Senator Laphonza Butler (D-CA) is sharing her commitment to supporting the Black press and the Black communities across the nation.
Butler was recently appointed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to fulfill the late Senator Dianne Feinstein’s term.
During a Zoom meeting with publishers from the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Sen. Butler stressed her support for the Black Press, reports The Atlanta Voice.
“The existence of your outlets is the lifeline to our community,” Butler said as she closed her chat. “I know that my being in this position is an important opportunity. As the only Black woman in the United States Senate, as our Senate and government are taking on issues that are critical to the future of our communities, I wanted to make sure I was in conversation with all of you as I start my tenure in my appointed role, I want to hear what the concerns of your readers are. I want to be a voice and a champion for those issues and for all of you.”
The NNPA represents over 240 African American-owned newspapers and media companies in the United States.
On the call, Butler also committed to hosting a delegation of Black newspaper publishers on Capitol Hill to discuss advertising opportunities and other avenues for collaboration with Black-owned newspapers and media companies.
“I have spoken directly with the Biden-Harris campaign on several occasions about their commitment to communities of color and engaging directly with the most credible vehicles that speak with them,” Butler said.
She added that she is also focused on championing the Black community in her work as senator.
“I recognize that not only am I the only Black woman in the U.S. Senate, but I also know I’m the most junior. But here’s my commitment: by joining together and building partnerships with Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Raphael Warnock, we can tell a very different story and have a much greater impact,” Butler said. “I intend to lead the same way I’ve led my entire life.”
Butler is the first openly LGBTQ person to represent California in the Senate. She is also just the second Black woman to represent California in the Senate, following Vice President Kamala Harris.
Photo By Jim Lo Scalzo / Epa-Efe/ Shutterstock
This is hopeful.