Dakota In The News
Friends celebrating our Managing Partner Kerman Maddox’s Birthday!
Kerman featured with Young Kim, Mayor Bass, former Mayor Villaraigosa, Kevin Pickett, and State Senator Steve Bradford (right to left)
Dakota Communications Mourns the Loss of Reverend Cecil “Chip” Murray
“I'm saddened by the passing Friday night of Rev Cecil "Chip" Murray, the legendary former pastor of First AME Church Los Angeles. Rev. Murray was a compelling visionary leader during some of Los Angeles' toughest times. He was comfortable with some of Los Angeles most powerful leaders but he was most at peace when he counseled, helped and socialized with less fortunate Angelenos. He was my pastor, my mentor but more importantly he was my friend. Rest in peace Chip, you were a giant!!”
- Kerman Maddox, Managing Partner at Dakota Communications
Clarence Avant’s Political Power: The ‘Black Godfather’ had the ear of three presidents
Clarence Avant, left, with President Clinton and Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, was a staunch supporter of politicians who pursued economic and social progress for Black Americans.
Our Managing Partner, Kerman Maddox, was recently featured in an LA Times article celebrating the lifelong accomplishments of Mr. Clarence Avant, in light of his passing.
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A candidate getting Avant’s stamp of approval was a sign of “instant credibility” for Black voters, said Kerman Maddox, a managing partner at the political consulting firm Dakota Communications.
Maddox first met Avant while collecting fundraising checks from lawyers, developers and executives on the Westside for his boss Maxine Waters, who was then in the California Assembly. Though gruff, Avant was always kind to the low-level staffer picking up the checks, and he sometimes gave practical advice, Maddox said.
When he learned Maddox was working on voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts, Avant told him: “All that is great and wonderful, young man, but you have to learn to raise money. Once you learn how to raise money, you’re going to find yourself in rooms where things happen.”
Kerman Maddox Appointed to White House Advisory Committee on Trade
Dakota Communications Managing Partner Kerman Maddox has been appointed by President Biden to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations on March 10th 2023.
The Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations provides overall policy advice to the U.S. Trade Representative on the development, implementation, and administration of trade policies. The Committee includes up to 45 members recommended by the U.S. Trade Representative who are then appointed by the President.
