Black lives
FAMU Law Alumna Amber Johnson Becomes City of Charleston’s First Diversity, Racial Reconciliation, and Tolerance Manager Following Slavery Apology
Published
5 years agoon
By
FNN NEWSORLANDO, Fla – Florida A&M University (FAMU) College of Law alumna Amber Johnson (Class of 2009) has been hired as the first-ever manager of Diversity, Racial Reconciliation, and Tolerance for the City of Charleston, South Carolina.
The Diversity, Racial Reconciliation, and Tolerance manager position was created as part of the Slavery Apology Resolution passed by city council in June 2018 to function within the city’s Legal Department.
“I look forward to working with the mayor and city council to recognize the promises of the apology and to move the city forward in its efforts to resolve its diversity challenges,” said Johnson. “I am confident the foundation I received from FAMU Law prepared me to take on this challenging new position.”
In announcing the hiring, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg emphasized the importance of Johnson’s role by saying “Since taking the first steps to create this new position, our goal has been to provide an opportunity for the Charleston community to learn more about the diversity challenges that persist and to begin taking concrete steps to resolve them. I look forward to getting to work on that front and am confident that Amber will serve our citizens well in this position.”
Johnson received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Hampton University and a Juris Doctorate from FAMU Law. She is a licensed attorney with both the South Carolina and Florida Bar Associations and has been practicing law for seven years.
Johnson is originally from Charleston. She begins her work with the city this month.
You may like
Black lives
Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell Announces Leadership Team
Published
1 year agoon
November 21, 2022By
FNN NEWSTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today announced the appointment of the following Democratic Representatives to serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2022-24 legislative term:
- Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami);
- Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton);
- Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (D-Davie); and
- Whip: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland).
“The House Democratic Caucus is made up of some of the strongest, most fierce champions of the people in the entire state,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “It is an honor and great pleasure to work with these individuals in this new capacity, and all of them are prepared to lead the Caucus in the face of the challenges that lie ahead of us.”
As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Joseph will assist the Democratic Leader in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform such Leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.
“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Representative Joseph for over 20 years. From the time we were at Georgetown Law to now, she has always been a consistent champion for justice. The issues she advocates for on behalf of all Floridians makes Representative Joseph an invaluable asset in defending Floridians against extremist Republican policies,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “I look forward to Representative Joseph’s leadership as a key member of my team over the next two years.”
In her role as the Caucus Policy Chair, Representative Skidmore will be responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings.
“As the previous Policy Chair for the Caucus, I know what is needed to do this job. Appointing Representative Skidmore as Policy Chair was an easy choice,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “She stood out as a prime member in understanding policy during the last legislative term. Representative Skidmore also brings with her a wealth of experience as both a former House and Senate staffer and House member. Applying her unique skillset to this new role will benefit the Caucus and all Floridians.”
In his role as Floor Leader, Representative Gottlieb will be responsible in interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.
“Two things I greatly appreciate about Representative Gottlieb are his refreshing candor and strong fortitude,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “As the minority party in the Legislature, we’re aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us. What we need right now is someone who is unwavering under extreme pressure to help guide our Caucus during difficult moments. Representative Gottlieb is perfectly suited for this role.”
As Whip, Representative Hunschofsky will be responsible for keeping all Democratic Caucus members apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.
“Representative Hunschofsky has an amazing ability to get things done,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “Not only does Representative Hunschofsky possess a wealth of knowledge due to her experience as the former mayor of Parkland, Florida, she is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as expanding access to quality mental health care. I know Representative Hunschofsky’s knowledge and ability will help prepare our Caucus for the challenges of the next two year.”
The Florida House Democratic Caucus will convene during Organizational Session taking place Nov. 21-22, 2022 in advance of the 2023 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7, 2023.
Black lives
VIDEO: State Rep. Dianne Hart elected chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus
Published
1 year agoon
November 20, 2022By
FNN NEWSORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa), incoming Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, talks briefly with Florida National News on the importance of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. The Florida Classic is an annual college football rivalry game between Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University.
Hart’s Twitter Statement:
Hart’s statement: “I’m honored to have been elected as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.” “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and for trusting me to move this important caucus forward.”
During the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions, Rep. Hart served on the following House committees, including Democratic Ranking Member of the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Ways & Means Committee, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee and Select Subcommittee on Authorized Gaming Activity.
Hart was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. She is also the CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association.
Black lives
Former State Rep. Bruce Antone Ready To Rejoin Florida House
Published
1 year agoon
October 21, 2022By
FNN NEWSORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Bruce Antone served 12 years (six terms) in the Florida House of Representatives and defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Travaris McCurdy during the August primary election to represent Orange County in the newly draw District 41 House seat.
Antone was among eleven candidates seeking election to county, state and Congressional seats participating in a candidate forum hosted by CFABJ, NAACP and the Florida Voters League, Wednesday, October 19, 2022.
Green Party nominee Robin Denise Harris is the only potential road block in Antone’s return to Tallahassee and faces off with him in the November general election. The District 41 House seat has an overwhelmingly Democratic voter base.
During his time in the Florida House, Antone was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the 29-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus.
The general election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.
Trending
- Florida18 hours ago
USDA Invests in Clean Energy to Reduce Energy Costs, Strengthen Florida Businesses
- Business2 days ago
4ACES GC Announce Chris Rosaasen As New General Manager
- Tech3 days ago
NASA Selects First Lunar Instruments for Artemis Astronaut Deployment
- US NATIONAL NEWS13 hours ago
President Joe Biden on the Stabbing Attack in Rockford, Illinois
- US NATIONAL NEWS13 hours ago
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $60 Million for Emergency Work in Wake of the Collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore