A new organization is planting roots in Fredericksburg with a mission to push for wide-ranging change in the Black community. The Central Commonwealth Black Caucus (CCBC), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit established earlier this year, aims to bridge equity gaps in housing, healthcare and legislative representation by partnering with local residents, civic leaders and elected officials.
CCBC Chairman Shellie Bowman says the organization’s focus is about more than policy — it’s about restoring faith in what’s possible for Black Virginians.
“We have a lot of work to do in terms of creating a just society for Black Virginians,” Bowman said. “It starts with facing the realities of what our communities are up against — and then building something better.”
Bowman, a longtime political strategist, serves as co-chair of the Spotsylvania Democratic Committee and as treasurer for Nicole Cole’s District 66 House of Delegates campaign. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of Phoenix, two master’s degrees from Strayer University and Regent University, and a Doctor of Public Administration from Liberty University.
Press the Issue
For more information or to get involved, visit the CCBC’s website.
Bowman worked the voter precincts across Spotsylvania during the 2024 presidential election and said it was clear from conversations in the community that many Black residents still don’t see homeownership as something that’s within reach.
“What are affordable homes for Black society?” he said. “Ironically, a lot of these people possess college degrees, but through social interaction and narratives, a segment of the Black community doesn’t see themselves as homeowners because they don’t believe they can afford it.”
Bowman pointed to what he saw as a missed opportunity during the 2024 election, when then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris proposed a $25,000 subsidy for first-time homebuyers. That kind of support, said Bowman, would’ve made a big difference in changing not just access to housing, but the mindset around it.
Affordable housing isn’t the only area where Black residents feel left out. Healthcare is another major challenge, and Bowman says it’s time to address the basics.
“Many people don’t even get regular check-ups,” he said. “They can’t afford it, or they’re underinsured. CCBC will seek resources that ease those burdens and improve individuals’ standard of health.”
Recent decisions in Richmond have only made things more urgent. In March, Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed three bills that directly addressed issues CCBC plans to focus on.
Senate Bill 1132 would have prohibited employers from asking job applicants about their wage or salary history, a move advocates say could have helped close the racial wage gap.
House Bill 1649 would have required unconscious bias and cultural competency training for medical professionals during licensure renewal, something Bowman believes could begin to chip away at health disparities Black residents continue to face.
And House Bill 1638 would have created a model policy for how landlords use criminal background checks when reviewing housing applications—a key issue for Black residents disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system.
Bowman said the vetoes are a setback, but not a stopping point.
“These bills were a step toward fairness,” he said. “Their rejection shows just how far we still have to go.”
CCBC Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer Michael Bush brings both financial and political experience to the organization. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Christopher Newport University and is a former candidate for the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors. He’s also a former vice chairman of the Spotsylvania Democratic Committee and an active member of the county’s NAACP chapter led by Moe Petway.
“There’s a lack of representation in civil government where ideology, beliefs, values and systems get left behind, overlooked or replaced,” Bush said. “Our marginalized groups deserve an equitable voice and seat at the table.”
CCBC also plans to support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across Central Virginia.
“As a business owner, it’s important to bridge the gaps in economics that lead to poverty pipelines,” Bush said. “Promoting Black businesses will create a fabric of sustainability that will effect change and fortify the community. The Black entrepreneurs will become the fabric that holds our community together.”
The organization is now rolling out programs in legislative advocacy, community organizing, voter registration, mentoring, education support, and health and wellness. It is actively seeking volunteers, partners and donors to help advance its work and amplify the voices of Black residents across the region.
