Washington, D.C.-Omega Network For Action, Inc. (ONFA) is a 501(c)(4) created to help African Americans and others in underserved communities achieve their highest true social parity, economic self-reliance, power, and civil rights. In furtherance of its mission, ONFA established the James E. Clyburn Leadership Institute (JECLI) in 2021. With an emphasis on education, the Clyburn Leadership Institute will provide participants with tools as well as guidance for running effective and ethical campaigns that result in goal achievement: winning elected office.
Established in the name of political mainstay Congressman James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, the Clyburn Leadership Institute offers a 12-month cohort model. JECLI programming will cover numerous topics ranging from Campaign Financing to Organizing Principles to Coalition Building. The Clyburn Leadership Institute will operate as a training arm of Omega Network For Action with the primary purpose of cultivating the next generation of African American legislative leaders.
“We have a phenomenal class, a great group of individuals who are set to make effective changes in their communities” says ONFA Board Chair and President, Dr. David E. Marion. “I look forward to witnessing the collective achievements of this inaugural class. As stewards of their respective communities, they represent the best. I applaud their drive to seek elected office with an eye on affecting positive change, all of which is rooted in a commitment to service.”
Since 2020, ONFA has implemented a Get Out the Black Male Vote initiative, endorsed winning candidates such as Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (GA) and Mark Kelly (AZ), plus held virtual town halls nationwide as a means of empowerment. ONFA will advance its mission via the Leadership Institute which will facilitate the emergence of decision makers, who will create more equitable policies for African Americans and other traditionally underrepresented groups.
The JECLI’s first official meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 52nd Annual Legislative Conference. The day-long intensive workshop will feature sessions touching upon African Americans throughout history, America’s political history, polling, and includes a Spotlight Panel that will discuss top priorities for the 2024 U.S. political landscape.
The first group of JECLI Fellows represents California, the United States’ Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Southeast, and Southern regions. As a body, the Fellows’ credentials are impressive with varied interest in all levels of elected office. An underlying theme of this cohort is to foster equity that delivers economic development to their constituencies. Members of the James E. Clyburn Leadership Institute’s first cohort are as follows:
- Rhonda Bailey (Mississippi)
- Gregory Burnett, Sr. (Connecticut)
- Brian L. DeShields (North Carolina)
- Monifa D. Drayton (North Carolina)
- Kevin Ford, Jr. (Maryland)
- Stephanie Hall (Maryland)
- Harold M. Love, Jr., PhD (Tennessee)
- Dr. Nkiruka Catherine Ohaegbu (DBA) (California)
- Traci Smith-Kimes (Florida)
Congressman Clyburn has been quoted as saying “we must not sit idly by and let things happen,” and in that vein ONFA acknowledges the generosity of our 2023 Workshop sponsors: Kendrick B. Meek, Senior Advisor with King & Spalding, LLP; Johnnie Smith, Owner of STS Tax Services Inc.; Cisco Systems, Inc.; D4 Women In Action, Inc.; and Sedrick M. Spencer, Partner with Cali2NewOrleans.
September 2023 JECLI Workshop Sponsors
For more info about the James E. Clyburn Leadership Institute or to become a sponsor, send an email to jeclinstitute@hvc.uqp.mybluehost.me. To support Omega Network For Action, Inc. and learn how to become an integral part of achieving parity for all, please contact ONFA Executive Director Cheryl Mann at cmann@hvc.uqp.mybluehost.me.
###
ABOUT OMEGA NETWORK FOR ACTION, INC.
With the U.S. political landscape as a backdrop, Omega Network For Action, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) that operates exclusively to aid routinely disadvantaged groups. ONFA endeavors to help African Americans—and others from underserved communities—navigate the political process through advocacy and education, then promoting economic self-reliance by elevating power that helps to preserve civil rights. ONFA’s signature education program is the James E. Clyburn Leadership Institute. Visit ONFA’s website, omeganetworkforaction.org, to learn more and support future ventures. Find, Follow, and Like Omega Network For Action (@OmegaForAction) on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
ABOUT THE JAMES E. CLYBURN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
Developers of the James E. Clyburn Leadership Institute believe that African Americans should not only have the opportunity to fulfill their civic duties as public servants, but also have the requisite skill set to successfully do so. Serving as the training arm for the cultivation of the next generation of African American elected leaders, the JECLI will offer a 12-month cohort for educating and training those who aspire to hold elected office. Call +1 646.481.8708 or send an email to jeclinstitute@hvc.uqp.mybluehost.me requesting information.
