Bernie Sanders picks Rep. Keith Ellison and Cornel West for DNC Platform Committee

Rep. Keith Ellison
Rep. Keith Ellison
Dr. Cornel West
Dr. Cornel West

Sanders’ selection of Rep. Keith Ellison and Cornel West indicate his intention to push progressive policies at the Democratic convention.

This week the Democratic National Committee announced Hillary Clinton’s and Bernie Sanders’ picks for the party’s Platform Drafting Committee.

Sanders’ selections include Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chair Rep. Keith Ellison, and noted academic, Cornel West.

“We believe that we will have the representation on the platform drafting committee to create a Democratic platform that reflects the views of millions of our supporters who want the party to address the needs of working families in this country and not just Wall Street, the drug companies, the fossil fuel industry and other powerful special interests,” Sanders said in a statement on Monday.

As it’s name implies, the Platform Drafting Comm-ittee is responsible for establishing the Democratic Party’s policy for the next four years. Sanders’ has recently been embroiled in a tense back and forth with the DNC to secure more representation on this critically important committee.

Sanders’ committee picks indicate his intention to ensure a place for progressive values, such as minimum wage reform, and a revised approach to Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Democratic Party’s platform.

Rep. Keith Ellison is the first Muslim elected to Congress, and has authored legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15.

Cornel West is also a dedicated progressive firebrand, who has often criticized Obama for lacking liberal values.

While Sanders’ selection of West has faced some criticism, Arab American Institute founder, James Zogby, is actually considered to be the most controversial pick. The Palestinian rights advocate has openly criticized Israeli President, Benjamin Netanyahu, and has compared the plight of Palestinians to the Holocaust.

Sanders was awarded five of the 15 spots on the Committee. Hillary Clinton was awarded six, and DNC chair Debbie Wassermann will pick the remaining four committee members.

Fisk University’s planned data center sparks debate as opposition grows in North Nashville

Fisk University's $400 million Innovation Center, including a 100,000-square-foot data facility, has sparked debate in North Nashville. Supporters say it will create educational opportunities, while

Davidson County General Sessions Court welcomes first court social worker

Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County General Sessions Court appointed its first court social worker, Laura Frazier. With a Master of Social Work, Frazier will connect

2026 World Cup is here and Atlanta is ready for it

2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 with Atlanta serving as a host city. Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts 8 matches including Spain vs Cabo Verde

NAACP, Legal Defense Fund seek court order to block USPS mail ballot rule

NAACP and Legal Defense Fund seek emergency court order to block proposed USPS rule threatening mail-in ballot delivery for 2026 elections. The groups argue the

FirstBank Stadium to host 2026 John A. Merritt Classic

On August 29, Tennessee State and Jackson State will face off at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville for the 2026 John A. Merritt Classic.