California Legislative Black Caucus
The California Legislative Black Caucus, also known as the CLBC, is a California political organization composed of African Americans elected to the California State Legislature.
Priorities
The California Legislative Black Caucus represents and advocates for the interests of Black people throughout California. It seeks to increase African American participation and representation in all levels of government. Since the formation of the California Legislative Black Caucus (LBC), the core mission of the LBC has been to close (and, ultimately, to eliminate) disparities that exist between African-Americans and white Americans in every aspect of life.[1] Specific priorities of the LBC include:
- Increase Black representation in all levels of government, including statewide appointments and statewide elected offices.
- Creating employment opportunities and economic security for African Americans.
- Ensure the African American community has equal access to education, social services, health, mental health, and other government programs and services.
- Preserve safety net health, mental health, and social service programs that serve the African American community.
- Strengthen protections against hate crimes and defend the civil rights and liberties of Blacks.
- Fight racial stereotypes and negative portrayals of Blacks in the media.
- Promote greater civic participation and knowledge about major policy issues among the African American communities.
- Closing the achievement and opportunity gaps in education.
- Assuring quality health care for every Californian.
- Building wealth and business development for all Californians.
- Ensuring justice for all.
- Retirement security for all Californians.
History
The California Legislative Black Caucus was formed in 1967 when black members of the California Legislature joined to strengthen their efforts to address the legislative concerns of black and minority citizens. The members believed that a black caucus in the California Legislature, speaking with a single voice, would provide political influence and visibility far beyond their numbers.[2]
In 2007, more than a year before the general election, all but one of the members of the LBC endorsed Barack Obama for president.[3]
Current membership
Officers are elected from within the LBC with representation from both the Assembly and Senate members.[4]
Officers
| Position | Officer | party | District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chair | Akilah Weber | Democrat | 39th State Senate district[a] |
| Vice-chair | Isaac Bryan | Democrat | 55th State Assembly district |
| Treasurer | Mia Bonta | Democrat | 18th State Assembly district |
| Secretary | Corey Jackson | Democrat | 60th State Assembly district |
Members
Ex-officio members
| Ex-officio Member | party | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Shirley Weber | Democrat | Secretary of State[e] |
| Tony Thurmond | Democrat | Superintendent of Public Instruction[f] |
| Malia Cohen | Democrat | State Treasurer |
Former members
Notes
- ^ Previously served as a representative from the 79th State Assembly district (2021-2024)
- ^ Previously served as a representative from the 64th State Assembly district (2014-2022)
- ^ Previously served as a representative from the 61st State Assembly district (2022)
- ^ Previously served as a representative from the 55th State Assembly district (2006-2007)
- ^ Previously served as a representative from the 79th State Assembly district (2012-2021)
- ^ Previously served as a representative from the 15th State Assembly district (2014-2018)
References
- ^ "Mission Statement". The California Legislative Black Caucus. Archived from the original on September 13, 2007. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
- ^ "History". The California Legislative Black Caucus. Archived from the original on May 14, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
- ^ Debose, Brian (2007-09-14). "Obama gets key black support". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
- ^ "Members". The California Legislative Black Caucus. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved 2008-05-11.
- ^ "CLBC Members | Legislative Black Caucus".
- ^ Past Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus
- ^ Steven Bradford's biography archived at the California State Senate