Ra Shad Frazier-Gaines

As a native of Aiken, SC, Ra Shád Frazier-Gaines has spent his career working to advance democratic values and progressivism throughout the country.

While attending the University of South Carolina, Frazier-Gaines served President of the Association of African American Students. He was also host committee chair of the 2007 College Democrats of America National Convention. Upon entering the workforce, Frazier-Gaines continued working in Democratic politics and served in several leadership positions in the Young Democrats of America (YDA), the largest-partisan organization for individuals 36 years old and younger. His most notable position in YDA is as Founder and Chairman of the Black Caucus of the Young Democrats of America.

Since college and for over a decade, Frazier-Gaines has traveled up and down the east coast and across the south advising progressive candidates and campaigns. Early in his career, he was a field organizer in Wilmington, DE and in 2009, launched his consulting firm for campaigns, nonprofits, and small business in Birmingham, AL. An example of his firm’s success was the pivotal role he played as campaign manager of State Representative Courtney Allen Curtis of Ferguson, Missouri. Even while advising campaigns, Frazier-Gaines found the time to be elected to serve as Treasurer of the Aiken County Historical Commission.

Always committed to give back what his professional experience has offered him, Frazier-Gaines creates and hosts training conferences and summits on various topics to address issues, raise awareness, and create solutions. Re-Up Ferguson, The Progressive Leadership Summit, and the Church of God in Christ AIM4Justice Social Justice Summit are the most recent installments.

Frazier-Gaines has been sought out both nationally and internationally for his expertise on issues facing young people and the African-American community and his experience in organizing and leading political campaigns. He has made appearances on WFXG Fox54, The Aiken Standard, The Post and Courier, Sputnick News, BBC NewsHour, Shout Radio, WJBF ABC6, and WUSA9, WRDW CBS12, and WLTX CBS19.