Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs

02/27/2025

On February 19, 2025, Governor Shapiro, First Lady Shapiro, Lieutenant Governor Davis, and Second Lady Davis hosted the Black History Month Reception. Black leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered at the Governor's Residence to commemorate the legacy of Black leaders. The Shapiro-Davis administration continues to celebrate and uplift all Pennsylvanians. Don't miss the exhibit of Pennsylvania's very own trailblazer Marian Anderson!

01/31/2025

Last night, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs joined Rep. Gina H. Curry and the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus for “Nourishing Mothers: Bridging Black Maternal Health with Culinary Medicine.”��We discussed the urgent need for action on Black maternal health disparities while learning how nutrition supports wellness. Under the Shapiro-Davis administration, Pennsylvania has committed $2.3M to expanding maternal health programs—because every mother deserves quality care. Grateful for the leaders driving change and the shared meal that nourished both body and purpose!

10/22/2024

Meet Commissioner Easterling, Cathryn Easterling a Erie native, wife, mother of four and fierce advocate of providing equitable access to traditionally underrepresented, disinvested spaces within the Northwest PA. Cathryn holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Marshall University (Huntington, WV).
She currently holds the position as a Lead Community Development Analyst for the Federal Reserve Board.

10/22/2024

Meet Commissioner Jones, Alexandra Jones is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Urban Studies in Nonprofit Management. She has an extensive background volunteering her time and talents to local
nonprofits that focus on supporting children ( Jeremiah’s Place, Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank, and RIF Pittsburgh, to name a few). She currently holds the position as Grants Coordinator for the Hillman Family Foundations.

10/15/2024

Meet the Commissioner Haniyyah Sharpe-Brown is a dynamic leader, strategist and creative. With 15+ years of experience in
communications and government relations, she is passionate about cultivating collaborative
opportunities that result in social impact.
Haniyyah is the Senior Manager of Operations and Strategic Programs at Accenture for the Philadelphia
metro and Pittsburgh offices. Her work is instrumental in strengthening Accenture’s relationship with
the local business community, coordinating internal operations, and fulfilling mission-aligned goals. Commissioner Sharpe-Brown is excited to serve on the Governor's Advisory Commission!

10/15/2024

On October 10, 2024, Executive Director Dr. Nance moderated with Homeless Children Education Fund which consisted of sharing insights about the current state of education for homeless children and the efforts happening locally in Pittsburgh and within the Commonwealth. The panelists include Secretary of Education, Khalid Mumin, State Representative Lindsey Powell, Robert Cherry(Partner for Work) and HCEF CEO AJ Jefferson.

10/02/2024

On October 2nd, Executive Director Nance and Executive Director Moriah Hathaway from the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women hosted the Empowering Black Women event at East Stroudsburg University. The panelists included seasoned leaders who spoke on the following topics : Black Maternal Health, Menstrual equity and the PA CROWN Act.

The Shapiro Davis Administration continues to work on these issues to ensure all Pennsylvanians receive proper treatment and care throughout the Commonwealth.

09/17/2024

On September 10th, Governor Shapiro signed the executive order to reestablish the Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

This office will bring together public safety experts, public health experts, gun violence survivors and advocates to address and prevent gun violence in PA.

09/17/2024

On September 16th, Executive Director, Dr. Nance participated in the Su***de Prevention Month event which provided time to highlight state resources , agencies , and information for those who have been affected and the work the administration is doing.

The Shapiro Administration is working collaboratively on su***de prevention efforts to address the unique behavioral health needs of all Pennsylvanians.

08/15/2024

06/20/2024

Mike Hinson was the founder of the Colours Organization in Philadelphia, a group that focused on addressing the issues of the Black LGBTQ community and a prominent Yoruba Priest. He worked closely to develop outreach and education programs about HIV and AIDS. Recently Part of Chestnut street in Philadelphia has been renamed in his honor.

06/19/2024

This Juneteenth, we should honor the countless individuals who paved the way for our liberties, both those known to history and those whose names we may never know.

This day is a celebration of unity and the enduring right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Let's celebrate how far we’ve come and continue the journey towards a brighter future.