Troy Blackwell on-the-record

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OPEN Monday host Doctor Bob Lee from WBLS sits down with Bronx native Troy Blackwell, an award-winning communicator and government executive, and joins the program to speak about how he is navigating the current political space while shedding light on the work that he has done serving in government.

Troy Blackwell, who worked for the Department of Commerce in the Biden administration, said a big piece of DEI involves making policies and resources accessible for underserved communities. In his final year working for the Department of Commerce, Blackwell and his team opened patent and trademark resource libraries at Hispanic-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities. 

For decades, the South has been painted as a Republican stronghold, a region where Democratic campaigns go to falter and progressive policies hit a wall of resistance. But this narrative overlooks the evolving demographics, changing political landscape and untapped potential that make the South a battleground Democrats cannot afford to ignore. It’s time for Democrats to embrace a new Southern strategy — one that goes beyond simply competing and aims to build lasting political infrastructure in the region.

Troy Blackwell, the Deputy Chief Communications Officer at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Patent & Trademark Office,  joined WIN-TV and our Let's Talk at the Table segment, with Washington Informer reporters.

Now Harris is expected to oversee the same certification process to finalize Trump's victory as voters brush off concerns about the future of American democracy and return the former Republican president to the White House.

"I thought she did a phenomenal job. She ended the campaign with optimism and hope, which is what people needed,'' said Troy Blackwell, a Harris supporter.

More than 700 alumni of Biden’s 2020 campaign have signed a letter in support of Harris’ candidacy, aiming to demonstrate a united front with the goal of once again defeating Trump. These leaders represent a cross-section of individuals who have worked for and alongside President Biden since he was president-elect, a presidential candidate, a vice president, and at one time, President Barack Obama’s running mate.

This interactive panel discussion, led by social impact agency CMRIgnite, will explore how organizations can leverage authentic storytelling as a superpower to reach communities and inspire real, positive change.  Troy Blackwell will share relevant case studies, explore the essential elements of effective communication, and provide best practices and practical tools to help amplify underrepresented voices.

The United States Department of Commerce spotlights Troy Blackwell, Deputy Chief Communications Officer, for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Troy Blackwell is a bilingual public relations executive serving as President Biden’s Deputy Chief Communications Officer at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) – the second largest intellectual property office in the world.

Blackwell joins USPTO following two detail assignments at the Peace Corps, most recently with the office of enterprise integration at the U.S. Selective Service System.

Troy Blackwell, Director of Press Relations and Spokesperson for the Peace Corps, explains how he navigates public relations and storytelling for the agency. He dives into the importance of having open and inclusive conversations. He also describes the impact behind the ‘Bold Invitation’ campaign and how the message is reaching audiences of all backgrounds.

Power Players Rising honoree, Troy Blackwell was appointed as Press Director & Chief Spokesperson for the Peace Corps by the Biden-Harris Administration. In our interview, Troy, a champion for inclusion and representation, gives us insight into his new role as well as the journey he took to get there.