbeing of us all. There are no better means through which I can achieve this goal than by educating citizens on the importance of being lifelong members of the democratic process. Doing so instills citizens with the comfort that they are voting for the very community improvement through selfless leadership that they so desperately desire.
Who is a Black activist or Black history maker you admire?
Stacey Abrams is the epitome of what a politician and a leader should be. As stated in her interview with the Washington Post, Stacey Abrams believes that leadership starts with asking the question: “how can I help?” After her loss in the 2018 gubernatorial election, Stacey Abrams did not wallow in defeat but continued on a path to end voter suppression and increase voter turnout in Georgia, registering over 600,000 Georgia residents to vote. Her arduous work resulted in the traditionally Republican state flipping for the first time in more than two decades. Although I was an ardent supporter and volunteer for her gubernatorial campaign, I followed in her footsteps and used the loss as an inspiration to work on voter protection. This experience inspired me to join Common Cause.
How have you made Black History?
My most significant voluntary contribution to Atlanta is my work with the Warnock and Ossoff senatorial campaigns. Having actively participated in Atlanta politics for most of my college career, I know first-hand that there exists a strong perception among many people who reside in communities of color of being overlooked and discounted by politicians. Folks are frustrated. They feel that their elected leaders are more interested in self-aggrandizement than in addressing the day-to-day needs of the constituents they have sworn to serve. To dispel this perception, during the month of December, I served as a Grassroots Captain for the Warnock and Ossoff campaigns. My work allowed me to bring the candidates’ vision for a better Georgia – one that works for everyone, regardless of race, creed, or station in life – straight to the people. Through canvassing and postcard events, as well as drive-in rallies and other activities, I directly contributed to record-breaking numbers of eligible Black voters in Georgia, becoming the highest growth rate of any racial or ethnic group in Georgia – and also the largest percentage point increase among Black voters in any state in the country.