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For over twenty years, I have had the privilege of serving as a community leader through the utilization of education, effective communication, and strong advocacy for all people. Functioning as vice-chair for the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs (GACAAA) was a natural extension of my current volunteer work, but the difference is I am now able to deliver ideas, proposals and the hopes and dreams of my neighbors directly to the governor’s administration.
This new role serves a dual purpose: I will faithfully represent Governor Shapiro’s administration for the good people of the Pocono Mountains, but I will also work to create a bridge of understanding between the African American community, the larger communities of Pike and Monroe counties and state governmental agencies. Specific issues that are unique to the AA community can be explored by the members of GACAAA, such as maternal mortality rates among Black women along with other related health concerns, for example.
The reality is, most of us who call the Poconos home share similar concerns related to the economy, gas prices, access to quality medical care, affordable housing, and improving the overall quality of our lives. Despite a few among us fixating on what is different about us and using that to maintain division, we all want the same things: the dignity of work for a good day’s pay, quality and equitable education for our children and grandchildren and our elected leaders to be both responsive and initiative-taking to meet our needs. Governor Shapiro is working to do this as he continues the tradition that began thirty-one years ago under Governor Robert P. Casey.
My personal objective is to utilize the commission to build bridges of communication, understanding and shared humanity from Milford to Bushkill to Saylorsburg. The twenty-three commissioners chosen to serve on GACAAA from across the Commonwealth will assist with informing Governor Shapiro’s policies by presenting data and analysis that will aid in crafting purposeful outcomes to benefit this select population. Our direct responsibilities as shown in Executive Order 2023-10 include engaging federal, state, and local agencies to encourage efficient use of government programs at the governor’s request; disseminate pertinent activities and initiatives that impact our community and provide information concerning available funding and resources.
More:Caceres, Hoskins join Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs
As we move into another political season, we too often find ourselves derailed and distracted with events and circumstances that drive wedges between groups who should be more aligned due to mutual common goals. I pledge to serve my community honorably during my term and encourage fruitful discussions to foster areas of agreement that will strengthen our bridge of unity and fortify relations between us all.
Christa Caceres is president of the Monroe County chapter of the NAACP and the vice chair of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs.
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