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

  • Lenny McAllister
  • July 1, 2024

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…

Media Hit

Read More: Jay-Z, MLK, and the progressive opposition to genuine reform

Erie, PA: The Gateway to Victory in America

  • Lenny McAllister
  • October 30, 2020

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

Read More: Erie, PA: The Gateway to Victory in America

Op-Ed: SCOTUS ends religious discrimination in education funding

  • Lenny McAllister, Marc LeBlond
  • July 20, 2020

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 funding

Government Accountability

A Door to Liberation: Why Juneteenth Matters

  • Lenny McAllister
  • June 19, 2020

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 Matters

Education

How to Enroll in Cyber School

  • Lenny McAllister, Marc LeBlond
  • March 27, 2020

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

Read More: How to Enroll in Cyber School

Education

Conscientious Objectors to Choice

  • Lenny McAllister
  • November 1, 2019

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

Read More: Conscientious Objectors to Choice

Education

A Better Strategy for Students in the “City of Champions”

  • Lenny McAllister
  • August 6, 2019

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

  • Lenny McAllister, Nathan Benefield
  • April 30, 2019

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

Read More: How Low-Income Students Benefit from Education Tax Credits

Education

Fight for Education Equality Marches On

  • Lenny McAllister
  • April 12, 2019

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

Read More: Fight for Education Equality Marches On

Education

Penn Hills: A (Tragic) Love Story

  • Lenny McAllister
  • February 15, 2019

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 Story

Criminal Justice Reform

Today’s Opportunities in the Spirit of King

  • Lenny McAllister
  • January 21, 2019

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

Read More: Today’s Opportunities in the Spirit of King

Time for Education Equality in Erie

  • Lenny McAllister
  • February 14, 2018

“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

Read More: Time for Education Equality in Erie