STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A new organization known as the African Political Action Committee of Staten Island has launched in the hopes of ensuring that the voices of African and African American community members in the borough are being heard as part of the political process.
Executive Director Minister Levi Titus Daniels told the Advance/SILive.com the organization’s primary goal is to promote African solidarity and ensure representation politically, economically and socially on the Island.
“We push for African political, social and economic emancipation because it’s glaring that the majority of those from the Black and brown communities, their voices aren’t heard,” Daniels said. “We do not have representation.”
According to Daniels, the organization formed out of frustration with politicians who often “cherry pick” votes from African communities during election cycles but fail to deliver on promises after being elected.
“Over the years, we’ve noticed that there have been people that have constantly walked into our community, used us as convenient constituents,” Daniels explained. “At the end of the day, these people, they’re never going to come around anymore. Our problems within this community remain.”
The organization aims to create a “social contract” with politicians seeking votes in African and African American communities, particularly in New York and Staten Island, though the organization is looking to expand nationwide. The group wants politicians to present clear plans that align with community needs before earning their support.
Daniels pointed to specific issues affecting the community, including poor security in government-subsidized housing and broken elevators that impact senior citizens. When residents call political offices about these problems, they’re often met with unresponsive systems, which leads to lower voter turnout, he explained.
“When election comes, you have less than 10% going out there to vote. It’s because our people are discouraged,” Daniels said.
Describing itself as politically neutral, the group aligns with individuals rather than political parties.
“We do not lean toward the Republican Party. We do not lean toward the Democratic Party. We align ourselves with individuals whose political manifestos align with our core values,” Daniels went on to say.
Ultimately, the organization sees itself as a platform where members of Black and brown communities can express their political voices regardless of party affiliation.
“Gone are the days that people will just come and just make mess with us and just abuse us and just use us. The party is over,” Daniels said. “Going forward, if you want to go to the African community or the African American community to get our vote, you have to tell us what you’re going to do for us.”
Earlier this month, the group kicked off its launch with a banquet held at LiGreci’s Staaten in West Brighton.
“Today marks the beginning of something truly unique and special. We are not only launching an organization, but we are also building a movement,” Dr. Komi Agoda-Koussema, the group’s founding chairman, said to those gathered during his opening address.
“This event is a conversation for us to connect with each other, listen to each other and share ideas about how we can make a difference,” he said.
“Whether one is passionate about education, economic empowerment, housing, immigration, or social justice, the African Political Action Committee is here to serve as a platform for your voice and all our voices. We want to serve as a conduit to hear your concerns, your hopes and your vision for the future,” Agoda-Koussema added.