OUR POWERHOUSE NETWORK OF PARTNERS
The California Black Census and Redistricting Hub Project has convened an unprecedented delegation of grassroots organizations united with Black demographers, researchers, and policy experts representing some of the nation’s most esteemed institutions. We are committed to collaborating with stakeholders, decision-makers, and uplifting community voices to empower equity and fairness in the decennial redistricting process.
Our Academic and Technical Partners
The Black Hub has convened a diverse group of academic experts from some of the nation’s most revered institutions to lead our redistricting line drawing. Our partners provide the research, technical, legal, and demography support needed to develop and draw equitable maps.
USC Equity Research Institute (ERI) provides data and analysis to power social change. ERI believes that long-term change is made when historically marginalized communities are empowered, can put forth proposals, and hold decision-makers accountable. And, when communities come together across race, space, and place, movements for change build and have an impact on greater scales of governance. One of the many elements required to make this sort of change is research – the niche occupied by ERI. As a university-based research organization with reach to affected communities through community-based organizations, funders, business leaders, and others, ERI has contributed reliable data in the areas of environmental justice, immigrant integration, regional equity, and movement building that is academically rigorous as well as relevant to policy debates.
Supporting Partners
The California Black Census and Redistricting Hub Leadership Team
Anthony Thigpenn is the founder and President of California Calls, a powerful alliance of 31 organizations in 16 counties across the state. Over the past 10 years, California Calls has helped win major policy victories in the areas of tax policy, education, healthcare, and criminal justice.
Ama Nyamekye is the Project Manager for the Black Hub. She was also the founder and leader of an education advocacy organization. She brings decades of experience in program and organizational design, fundraising, communications, and organizing.
Kaci Patterson is the Strategic Advisor for the Black Hub. She brings 18 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, with expertise in political, fundraising, and program design strategy.
LaNae Norwood is the Strategic Communications Director for the Black Hub. Lanae is an activist, organizer, consultant, and social entrepreneur with 15 years of experience developing communications and marketing strategies for campaigns, nonprofits, and businesses.
James Woodson is the Policy and Advocacy Manager for the Black Hub and California Calls. He oversees the organization’s policy analysis and strategic projects, including the 2020 census and redistricting work and implementation of the Voters Choice Act.
Kevin Cosney is the Organizing Manager for the Black Hub and California Calls. He oversees Integrated voter engagement projects, our team of organizers, and our coalition of 30+ community-based organizations.
Michael Deegan-McCree currently serves as the Advocacy Lead for the Black Hub. Michael provides support for advocacy initiatives that will help strengthen and elevate the political power and voices of Black communities in the redistricting process.
Natasha Brown serves as an Organizing Coordinator with the Black Hub. She works primarily with partner organizations in Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and San Diego providing support to ensure Black communities engage in the redistricting process.
Kristin Nimmers is an Organizing Coordinator for the Black Hub. She works directly with the Hub’s coalition members to ensure they are properly informed, trained and prepared to execute the Hub’s civic engagement programs and other activities.
LaShawn White is the Senior Finance and Logistics Manager for the Black Hub and California Calls. She oversees office management, grants, financial management, and administrative support.
Adije Nelson is the Accountant for the Black Hub. With over 15 years of corporate and non-profit accounting experience behind her, she handles the day-to-day finance and bookkeeping functions.
Osei Agyeman is an Organizing Coordinator for the Black Hub. He works directly with the Hub's coalition members to ensure they are properly informed, trained and prepared to execute the Hub’s civic engagement programs and other activities.