Michael Bland

About Michael Bland

Michael Bland is the Executive Director of Black Men Vote (BMV), a national, nonpartisan organization dedicated to moving Black men from the margins to the center of American civic life. A strategist and coalition-builder with over two decades in nonprofit and political leadership, Bland leads BMV’s rebrand and growth agenda—aligning programs, partnerships, and policy work around measurable outcomes for Black men, their families, and their communities.Since stepping into the role, Bland has launched BMV’s “From the Margins to the Center” strategic direction; expanded the National Board of Trustees; hired core leadership; and stood up a modern digital presence and brand. He’s accelerated on-the-ground engagement through town halls in new states, voter registration efforts in target states, and the organization’s largest research and polling initiative to date. Looking ahead to 2026, Bland is driving the rollout of state chapters, a quarterly cadence of District Workshops + Job Fairs, workforce development clinics, and re-entry/expungement services, all powered by trusted messengers—barbers, faith leaders, coaches, alumni networks—and data-driven follow-through.Bland is known for bridging the streets and the suites: forging partnerships with labor, HBCUs, elected leaders, and community institutions while keeping the work grounded in real needs and real results. His north star is simple and urgent—build trust, remove barriers, and deliver pathways to power for Black men across the country.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Black Men Vote

   Apr 2025 — Present · US

Education

• University of Rhode Island

  Political Science, Public Policy Analysis

  2005 — 2009