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
Dr. Jimyse L. 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.