About Us
Our History
For more than a century, Black leaders from social justice and civil rights organizations across New Jersey would individually advocate for an array of policies to help Black citizens.
In 2017, several Black advocates realized, upon seeing each other day after day in the hallways of the Statehouse, in courtrooms throughout the State, and at conferences and rallies, that their voices — although powerful as individuals — could be louder and more impactful together.
An informal coalition was formed with founding members Fair Share Housing Center, Monarch Housing Resources, NAACP New Jersey State Conference, Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey, Salvation and Social Justice, New Jersey Institute For Social Justice, and New Jersey Black Issues Convention. Armed with a shared vision, legislative prowess, policy expertise, and unmatched advocacy experience, the United Black Agenda quickly became a formidable force throughout the State.
Convened by Rev. Eric Dobson and supported by fiscal sponsor Fair Share Housing Center, the UBA quickly got to work tackling issues from the addition of 83,000 new voters on voting rolls to a 1/3 reduction in the prison population to the addition of $15 million in state funds for First-Generation. In just a few short years, the UBA has made its mark . . . and it is just getting started.
OUR TEAM
Leadership
Rev. Eric Dobson
President
Taiisa Kelly
Treasurer
Richard Smith
NAACP
Our Mission
New Jersey is at its best when Black communities enjoy full political participation, representation, and access to economic security and opportunities. Our vision is to provide a shared space for organizations to promote the welfare of Black New Jerseyans. In addition, we must address the state’s history of discrimination, while ending the marginalization and subjugation of our people. We call on state legislators to elevate the Black Vote and to deliver on their campaign promises.
