| Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi, two historically black fraternities each founded in 1911, have started "1911 United," a new pro-Obama Super PAC.
1911 United aims to raise $1.5 million dollars in support of the president as well as train African-American supporters on campaign organizing.
The group plans to organize 10,000 volunteers to register at least 100 voters each. 1911 United is focusing its efforts in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Colorado.
With corporate money staining our elections through Super PACs legalized by Citizens United, it's great to see a progressive Super PAC that will provide organization training on top of pro-Obama money.
1911 United's goals are achievable if the group taps into the large national network of African-American Greek life.
There are 22 active historically black fraternities and sororities on dozens of campuses across the nation. The oldest such organization, the Alphi Phi Alpha fraternity, was founded at Cornell University in 1906.
Over the ensuing century, vast social and professional networks formed through these organizations as African-Americans became incorporated into Greek life, both in historically black fraternities and others.
Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson were members of black fraternities that helped them learn essential organizational and leadership skills.
In 2012, it's great to see the targeted activism of 1911 United.
Progressives will need their know-how in fighting the wave of corporate cash that is going to pour in all the way until Election Day. |
