Metro Philadelphia Black Power Players 2024

Errin Haines is editor at large and a founding mother of The 19th, a nonprofit, independent newsroom focused on the intersection of gender, politics and policy. She is also an MSNBC contributor. Prior to joining The 19th, Errin was national writer on race and ethnicity for The Associated Press. She has also worked at The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and Orlando Sentinel. A native of Atlanta, Errin is based in Philadelphia.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Your lived experience is an asset, not a liability, to your work. All of the various parts of your identity give you a unique lens that can inform your contribution to your community, your workplace, and your relationships. You should never leave any of them at the door for the comfort of others — or at the expense of your own comfort.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I was proud to cover the vice president’s historic first trip to Africa, which was also my first time on the continent. This year, I look forward to covering another consequential election for The 19th, and to doing journalism that meets this moment in our history for our audiences.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Origin” (directed by Ava Duvernay) is a must-see movie, and then I would recommend reading the book it is based on, “Caste,” by Isabel Wilkerson. I also invite people to watch the documentary about The 19th, “Breaking the News,” premiering on PBS on February 19.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
My colleague, Nikole Hannah-Jones, is doing amazing work at her new Center for Democracy and Journalism at Howard University. I encourage people to explore what she’s up to as an important reminder this year about the relationship between a free and healthy democracy and a free and healthy press.

As president and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce (AACC), Regina is a tireless advocate of Black-owned businesses. Through her transformative leadership, the AACC has launched programs to provide direct access to capital, fostered unique peership and mentorship opportunities, and facilitated significant corporate partnerships for the success of AACC members. A true thought leader, Regina has brought Philadelphia to the center of the national conversation by hosting and founding the National Convening of Black Mayors to spur innovative collaboration across the country.

Jodie Harris joined Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) in 2023 following two decades serving in various roles in the federal government, including four years as community development financial institution fund director. As PIDC president, Jodie works with the City of Philadelphia and the chamber of commerce – along with stakeholders in the business, civic, and philanthropic communities – to support small businesses, attract investment, and spur development. A Philadelphia native, Jodie holds degrees from the University of Maryland and New York University.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Everything is negotiable, so speak up and, if necessary, be prepared to walk away.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Serving as the president of PIDC is a significant responsibility. I am proud to have been considered and selected for the role. I look forward to advancing the mission of PIDC and being part of the dynamic group of leaders working to drive inclusive economic development across the city. I am also looking forward to exploring my hometown – learning how the city has changed while appreciating what has stayed the same.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Our Secret Society: Mollie Moon and the Glamour, Money, and Power Behind the Civil Rights Movement

Keisha Hudson has been a public defender for over 21 years, the last two as Chief Defender of the Defender Association of Philadelphia. She previously held roles as the deputy chief defender of the Montgomery County Public Defender’s office and as a capital appellate attorney at the Federal Defender Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Ms. Hudson has also been a visiting professor at Drexel, Temple, and University of Pennsylvania Law Schools.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
The movement to reduce our mass incarceration footprint is going to be tough.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
In 2023, I am most proud of the fact that I raised the profile of public defenders and there is now an understanding amongst other stakeholders of our importance in the criminal justice system. In 2024, I am looking forward to increasing the resources that we need to do our most effective and holistic representation of the most vulnerable citizens of Philadelphia.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
My essential reading list if you want to learn about our work:

• “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson
• “Ordinary Injustice: How America Holds Court” by Amy Bach
• “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Why Not Prosper, founded by Reverend Michelle Simmons. This is an incredible organization that has helped over 3000 women leaving our prison system successfully reenter their communities.

State Senator Vincent Hughes is one of Pennsylvania’s leading Democratic voices on local, state, and national issues. First as a state representative and now as a state senator, he has fought tirelessly for investments and progress in education, affordable housing, healthcare, gun violence prevention, mental health, voting rights, and much more.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Never forget that teamwork makes the dream work. The old saying is true: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I’m proud of delivering major investments for affordable housing in 2023, including $98 million for the new Housing Options Program to build and preserve affordable rental units. On the education front, we passed legislation that will provide stipends to support student teachers and attract more diverse teachers to the profession. A major focus in 2024 will be on fixing Pennsylvania’s unconstitutional education funding system. We need to adequately and fairly fund our public schools.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I recommend jazz greats: Lee Morgan, McCoy Tyner, and John Coltrane. For books, “Jim Crow’s Pink Slip” by Leslie Fenwick. It’s about the decimation of Black educators after Brown v. Board of Education. And Sly Stone’s memoir, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”. Sly was a musical genius! Lastly, my wife’s TED Talk, “A 3-Step Guide to Believing in Yourself from Sheryl Lee Ralph”. There’s power in standing up for ourselves and our dreams.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I’d like to shout out the grass-roots gun violence prevention groups and leaders who are in our communities, on the front lines every day. Groups like YEAH Philly, Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia, and ACHIEVEability are taking action to stop the violence and support those who have been impacted by violence and trauma. Their impact is important, and we need to keep investing in their work.

Moravia Health is led by its founder and CEO, Dr. C. Frank Igwé. Moravia Health has served over 5,000 homecare consumers across Pennsylvania. Dr. Igwé, who previously served as distinguished alumni fellow and instructor at the Fels Institute of Government, at the University of Pennsylvania, holds various degrees from prestigious institutions such as: the University of Oklahoma (civil and environmental engineering), the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton MBA), a doctorate from Penn State University, and a fellow at Harvard University.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that “comparison is the thief of joy.” Do NOT compare yourself to others, because you are uniquely YOU. We all have our own journey, and our own path to pave, so embrace your quirks, your weirdness, your own personal brand, because these are the things that will ultimately be assets on this road of life.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
My proudest accomplishment in 2023 was marrying the love of my life, and I look forward to starting a family in 2024.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
It is never a bad time to read, or re-read, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcom X and Alex Haley.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Moravia Health has a non-profit, ironically named Moravia Cares, that has fed and clothed thousands of people in the community in need of help. They have also given away thousands of coats and backpacks to school children in need. The tireless work of its executive director, Tish Jackson, is something to behold, and should be lauded at every opportunity. Feel free to join the movement with them by visiting www.moraviacares.org.

Mr. Iheukwumere is the president and managing shareholder of Emmanuel Law Firm, LLC, a Philadelphia plaintiffs’ personal injury law firm focusing on medical malpractice, wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. He has been recognized numerous times by his peers as one of the best personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys in Pennsylvania with the designation of a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, and selection by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel every year since 2015 as within the top 1% of attorneys nationwide. 

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
(1) To cherish nature and the outdoors; (2) To be kinder and gentler to others, including those who disagreed with me; (3) To relax more and stop stressing too much about the future; (4)To be more humble, and less focused on winning battle of ideas and arguments with my friends; and (5) To enjoy more the fruits of my labors, while being more generous to others, especially the poor, and downtrodden.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I’m most proud of securing substantial compensation for victims of medical malpractice, especially in delayed diagnosis of cancer cases, and looking forward to continuing to do so in 2024; and making a donation to Temple University Law School to establish an endowed scholarship in memory of my great mentor, law professor, and Drum Major for Justice, Professor Frank M. McClellan who passed December 2023, and left a profoundly positive impact on my legal career, and countless others.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Healthcare and Human Dignity; Law Matters” by Frank M. McClellan, “Colonial Rapacity and Political Corruption: Roots of African Underdevelopment and Misery” by Emmanuel and Emeka A. Iheukwumere, “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe, ”Weep Not, Child” by James Ngugi, and “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson. For movies: “Selma” and “Black Panther”. 

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
The Pennsylvania Innocence Project, which fights to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals; The Equal Justice Initiative, which provides legal representation to wrongfully convicted individuals, and poor prisoners denied fair trials; and lastly, Doctors Without Borders, which provides medical humanitarian assistance to people around the world, impacted by war, famine, disease outbreaks, and natural disasters.

James IJames is an American playwright, actor, director and professor. His most recent work, “Fat Ham”, earned him a 2022 Pulitzer Prize in drama and a 2023 Tony nomination. IJames’ plays explore race, gender and class differences in American society with humor that keeps audiences engaged and on their toes. He was a founding member of Orbiter 3, Philadelphia’s first playwright producing collective. Ijames earned an MFA in acting from Temple University and is currently an associate professor of theatre at Villanova University. He lives in South Philadelphia.

John L. Jackson Jr. is a filmmaker and urban anthropologist, working at the intersection of visual culture, critical race theory, media studies, and the ethnography of diasporic religions. He is the Penn Provost and the Richard Perry University professor. From 2019 to 2023 he served as the fifth dean of the Annenberg School for Communications at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a faculty member at Penn’s new Center for Experimental Ethnography and a founding member of the Collective for Advancing Multimodal Research Arts (CAMRA). Jackson co-directed the film “Bad Friday: Rastafari after Coral Gardens” and authored “Impolite Conversations: On Race, Politics, Sex, Money, and Religion” and “Harlemworld: Doing Race and Class in Contemporary Black America”. 

A man with a mission to serve, Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson represents the Second Council District, which represents more than 160,000 residents in the neighborhoods covering parts of Center City, South and Southwest Philadelphia and also includes the sports stadium area, Philadelphia International Airport, and the Navy Yard. Johnson arrived on the political scene in 1998 determined to end gun violence through Peace Not Guns, an organization he founded after the murder of his cousin – to prevent violence through education and the creation of programs that would give youth an alternative to the streets. That activism led to a successful run for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he served as state representative for the 186th Legislative District from 2009 until 2012 when he took the oath of office for City Council. He was elected Council President on January 2, 2024. Council President Johnson is committed to improving education, affordable housing, business development, public safety, job training and access to employment for his constituents and all of Philadelphia.