Raising the Table: Clarence Shaw’s Vision for Political Power and Progress

How a lifelong public servant and Army veteran is creating a voice for Nevada’s Black communities—one connection, one campaign, and one act of service at a time.

Clarence Shaw stands beside his car, shifting slightly in the summer heat as he ends a phone call. It's early, but he's already had two meetings. A warm laugh escapes him when asked about his energy. “I’ve been active all my life,” he says. And it's true—his calendar, his convictions, and the people around him tell the story of a man who has never stopped showing up.

He’s not the kind of person who waits for someone else to do the hard work. Whether it was during his time with the Boys & Girls Club, marching for equity with the NAACP, serving three elected terms in California, or commanding troops in Iraq, Clarence has always believed that progress belongs to those who put in the effort.

Now, with the founding of the Nevada Black Heritage Council PAC, he’s putting his decades of leadership, service, and community-building into something bold, urgent, and necessary—a political action committee designed to amplify Black voices across the state and ensure that decision-makers reflect the communities they serve.

A Life Built on Service

Shaw’s path to political action isn’t a straight line; it’s a map of service. For 36 years, he worked in social services. For 25 years, he served in the Army Reserve, eventually becoming a company commander deployed to Iraq during the first phase of the war. “I brought all my soldiers back to their parents,” he says, his voice steady with the quiet pride of a leader who values lives over medals.

After two decades in Los Angeles and over a decade in Washington state, Clarence relocated to Las Vegas. “I’ve been in the community leadership space all my life,” he explains. “From volunteering with the YMCA to founding a PAC in Snohomish County, I’ve always felt it was important to be present, to make sure our people are seen and heard.”

The move to Nevada felt like the next natural step. There was work to be done—critical, overdue work—and Shaw knew he was the one to do it.

Bridging the Gap, Building the Table

Political action committees—PACs—are nothing new. They raise funds, endorse candidates, and shape policy through advocacy and influence. But as Shaw explains, they often leave certain communities behind. “There are a lot of PACs in this state,” he says, “but very few that are Black-led or focused on our interests. We’re behind, and that affects whose voice gets heard.”

This stark realization sparked the creation of the Nevada Black Heritage Council PAC. Its mission is simple yet vital: to raise and distribute funds to support candidates, legislation, ballot initiatives, and causes aligned with the values and interests of Black Nevadans. “We want a seat at the table,” Shaw says. “We’re not waiting for an invitation anymore.”

He points to the influence wielded by better-funded, better-organized groups. “Others are out front,” he says. “Their voices are loud because their infrastructure is in place. It’s time we caught up.”

The Hard Truths and the High Road

Starting a political action committee from scratch isn’t glamorous. There are no parades, no early wins. Clarence is honest about the biggest challenge: visibility.

“The organization is in its infancy,” he says. “So outreach, branding, building the face of the council—that’s where we’re focusing now. We’re building from the ground up, and partnerships are everything.”

Clarence doesn’t shy away from the reality that fundraising, too, has been a learning curve. “The hardest thing for me at first was asking for money,” he admits. “Until I ran for office myself, I didn’t realize how important that was. Now, it’s second nature—but it was a hurdle.”

Even in these early stages, the council is already setting ambitious goals: a budget of $25,000 to $40,000 to support research, advocacy, and candidate endorsements in the 2026 election cycle. And beyond that? A growing network of allied organizations and grassroots supporters across the state.

Investing in the Future

The word “heritage” isn’t just symbolic in the council’s name. It speaks to Shaw’s long-term vision: a political infrastructure that not only fights for today’s issues but nurtures tomorrow’s leaders.

“We have a scholarship section within our organization,” he says. “Many of our future events will directly fund that mission. We want young people to be involved, to grow into these roles, to carry on our legacy.”

This intergenerational focus isn’t new for Clarence. In his previous PAC work in California and Washington, he helped young people navigate political spaces, build careers, and find their voices. He sees the same opportunity in Nevada—to create an ecosystem where mentorship and advocacy go hand in hand.

“We’re not here just to win elections,” he explains. “We’re here to empower our youth, uplift our communities, and make sure our stories are written by us.”

A Voice With Purpose

What makes Clarence’s vision so different isn’t just the fact that his PAC is one of the few Black-led initiatives in the region—it’s his blend of lived experience and tactical skill. He understands systems, not just because he studied them, but because he’s operated inside them.

“Military leadership, local government, nonprofit advocacy—those experiences taught me how things work and how to move within them,” he says. “Now I’m using that knowledge to help others get in the room.”

As he puts it, the real work happens before the cameras arrive. “The groundwork matters. You have to be visible. Be at the events. Be part of the conversation. That’s how you build relationships. That’s how you get things done.”

A Quiet Force With a Big Impact

Clarence may not be flashy, but his quiet consistency resonates deeply in the community. “He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t just talk—he shows up,” says one supporter. Another describes him as “someone who makes you feel seen and pushes you to do more.”

It’s this presence—grounded, experienced, and community-first—that makes the Nevada Black Heritage Council PAC more than just a political organization. It’s a movement in the making.

Clarence is already planning for what comes next. Within 12 months, the PAC aims to be fully engaged in the upcoming general election cycle, identifying candidates and issues that matter most to the Black community in Nevada. And in 24 months? “We want to grow to over 100 member organizations,” he says. “We’re laying the groundwork right now.”

The council is also planning to host networking events, forums, and educational panels, though specific dates are still being finalized. “We’re just getting out of the blocks,” Clarence says, smiling. “But keep an eye out. We’re coming.”

A New Legacy for Nevada

There’s something quietly revolutionary about Clarence Shaw’s approach. He’s not looking for attention or accolades. He’s not waiting for someone to solve the problems. He’s stepping into the gap with purpose, integrity, and the kind of leadership that inspires trust.

When asked what readers should know, Clarence doesn’t mention political strategy or fundraising goals. Instead, he reminds us he’s a veteran who led troops in Iraq, a man who brought everyone home. “I just want people to know,” he says, “that I have the leadership and organizational skills to build something meaningful. And I’m doing it for all of us.”

For now, Clarence can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at (725) 277-4321. The council’s website and social media platforms are currently in development, but the work is already underway. If you’re interested in supporting, collaborating, or simply learning more, Clarence is just a call away.

This feature is part of The Business Review Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.