Brandon Upson
2025-2026 Obama Foundation USA Leader
Executive Director, The New Progressive South
Tega Cay, South Carolina
Brandon Upson is the executive director for The New Progressive South, an organization dedicated to building power for working people by equipping union members to organize and mobilize. Brandon works to ensure working families have the influence needed to shape a fair and just society. He has partnered with the Union of Southern Service Workers to organize 18 strikes and actions, pushing Waffle House to adopt stronger worker protections and raise wages. Brandon has built a network of 40 organizers and 116 volunteers and conducted over 200 canvassing events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched the Amplify Action initiative, where he registered 39,080 Black male voters and mobilized over 450,000 Black voters across the South. Through targeted civic engagement efforts, he expands participation among historically underrepresented groups and focuses his work on emphasizing the importance of every vote.
Meet the 2025-2026 United States Leaders
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For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.
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- The Center
- Building the Center
Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Terrace at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.
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- Defending Democracy
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- Barack Obama
Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi
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