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Michelle Obama Community Democratic Club (MOCDC)
The Michelle Obama Community Democratic Club (MOCDC), founded in 2018, stands as a beacon of civic engagement and progressive leadership in Harlem. Rooted in the community’s rich history of political activism, the club honors the legacy of former First Lady Michelle Obama by advocating for social justice, political participation, and the empowerment of Harlem’s residents.
The groundwork for MOCDC was laid by decades of leadership from Harlem’s political and community advocates. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, leaders like Bill Perkins emerged as champions of progressive policies, advocating for affordable housing, education reform, and civil rights. Perkins’ tenure in the New York City Council and later in the State Senate marked a critical period in Harlem’s fight for social equity, as he spearheaded initiatives for tenants’ rights, public school reform, and greater access to healthcare.
During this time, a new generation of leaders began to rise in Harlem, including Cordell Cleare, who served as Bill Perkins' Chief of Staff before becoming a District Leader herself. Cleare, a staunch advocate for healthcare access, public housing, and education, was instrumental in shaping the political landscape that would lead to the formation of MOCDC. Her work in lead poisoning prevention and healthcare advocacy has cemented her as a central figure in Harlem politics.
In 2018, with Harlem at the forefront of local and national conversations about justice and equity, the Michelle Obama Community Democratic Club was founded. The club was established by a group of dedicated activists and community leaders, including:
District Leader Cordell Cleare
Cleveland Manny
Valerie Bradley
Veron Stovall
Lafayette Moore
Anthony Gray
Dorthy Chapman-Taylor
MOCDC was also deeply influenced by the work of Akil Rose (RIP), a passionate community advocate whose contributions continue to inspire the club’s mission.
Building on the foundation laid by leaders like Bill Perkins and Cordell Cleare, MOCDC has become a crucial platform for political engagement and activism in Harlem. The club focuses on:
Voter Education and Mobilization: Engaging Harlem residents in the electoral process through voter registration drives, community outreach, and education on key issues.
Volunteer Training and Leadership Development: Offering training programs for new activists, volunteers, and potential candidates, ensuring that Harlem’s future leaders have the tools they need to succeed.
Advocacy for Social and Economic Justice: MOCDC champions policies that address the needs of Harlem’s marginalized communities, including housing affordability, healthcare access, and education reform.
Since its founding, MOCDC has played a pivotal role in Harlem’s political and civic life, organizing voter outreach campaigns, hosting educational workshops, and working with elected officials to promote legislation that uplifts Harlem’s most vulnerable populations. The club continues to honor Harlem’s legacy of activism, while actively shaping its future in the spirit of Michelle Obama’s call to community action.
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