Today we’d like to introduce you to Dwight Bullard.
Hi Dwight, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my professional career in 2000 as an educator in Miami-Dade Public Schools. I taught Social Studies (Black History, American History, American Government, etc.) for 17 years.
In 2008, I was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, serving parts of South Miami-Dade. I was later elected to the Florida Senate in 2012, serving portions of Miami-Dade and Collier counties, as well as all of Monroe and Hendry counties.
My work with New Florida Majority/Florida Rising began in 2017 as Political Director, now Sr. Political Advisor. I view my work as an extension of what I’ve always done, service. I do what I can to advocate for those most marginalized. In many cases that translates to Black and Brown communities here in Florida.
I try to offer political education and advocacy using the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired over my education and career. I also have a consulting firm that I operate with my sister called DLE Consulting Group, which aims to help the community beyond my non-profit work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being involved in education and politics in a state like Florida is filled with pitfalls and challenges. Booker T. Washington referred to education as the “Great Equalizer” which means that the forces that do not want equality or equity are constantly at work to diminish the opportunities of those seeking to reach a particular station in life.
Those same forces can use politics as a barrier to progress. My goal is to dismantle, deconstruct, and minimize those barriers for those trying to access education and political power. That has undoubtedly made me a target for “haters”. Nevertheless, I have committed to push through and tear down the falls that have been put in front of everyday people.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Florida Rising is the state’s largest independent political organization. Our mission is We build independent political power that centers historically marginalized communities so everyday Floridians shape the future. I have the privilege of serving as the Sr. Political Advisor.
In that role, I help to craft the political trajectory of the organization, as well as educate members and staff on the ever-shifting political landscape here in Florida. We work on community engagement around issues like voting rights, housing justice, climate justice, criminal systems reform, and reproductive rights. We also engage in electoral politics, endorsing candidates and supporting ballot initiatives.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Some of my all-time favorite books are The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Miseducation of the Negro, Between the World and Me, and Makes Me Wanna Holler. I find that in this work my greatest escapes are music and movies with Rap and R&B rotating heavily on my playlists.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.floridarising.org
- Instagram: @flrising and @dwightbullard_
- Twitter: @FLRising and @DwightBullard
- Other: www.dleconsultinggroup.com
Image Credits
Sen. Larcenia Bullard and Fmr. Rep. Edward Bullard
