As the spotlight turns to fill the vacant seat left by the late Senator Dianne Feinstein, the decision now rests on Governor Gavin Newsom. Amidst the ongoing political battle, Angela Glover Blackwell stands as a prominent figure in the conversation. Known for her tireless advocacy for racial and economic equity, Blackwell’s influence has been felt far and wide.

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With her illustrious career, Angela founded PolicyLink in 1999, a platform dedicated to advancing equity for all. Her remarkable journey has been marked by innovative approaches to public policy, with a keen focus on transformative change. From economic equity to health, housing, transportation, infrastructure, and arts and culture, Angela has been at the forefront of these critical issues.

Who is Angela Glover Blackwell?

Before establishing PolicyLink, Angela held a senior role at the Rockefeller Foundation, overseeing Domestic and Cultural programs. Her legal background underpinned her pioneering efforts in neighborhood revitalization at the Oakland (CA) Urban Strategies Council. Prior to this, Angela was a partner at Public Advocates, a prominent public interest law firm, from 1977 to 1987.

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Angela Glover Blackwell is a sought-after commentator, contributing to leading news outlets such as The New York Times, HuffPost, Washington Post, Salon, and CNN. Her insights have enriched programs like public radio’s Marketplace, The Tavis Smiley Show, Nightline, PBS’s Now, Moyers & Company, and PBS’s NewsHour. Angela co-authored “Uncommon Common Ground: Race and America’s Future” and contributed to various influential books on poverty, politics, and financial empowerment.

Angela’s impact on equity in America is exemplified by her extensive board service. She advised the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors as a member of its inaugural Community Advisory Council. In 2020, California Gov. Gavin Newsom appointed her to the state Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery. Angela received the 2018 John W. Gardner Leadership Award from the Independent Sector, and the 2017 Peter E. Haas Public Service Award from the University of California, Berkeley.

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Angela holds a bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley. Her academic foundation and legal expertise have been instrumental in shaping policies that promote equity and opportunity for marginalized communities across the United States.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s commitment to appoint a Black woman to the vacant Senate seat offers an opportunity to bring Angela Glover Blackwell’s powerful advocacy to the forefront of national politics. Her work aligns closely with Newsom’s pledge, making her a compelling choice for this critical position.