At the beginning of 2026, there will be a changing of the guard at the Black Political Empowerment Project (B-PEP).
Founder Tim Stevens, who has served as chairman of the board for the organization for nearly four decades, will be stepping down from that position, with Lorraine Cross taking over.
Cross is the current vice-chair of B-PEP, and taking over for her will be Daylon A. Davis, who has been with B-PEP for about two years and who formerly served as president of the Pittsburgh chapter of the NAACP.
“I have confidence in Lorraine Cross and Daylon A. Davis to help carry forward the work and values that B-PEP has long stood for. Their commitment to community, thoughtful leadership and willingness to serve will be important as the organization continues to evolve. I look forward to working alongside them and supporting their efforts as B-PEP enters its next chapter,” Stevens said in a news release.
Stevens will stay on with the organization as the chief executive officer.
The Hill District-based B-PEP was founded in 1986 and concentrates on ensuring that all Black voters participate in every election, along with other initiatives such as advocacy to elected officials. The organization also oversees the Greater Pittsburgh Coalition Against Violence and Corporate Equity and Inclusion Roundtable.
Cross said that the shift in leadership is meant to strengthen and update the structure of B-PEP.
”As the organization continues to grow, it became important to update our framework so we can operate more efficiently, expand our impact and position B‑PEP for long‑term sustainability,” Cross said. “This transition reflects our dedication to being a modern, accountable and community‑centered nonprofit.”
Davis said that the project’s leaders have been in conversation about switching things up for some time.
“This was the year that Mr. Stevens decided to pull the trigger, as far as making organizational changes,” he said.
Both Cross and Davis are looking forward to growing B-PEP and moving it into the future.
“I’m genuinely excited and energized by the opportunity. Stepping into this role is both an honor and a challenge I welcome. I’m looking forward to building on the strong foundation that already exists and helping drive meaningful change. This moment represents a chance to bring fresh ideas, deepen community engagement and continue the important work B‑PEP has led for decades,” Cross said.
Davis said that part of the new perspective given by the incoming leaders will be more community-minded while also carrying on the legacy that Stevens began and championed for 40 years.
“We’re going to have a lot more forums and work with our long-history partners to bring in some more generational youth into the organization,” he said.
Cross believes that it’s important for the community to act as a united front, and she intends to lead accordingly.
“I want to focus on initiatives that bring people together, amplify collective power, and create more unified strategies for equity and justice. That means strengthening partnerships, expanding civic engagement and ensuring that the voice of our community feels heard, valued and connected,” she said.