Building a state government that reflects and serves the needs of the people.
The NY Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Democracy Table was conceived and launched through work led by Rosemary Rivera, who initiated the effort to bring together Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led organizations across New York to strengthen coordination around democracy reform and civic participation.
In February 2022, Rivera brought on Karen Wharton to help build out and facilitate the Table’s development. Working with leaders from BIPOC-led organizations across the state, the Table was designed to create a collaborative space where advocates could align strategy, develop shared priorities, and advance structural reforms to New York’s democracy.
The concept for the Table was shared at national convenings prior to the first statewide convening in September 2022. Since then, the Table has served as a forum for BIPOC leaders to coordinate advocacy, elevate community-driven solutions, and build collective power to strengthen democratic participation and representation.
Today, the NY BIPOC Democracy Table centers the needs and leadership of BIPOC communities in efforts to reform and strengthen New York’s democratic systems. The Table works to:
- Organize BIPOC communities to propose and advocate for structural reforms that increase civic participation
- Develop a shared vision and policy agenda to advance a more inclusive and representative democracy
- Strengthen civic engagement programs designed by and for BIPOC communities
- Expand the coalition to include emerging and grassroots BIPOC-led organizations across the state
The Table is guided by a statewide steering committee of leaders from BIPOC-led organizations, who collaborate to shape the Table’s priorities and collective advocacy.