Lenny McAllister
Senior Fellow
Lenny McAllister is a Senior Fellow with the Commonwealth Foundation.
A Pittsburgh native that has returned to the Keystone State, Lenny has spent years working in both state and national politics, the civil rights community, and extensive work in the media.
Lenny has appeared regularly as a nationally renowned op-ed writer, political analyst, and media staple on outlets ranging from Radio New Zealand and Sirius XM Radio to CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. He has also been a featured speaker at events including the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2016, the State of the Black Union 2009, and the Essence Music Festival 2012.
In 2016, Lenny was recognized as one of the most influential African-Americans under 45 years old in the United States. He is an adjunct professor of African-American history at LaRoche College in Pittsburgh. He holds an undergraduate degree in history from Davidson College.
Lenny is the proud husband of Lannie and proud father to his four children.
Education
Jay-Z, MLK, and the progressive opposition to genuine reform
Originally published at Broad + Liberty It’s not often you can mention Jay-Z and Martin Luther King, Jr. in the same breath. Yet, the Brooklyn-born hip-hop mogul and the…
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All Students Deserve the Opportunity to Shine. So Do Pennsylvania’s
Originally published in The Philadelphia Citizen Nelson Garcia is a shining star. He’s a straight-A 11th grader at Liguori Academy with strong ambitions for his future. Namely,…
Media Hit
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Erie, PA: The Gateway to Victory in America
For statewide candidates and presidential contenders, Erie stands as the hidden key for victory in the Keystone State, yet it also is the hidden gem that holds our collective resurgence…
Media
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Op-Ed: SCOTUS ends religious discrimination in education funding
The Espinoza decision has not only reversed the injustice of Montana’s actions against Kendra and her children, but it has begun the necessary process of healing over a century of…
Commentary
Read More: Op-Ed: SCOTUS ends religious discrimination in education fundingGovernment Accountability
A Door to Liberation: Why Juneteenth Matters
Juneteenth is a celebration that makes Independence Day a more fulfilled promise across America. The freedom extolled on July 4th, 1776, was robust, even if it took June 19th, 1865,…
Commentary
Read More: A Door to Liberation: Why Juneteenth MattersEducation
How to Enroll in Cyber School
Parents, if you’re anything like our family, you’re probably considering certain education options for your kids for the first time. As schools across the state work to develop remote…
Commentary
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Conscientious Objectors to Choice
Once again, the most vulnerable in our Commonwealth are in a battle without fully realizing it. That was clear to me during my testimony before the Pennsylvania Senate’s Education…
Media
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A Better Strategy for Students in the “City of Champions”
If there’s one team that has stopped the “City of Champions” from having more Super Bowl championships, it’s the Evil Empire from up north: the New England Patriots. And if…
Media
Read More: A Better Strategy for Students in the “City of Champions”Education
How Low-Income Students Benefit from Education Tax Credits
Yesterday, the House Education Committee advanced legislation to expand Pennsylvania’s successful tax credit scholarship program. HB 800, sponsored by Speaker Mike Turzai, would increase the Educational Improvement Tax Credit…
Media
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Fight for Education Equality Marches On
Education equality has been the civil rights issue during each unique chapter in America’s story—including today. Empowering parents with school choice options is a key step along our march for justice.
Commentary
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Penn Hills: A (Tragic) Love Story
I’m a Penn Hills guy. I’ve lived in some of the most unique and dynamic places in the nation, yet I’ve never been around as many talented, genuine, and engaging…
Media
Read More: Penn Hills: A (Tragic) Love StoryCriminal Justice Reform
Today’s Opportunities in the Spirit of King
It’s been a shame that we’ve collectively spent so much time this month talking about the wrong King (Rep. Steve King) and views that harken back to our worst…
Media
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Time for Education Equality in Erie
“Topping the list” is usually good thing. Who doesn’t want to be #1? Unfortunately, Erie tops a list that should inspire not celebration but soul searching. Financial news website 24/7 Wall St.
Commentary
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