Michael Bland Named Executive Director of Black Men Vote, Pledging to Elevate Black Male Political Engagement
Washington, D.C. — Black Men Vote (BMV), a leading nonpartisan organization committed to boosting Black male voter turnout and civic engagement, has tapped veteran political strategist Michael Bland as its new executive director.
Bland, who brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and electoral strategy, is widely recognized for his work in coalition-building, policy advocacy, and leadership development. His appointment signals a strategic move by BMV to expand its influence and deepen its impact ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential election.
“Michael’s extensive experience in political mobilization and coalition-building makes him the ideal leader for Black Men Vote’s future,” said Frank White, BMV co-founder and Board Chair. “We are confident that under his direction, Black Men Vote will reach new heights in empowering Black men to exercise their political power.”
Bland most recently served as southern regional director and senior advisor for faith engagement with the Harris for President campaign, where he developed outreach strategies in key battleground states and led national efforts to engage faith-based communities. Prior to that, as national director of Leaders of Color at Education Reform Now, he oversaw a national fellowship that trained over 400 future leaders and helped nearly 100 Black and Brown individuals win elected or appointed positions.
His experience also includes managing Congresswoman Jahana Hayes’ groundbreaking campaign—the first African American woman elected to represent New England—and serving as Northeast deputy field director, where he played a pivotal role in flipping Nash County for the first time in history.
A graduate of the University of Rhode Island and a member of the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons, Bland has served on numerous nonprofit boards and is well-versed in navigating both grassroots and executive-level spaces.
“I am honored to join Black Men Vote at such a critical moment for our nation,” said Bland. “I believe deeply in the power of Black men to shape the future of this country, and I look forward to building on the incredible momentum BMV has created to ensure our voices are heard, respected, and represented.”
Acknowledging the longstanding gaps in political outreach to Black men, Bland emphasized the need for tailored engagement strategies. “We are at a critical inflection point when it comes to the role of Black men in American politics. For far too long, Black men have been left out of polling, focus groups, and electoral mobilization efforts,” he said. “I’m beyond excited to help guide the direction of Black male voter engagement in a way that truly reaches and resonates with all Black men, both civically and electorally. There’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m ready to get it done.”
Based in Washington, D.C., Bland will oversee BMV’s national operations, including strategic planning, fundraising, and program development.
