Building Beyond the Moment

Today's Black Executive (TBE): What is the biggest misconception about Black political power today?

Jasmine Reed, Founder of the Civic Futures Project: That it is episodic. People think of Black political power as something that surges during an election and fades in between. The leaders I work with are building year-round infrastructure—voter education programs, candidate training pipelines, and policy advocacy networks that operate every single month of the year.

TBE: How do we move from mobilizing voters to developing candidates?

Marcus Thompson, Executive Director of the Leadership Pipeline Initiative: Mobilization is the entry point, but representation is the goal. We need Black executives on school boards, city councils, utility commissions, and state legislatures—not just in high-profile federal races. Down-ballot races shape daily life more than any presidential election.

TBE: What role does the business community play?

Dr. Aisha Williams, Political Strategist: A massive one. Business leaders understand infrastructure, capital, and strategy—the exact skills our civic institutions need. When executives lend their expertise to local boards and commissions, the entire ecosystem gets stronger. Your business acumen is a civic asset.