Charles Ridley is a respected senior community organizer with decades of experience building political and community infrastructures across Florida. For more than 12 years, he has served as Political Coordinator for SEIU Florida Public Services Union, representing over 25,000 workers and advancing labor rights, racial equity, and community empowerment.
As Chair of UNIFY Palm Beach, Charles leads a transformative movement dedicated to “Building Power for Black People and Black Communities.” Under his leadership, UNIFY has mobilized thousands of Black voters, advanced a bold Black Agenda, and confronted systemic challenges including mass incarceration, gentrification, and educational inequities. He also co-chairs the Village Elders Table in Delray Beach’s historic Black neighborhood, a trusted space for intergenerational truth-telling, advocacy, and cultural preservation.
Charles is Chair of the West Atlantic Redevelopment Coalition, guiding implementation of The Set Transformation Plan to ensure redevelopment strengthens rather than displaces long-term residents. His career also includes leadership in substance abuse prevention, youth education reform, and grassroots civic engagement, including founding Village Academy, co-authoring the Southwest Delray Beach Neighborhood Plan, and helping expand MADDDADS of Florida statewide.
In addition to organizing, Charles is an accomplished musician and has served as Minister of Music at Cathedral of Hope since 2004. A proud son of Delray Beach, he has been married to Cynthia Ridley for 39 years and is the father of five and grandfather of three.
