Crosswell, McClure and Obando-Derstine speak at PA Black Caucus forum

Candidates running for Congress in Pennsylvania need to demonstrate an appreciation for the issues close to the hearts and minds of Black Pennsylvanians.

Ryan Crosswell, Lamont McClure and Carol Obando-Derstine may be running against each other, but their focus in their talks at Friday’s PA Democratic Black Caucus Congress Review Summit was on how they could empower and protect Black communities with our democracy and the economy under threat.

Ryan Crosswell at Friday’s PA Black Caucus Congress Summit

Crosswell focused on the need to curtail the Trump administration’s abuse of power and his experience going after corruption; McClure spoke about voting rights and his own personal commitment to Black communities in the 7th District; and Obando-Derstine detailed her experience making connections to community organizations and advocates.

Candidate Bob Brooks reportedly sent a rep but the person left before their time to speak.

Candidates from all around Pennsylvania came to the summit.

“We had great representation from around the state,” said longtime Lehigh Valley political consultant and PA Black Caucus Chair Michael Laws.