Youngkin's Petersburg Plan: What Black Leaders Are Saying
☀️ PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA. Some say it’s a once in a generation moment for Petersburg to finally be revitalized. Others say it was an elaborate photo-op for a Republican Governor with plans on running for President in 2024. Some say the money involved was already allocated. Others say this is the first time Petersburg has received this level of attention from anyone in the Governor’s mansion in decades.
🍁 YOUNGKIN’S IN PETERSBURG. What are Black leaders in Petersburg saying? Listen for yourself to what Black leaders in Petersburg said at the Aug. 22, 2022 announcement to revitalize Petersburg by clicking the 11 minute video below. During an era of hyper-partisan politics and cynical hot-takes, many have dismissed the Petersburg event out of hand without even knowing the details of what the plan was.
But it’s hard to deny that the several of the plans announced by Governor Youngkin and members of his cabinet on Monday were unprecedented. Much of the lingo was familiar: Private/public partnerships, faith based initiatives, etc. and so on. But that all eyes were on Petersburg is a story in itself. Whether those plans work can only be answered by time.
“It’s more than just words it’s actions and it’s gonna take all of us — all of us — to make it happen,” Gov. Youngkin told the audience of over 300.
Governor Youngkin was joined by Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, Attorney General Jason Miyares, and seven of his Cabinet secretaries at the August 22 announcement. The cabinet members detailed 42 initiatives and pledged to focus collaboratively with Petersburg’s local leaders in the education, faith community as well as other civic stakeholders to improve the city.
We distilled Monday’s (8/22/22) event down to a 11 minute video. The event yesterday went on for over an hour and was attended by 340+ community leaders and stakeholders. The size of the crowd required an overflow room.
🍁 (:10 secs) Sam Parham, Mayor of Petersburg
👨 (1min, 12 secs) Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia
👨🏽🎓 (3min) Makola Abdullah, President of Virginia State University
👩🏽🔧 (4min, 31 secs) Wanda Stewart, CEO, Communities in Schools
📓 (5min, 40 secs) Ken Pritchett, Petersburg School Board Chair
👮🏽♂️ (6min, 33 secs) Travis Christian, Petersburg Chief of Police
🙎🏽♀️ (8min, 05 secs) Kay Cole James, Secretary of the Commonwealth
💒 (8min, 56 secs) Bishop Jeffrey Reaves, Good Shepherd Baptist
💼 (9min, 42 secs) C.J. Sailor
👨 (10min, 45 secs) Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia
“Petersburg is at a turning point in history with the many economic development and community enhancement projects underway and in planning with the support of Governor Youngkin, the General Assembly, and the Commonwealth,” said Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham in a statement.
“Our City is positioned to capitalize on opportunities that will bring positive change for generations to come,” he added.
The only Democrat who spoke at the event announcing the initiative was State Senator Joe Morrissey. Former Delegate Lashrecse Aird is challenging Morrissey next year in State Senate District 13.
"Thank you to Governor Youngkin and his administration for coming to Petersburg to announce the Partnership for Petersburg. I am proud to be a part of such an initiative that will invest heavily in an iconic American city such as Petersburg," said Senator Joe Morrisey.
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