By HWM
Guttman Community College, the NAACP New York State Conference, and the NAACP Mid-Manhattan Branch kicked off Black History Month with a timely and forward-looking conversation on civic engagement, political power, and visibility during the “Unapologetically Black: Voting, Voice & Visibility in 2026 and Beyond” event, held Feb. 5 at the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan. The challenges discussed affect Harlemites and New York City residents.
The gathering brought together elected officials, policy leaders, advocates, and community members for an in-depth discussion about the challenges and opportunities facing Black communities as the nation looks toward the 2026 election cycle. The event featured remarks from New York State Attorney General Letitia James and Alphonso David, CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, alongside a panel that included NAACP New York State Conference President L. Joy Williams, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, and Lurie Daniel-Favors, executive director of the Center for Law & Social Justice.
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Moderated by Ny Whitaker, a former White House senior advisor, the discussion focused on how Black communities can reclaim political influence, defend voting rights, advocate for equity in education and ensure greater representation in leadership roles. Speakers emphasized the importance of sustained civic participation and collective action amid ongoing challenges to voting access and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives nationwide.
Guttman Community College Interim President Elizabeth de León Bhargava underscored the significance of the moment, urging attendees to view Black History Month as a call to action rather than a symbolic observance. She emphasized the need for ongoing engagement in the democratic process to secure the future of Black communities.
Attorney General James addressed current threats to voting rights and civil liberties, highlighting the role of community organizing and legal advocacy in confronting these barriers. Panelists expanded on these themes, examining how cultural awareness, political education and strategic mobilization can shape policy outcomes and strengthen Black political power well beyond the next election cycle.
The program also included a Q&A session that allowed audience members to engage directly with the panel, raising questions about voter turnout, leadership pipelines and strategies for protecting hard-won civil rights.
NAACP New York State Conference President L. Joy Williams spoke to the meaning of being “unapologetically Black” in today’s political climate, framing it as an active commitment to organizing, voting and asserting influence at every level of government as the 2026 elections approach, according to a press release.
Guttman Senior Advisor for Partnerships, Alumni Engagement and Development Robert Pagan said the event was designed to educate, empower and mobilize participants, reinforcing the importance of protecting voting rights, amplifying Black voices and sustaining visibility in civic and political spaces.
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