Since birth, Alphonso David’s life has been about advocacy. The Liberian-American, born from a lineage of politicians, rose through the ranks to become a successful LGBTQ+ civil rights lawyer. His advocacy culminated in a variety of roles at Lambda Legal, New York Division of Human Rights, Office of the New York State Attorney General and Office of the Governor for the State of New York. David’s litigation work has expanded support for same-sex couples, immigrants, previously incarcerated individuals, and women and minority business owners. As the president of the Human Rights Campaign, his role carved him a rightful place in history: he was the first person of color and first Black person to serve in the position. He along with Rashad Robinson, and Emil Wilbekin organized the Black Gay Men for Kamala Call to educate and enlighten our community during the 2024 Presidential Election. Now, through his leadership at the Global Black Economic Forum, he’s closing the economic gap and righting historic social injustices impacting the Black Diaspora. — J.S.M.