NATIONAL NEWS: CELEBRATING LEADER JEFFRIES
We are from a legacy of fraternal giants. Brothers Bill Russell global social justice warriors. Brother Reginald Lewis effectivel onstrated the impact of wealth and economic justice. Brothers Conyers are the founders of the Congressional Black Caucus, a vides a platform to champion issues that impact our communitie abroad. Brother Jeffries is next. Importantly, he represents the ideals of these fraternal icons. However, as Nupes, we must bec engine to assist him in delivering and advancing this game chan “
out to Brother J.R. Clark, a political fundraiser and donor based here in Washington, DC, the objective was to create a platform where Nupes could collectively leverage our economic re- sources in support of Brother Jeffries. This platform was needed in that we cannot raise money through the fraternity because of the fraternity’s legal status as an organization. The Diamond Group was formed shortly thereafter to meet this objective.” Woods stated that after he and Clark formed a team and began to implement the Diamond Groups’ fundraiser strategy and efforts, Nupes immediately began to mobilize na- tionally at unprecedented levels. “I am still amazed and thankful for the energy, effort, and creativity exercised by brothers to make this happen. Nupes mobilized nationally, executed communication campaigns, and/or held regional forums to educate Brothers on the significance of Brother Jeffries’ new role and historical accomplishment. Brothers that immediately come to mind that contributed to these efforts include, but are not limited to, Martin Raxton and the Krimson PAC, Tracy Davis, Joe Cordero, Keith West, Tony Mar- tinez, Mark McKayle, Fabrice Coles, Sinclair Skinner, Mark Ellington, Clif- ford Franklin, DeAndre Whitt, John L. Woods III, as well as all Brothers that contributed financially to this effort.”
tive strategist, galvanizing the party, and being the primary fundraiser for the party to ensure resources are in place to execute strategies, agendas, and campaigns. When the Democrats take back the house, Brother Jeffries is in line to become the next Speaker of the House. Before this happens, he will ultimately be judged on his fundraising capability among other things.” Woods added, “In the past, every political leader who is effective at fundraising has a core group of fun- draisers that serve as the foundation of their fundraising infrastructure. Based on the initial amount raised, the Diamond Group is becoming a core group for Leader Jeffries. At the request and in coordination with Brother Jeffries fundraising campaign, we are in the process of coordinat- ing future fundraisers that will also include members from Divine 9 fraternities and sororities.”
Russell and Arthur Ashe were global social justice warriors. Brother Regi- nald Lewis effectively executed and demonstrated the impact of wealth and economic justice. Brothers Louis Stokes and John Conyers are the founders of the Congressional Black Caucus, a political forum that provides a platform to champion issues that impact our communi- ties both domestically and abroad. Brother Jeffries is next. Impor- tantly, he represents the collective efforts and ideals of these frater- nal icons. However, as Nupes, we must become a unified economic engine to assist him in delivering and advancing this game changing mission.” The Diamond Group is still collecting donations in support of Brother Jeffries. Donations can be made at www.thediamondgroup- forjeffries.org.
The Significance of Political Fundraising
Leader Jeffries and the Legacy of Fraternal Giants
A past barrier to Black elected officials becoming the head of a major, national political party was the perception that they could not raise money at the highest level. As such, according to Woods, fundrais- ing is an essential job function for Brother Jeffries. “As leader of the Democrats, his primary job function includes, serving as the chief legisla-
Woods still does not believe that collectively, Nupes as well as African- Americans nationally truly understand and appreciate the magnitude of Brother Jeffries’ recent achievement. Woods states, “We are from a legacy of fraternal giants. Brothers Bill
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