BIN: Our Voices

Ashley Thomas, III, President of the National Assn of Real Estate Broker s talks about home ownership in the Black community, building wealth and areas where "redlining" continues in the housing market. 

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-OH)  talks about the power of Black women in American society, and how she fears they are being marginalized under the Trump Administration.

Cornelius Fletcher, Director of Federal Affairs for Everytown for Gun Safety talks about how his organization is fighting to end gun violence in the Black community and throughout America.

Sanaa Chege, Author of "A Diver Like Me,"  talks about her book which is the story of a young Black girl who is passionate about honing her diving skills. How does she do it? With a dedicated focus, along with tons of practice and teamwork!

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) , talks about the issues that she has been focused on, including Gaza and how she is working to ensure that people of color are not marginalized during the Trump presidency.

Charlyn Stanbury, Vice President, National Assn of Broadcasters talks about why it is critical to maintain AM Radio in automobiles to provide life-saving information during emergencies, especially to under-served communities that may not have access to other sources.

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) is one of two African-American women in the United States Senate. She discusses how she learned from those who preceded her and how she is focused on providing affordable housing during a time of shortages and inflation.

Rep. James Clyburn, (D-SC) explains why he believes the policies of the Trump administration are having a negative effect on the Black community.

Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ)  talks about Democrats fighting the Trump administration, and her own battle after she was indicated for assaulting police officers at an immigration facility in New Jersey.

Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR) , is the first Black woman to represent Oregon in Congress. Her district is overwhelmingly white, but she said that the issues that are important to her - the economy and health care - are important to all Americans regardless of race.

Texas State Representative Nicole Collier , discusses the redistricting initiative in her state which would remap Texas to give Republicans an advantage in Congress.

Dr. Renata Hedrington-Jones , President of the Association of Black Social Workers talks about how her organization advocates for the African Community through a commitment to enhancing the quality of life and empowering people of African ancestry through advocacy, human services delivery, and research.

Dr. Sherri Johnson, Chair, Maternal Child Health Task Force, National Black Nurses Association, a group of 200,000 nurses. Dr. Johnson talks about the importance of Black maternal health as well as other significant issues facing the African American community.

Alfred Johnosn,  Vice President Prairieview, Texas Economic and Development Corporation talks about the challenges facing small-town America in light of budget cuts. Even though Prairieview is home to one of the largest HBCU's (Prairieview A&M), there are few programs in place to attract investment and to keep students in the town after graduation.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ ) talks about the hyper-sexualization that occurs specifically with Black women in industries such as music, education, television, literature, and more. The panel will also discuss the ways sexuality has been used to justify the exploitation of the Black female body.

Roland Martin , commentator for the Black Information Network speaks about the state of Black politics in America in 2025

Maryland Governor Wes Moore discussed Black leadership, econonmic development and his own re-election campaign.

Stacy Davis Gates - President of the Chicago Teachers Union talks about the importance of education in America's minority communities.

Jennifer Butler, Vice President of Government and Community Relations  for Zillow explains the challenges of home ownership and how Zillow is an advocate for minorities.

Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) , the first "Gen Z" member of Congress talks about the changing political landscape and the crackdown on illegal immigratration in his home state of Florida.

Rep. Al Green (D-TX) discusses how the redistricting of his home state is racially motivated and disadvantages minority voters.

Attorney April Richardson owner of "Dirty Girl Legal" talks about Black female entrepreneurship, how to build a business and the importance of having a good lawyer.

Thana Hickman, founder of Viola's House talks about transitioning young mothers from homelessness to self sufficiency. Viola's House in Dallas accomodates young mothers and their babies, providing education, counseling and mentoring.

Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD)  talks about the impact of Trump policies on African Americans.

Community Activist Mary Phelan-Jackson  is retired high school principal and United States Marine. She discusses education, the military and how she is an advocate for her hometown of Montgomery, Alabama.