Stephen Benjamin – President Biden’s point man

Marc H. Morial 
President and CEO
National Urban League

“The opportunity to serve the American people at scale, to be in the room when decisions are made…this really appeared to be a great opportunity to make a big difference at a time when it matters most.”

-Stephen Benjamin, The Root

In the sophisticated corridors of power at the White house, one name resonates as the linchpin connecting the administration to the heartbeat of the nation: Stephen Benjamin. As the Senior Advisor and Director of the Office of Public Engagement, Benjamin serves as a key figure in the Biden administration who stands as the crucial bridge between President Biden’s vision and the diverse communities the administration serves.

To put it more plainly, he’s President Biden’s right-hand man or as The Root called him, ‘the brotha you need to know in the White House’.

As a Queens, NY native with roots in South Carolina, Benjamin has always had a profound commitment to public service. His career and educational background speak for itself. He’s a three-term Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina; former President of both the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the African American Mayors Association; a lawyer; civil rights advocate. Not to mention, former Board Chair of the Columbia Urban League. One would think serving in the White House was inevitable for Benjamin.

Or as he puts it:  “…..it was a calling to serve.”

As Director of the Office of Public Engagement, Benjamin not only navigates the complexities of policy, but he also navigates the intricacies of the American experience. In times of crisis response, Benjamin’s role gains even more significance, where his ability to convey the administration’s stance and plans becomes paramount in maintaining the public’s trust.

But Benjamin’s role extends beyond the day-to-day. It embodies the administration’s commitment to inclusivity and representation. At the beginning of his term, President Biden pledged to promote an inclusive policy agenda that not only prioritizes the American people but reflects its diversity. Today, the Biden administration has nominated and confirmed more diverse cabinet members than his predecessors and confirmed an overwhelming number of Black women to the federal bench – one of them being Benjamin’s wife, Judge DeAndrea Gist Benjamin, who was confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Stephen Benjamin’s journey to the epicenter of American governance is a testament to his longstanding commitment to equity, justice, and community engagement, ensuring that the people's voices are not just heard, but are an integral part of shaping this nation's trajectory. His impact extends far beyond the confines of his role, and I have no doubt that his work will inspire future generations to heed the call to serve.

                                                                                 

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