Young, Gifted, and Black in Policy: Something to Celebrate in West Virginia

By: Crystal Good

I walked the thick, white marble hallways of the West Virginia State Capitol for years as a lobbyist. My journey into policy work began out of frustration during the 2014 West Virginia Water Crisis and the fight for the Aboveground Storage Tank Bill. The process felt foreign—because it was. Like many, my civic engagement had been limited to voting and making calls when prompted. But curiosity led me to ask questions, and with mentorship from seasoned lobbyists, I learned policy through immersion and perseverance.

What struck me during those years was the glaring absence of Black faces and a unified Black agenda at the Capitol. Sure, there were specific days when Black West Virginians showed up to advocate, but those moments were fleeting. Meanwhile, lawmakers, accustomed to the ebb and flow of advocacy days, moved on to the next issue.

A few dedicated individuals like Rev. Watts, Jennifer Wells, Sheila Coleman-Castells, Stephanie Tyree, and others held the line, but the lack of consistent representation was palpable. For 60 days each session, the halls were quiet of Black voices, and this absence allowed some lawmakers to dismiss our very existence—like the delegate, whose name I chose to forget,  claimed Black people were “imaginary” and “fairy tales.”

I longed for a community of young, driven, and united Black policymakers during this time. Today, that dream is becoming a reality.

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On February 3, 2025, at 7 PM, Black By God and the Black Voters Impact Initiative will host Young, Gifted, and Black in Policy, a virtual event celebrating Black leadership in West Virginia. This gathering highlights emerging Black policymakers and advocates who are shaping the future of the state.

This event falls on a historic day—February 3, 1865—the day the West Virginia Legislature officially abolished slavery. Although West Virginia became a state in 1863, it did not immediately free enslaved people. It took nearly two more years of political debate before the legislature passed an amendment ending slavery, just months before the 13th Amendment was ratified nationwide. This date marks the true emancipation of Black West Virginians, a history that deserves recognition. By commemorating this pivotal moment, Young, Gifted, and Black in Policy honors the past while amplifying the voices leading West Virginia’s future

• A-Nya Badger
• Treyvon Simmons
• Takeiya Smith
• Alicha Sy
• Rhonda Rogombe
• Aiden Satterfield
• Ryan Kirkpatrick
• Oceana Smith
• India Firth

Dr. Shanequa Smith, the leader of the Black Voters Impact Initiative, and I, Crystal Good, founder and publisher of Black By God, will host the event.

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We’ve witnessed a significant shift since my time in the Capitol halls. More Black West Virginians are participating in the legislative process, supported by organizations like the ACLU and the West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy, which are fostering young Black talent and elevating their voices in the policy space. These organizations are helping to create a space where young, gifted, and Black policymakers are not just present but respected as experts and leaders in their fields.

One of the most exciting developments is the growth of Black Policy Day, now in its fourth year! This initiative has become a cornerstone for Black advocacy and engagement in West Virginia, bringing together policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to focus on issues affecting Black communities in the state. Save the date: March 10, 2025. Join us at the West Virginia State Capitol as we build momentum and celebrate collective action’s power.

But let’s be clear—it’s not enough. As a nation, we face a dangerous trend: the erasure of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This rollback threatens to undermine our progress in ensuring Black voices are heard and represented in spaces of power. DEI efforts are not about privilege; they’re about addressing systemic inequities that have long excluded marginalized communities. Without these initiatives, the challenges facing Black policymakers—and the communities they represent—will only grow more entrenched.

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This powerful gathering represents a moment to amplify young Black voices in policy and celebrate their contributions. It’s more than a webinar; it’s a call to action. These young leaders embody the resilience, intellect, and dedication required to tackle the systemic inequities that have long defined West Virginia’s legislative landscape.

Their stories and insights will inspire future generations to step into their power and ensure that Black representation is not an exception but a norm in West Virginia politics.

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Register now and join us in celebrating this historic moment:
Young, Gifted, and Black in Policy Registration