JOSEPH NEG– USE

The African Diaspora consists of individuals who continue to make a difference in their communities and who give of themselves to make the world a better place. In addition to recent immigrants, there are also first generation Africans in the Diaspora who are making a difference with their lives and actions, like Joseph Neguse.

Joseph Neguse is a first generation American of Eritrean descent. Fondly known as ‘Joe’, his parents immigrated to the United States from the Northeastern African country in the eighties. During his time under his parent?s tutelage, Joe learned the values of hard work, perseverance and a solid education.

Joe graduated from Colorado University at Boulder with a bachelor?s degree in economics and political science. During this time, he?also served as?the student body president, and the chair of the inter-campus student forum. His education continued further, and in 2009, he graduated from the University of Colorado School of Law, where?he also served as class president.

Joe’s commitment to public and civic service?is firm and established. While trying to wrap up his time in law school, Joe made history in the state of Colorado by being one of ?the state’s youngest elected officials, when he was?elected to represent Colorado?s 2nd Congressional District on the CU Board of Regents. Prior to this, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee on the Board, and Chair of the Regent Audit Committee. He had also served as?a Commissioner on the Boulder Housing Authority.?

Joseph recently announced his candidacy for the US state of Colorado secretary of state. He hopes that in this capacity, he will be able to ensure that all citizens of Colorado?have the opportunity to be active participants in democracy. His beliefs are rooted in his own parent?s journey and experiences.

His grassroots activism is not new, Neguse co-founded the ?Fund Our Future? effort to increase state funding for public higher education. He also co-founded ?New Era Colorado? where he worked to involve youth in the political process. His involvement in the community has earned him an ?emeritus? status by the Colorado University Board of Regents. He is currently an associate in the law offices of Holland and Hart LLP, where he?represents clients in various labor and employment disputes. In 2010, he received the?Colorado Democratic Party??Rising Star? Award, and he was recently recognized as a??Rising Star? by?Colorado Super Lawyers.

We only wish Joe the best of luck as he runs for Colorado secretary of state. We know the African inspired values that have brought him so far will also take him even further.

Image: University of Colorado