Cornell Belcher joins Freedom To Choose Schools and Agency Inc. for urgent conversation on Education, Black Voters and the ballot box
WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Wednesday night at Old Ebbitt Grill in Washington, DC, education advocates, political leaders, and community voices gathered for “The New Swing Vote: Education & Black Voters,” hosted by Freedom To Choose Schools (FCS) and Agency Inc.
The evening featured a dynamic conversation with renowned pollster Cornell Belcher of brilliant corners Research & Strategies, unveiling new polling data on the intersection of Black education and political power. With eight million Black students in America’s schools and 81% of Black 8th graders not reading at grade level (NAEP, 2022), participants underscored the urgency of addressing the education crisis while mobilizing voters to demand accountability.
Debbie Veney, Founder and CEO of Agency, Inc, said, “If you think that education is not an issue that voters care about…if you think it’s not an issue that makes people cross party lines, you are mistaken. People care about their kids more than their political party, and Black voters have already shown they will vote outside the party for school choice.”
Jay Artis-Wright, Executive Director of Freedom To Choose Schools, said, “We want options. The reality is that across the country, we are seeing that and voting with our feet. Especially in these polarizing times, Black voters want to be sure their voices are heard.”
Cornell Belcher, President of Brilliant Corners Research & Strategies, said, “For African Americans and Latinos, nothing is more important than education. It’s a value that is connected to their ability to get ahead. It’s connected to greater opportunity.”
The event, held during Congressional Black Caucus Week, created an intimate, high-energy space for networking, coalition-building, and solution-sharing. Attendees left with a clear message: the future of Black education and the future of Black political power are inseparable — and urgent action is required.
About Freedom To Choose Schools
Freedom To Choose Schools is a non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing fair access to high-quality school options for every student. We believe access to an excellent education is a fundamental pathway to economic empowerment and opportunity. Yet, too many students and families are still denied this chance. That is why we champion the voices of families and communities who are too often overlooked, ensuring their needs remain at the forefront of the national conversation on public education.
About Agency Inc.
Agency Inc. is a mission-driven communications and advocacy organization. By supporting organizations that believe every child in America deserves access to a high-quality education and elevating parent voice, we work to create excellent educational opportunities for families. Agency is the voice for choice in public education.
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