Last night, the Cuyahoga County Councilwoman was victorious in the Democratic primary for the special election in Ohio’s 11th District. Shontel is a graduate of the 2017 Boot Camp Class. She is now on the road to the November general election where she’s the favorite to occupy the seat formerly held by HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge.
“CBCI has focused on training tomorrow’s leaders for over two decades, and Shontel Brown is a shining example of the future of democratic leadership. We wish her well in the general election in November,” said CBCI Executive Director Vanessa Griddine-Jones. “CBCI trains, inspires, and ignites the future of leadership, and it’s getting more diverse every election cycle. Shontel gained invaluable skills during Boot Camp that fueled her desire to become a member of the United States Congress. And just four short years later, the opportunity presented itself and she was ready to answer the call.”
In 2000, the Congressional Black Caucus Institute (CBCI) was founded with one mission in mind, to “educate today’s voters and train tomorrow’s leaders.” The CBCI envisioned being the training ground for leadership that would change the world. In 2002, the vision became a reality with the creation of the Political Leadership Development Program “Boot Camp”.
Every year, participants from across the country engage in a candidate-focused curriculum developed and led by experts of color from various backgrounds. Participants learn proven strategies for winning campaigns, and are prepared to fill any role from door knocker to a candidate in any race, anywhere in the United States. Today, more than 800 alumni are utilizing their skills in campaigns and as leaders in their communities.