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Opinion: Black and Minority Lobbyist Matter

As Virginia's General Assembly and many local governments have begun to reflect the diversity of the populations they represent, those influencing policy through paid advocacy remain less diverse than the political class they seek to influence. This fact raises questions about who ultimately holds influence in shaping law and policy in Virginia. Black and Minority representatives in elected positions is not enough; ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives in the advocacy space is necessary and paramount.

The underrepresentation of Black and minority lobbyists in Virginia’s political landscape is a concept of a bygone era in Virginia. Virginia, like many Southern states, has grappled with deep-seated cultural, legacy, and policy barriers that prevented Black and minority voices from being represented inside and outside of government. This legacy shaped the demographics of political power and limited opportunity in the realm of political advocacy. For decades, Black and Minority interests had to make their points to politicians from outside the “tent“ mostly through protest and direct action, rather than inside the power structure as lobbyists and policy advocates.  Unfortunately, the historical inequities of Virginia’s past, rather intentional or not still evident, impact the lobbying landscape.

While the increase in Black and minority representation in Virginia's General Assembly reflects political inclusion, progress toward equitable influence has not yet bore the fruit of those electoral victories. However, Black and minority politicians can play a vital role in reshaping the narrative around political advocacy in Virginia. All elected officials can help champion diversity, sometimes by just asking companies and their advocates a simple question like where is your minority representation?

An entrenched establishment will not overhaul itself if no one questions its current existence. By demanding diversity in the lobbyists who come before them, Black and minority politicians can help produce the change that they themselves represent or champion. 

However, the responsibility for diversifying lobbying cannot fall solely on the shoulders of politicians. Businesses in the Commonwealth must make a dynamic conclusion that does their advocacy team reflect the changing political, cultural, population, and economic in Virginia.  The symbiotic relationship between corporate interests and advocacy representation cannot be ignored. It’s not just about diversity for diversity’s sake, it’s about ensuring diversity in thought process, analysis, and decision-making that match the diversity in the political realm and economic marketplace.