Georgia Legislative Black Caucus facts for kids
The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus is a special group of African-American lawmakers. These lawmakers are members of the Georgia General Assembly. That's the main group that makes laws for the state of Georgia. This caucus started in 1975. Today, it's the biggest group of Black state lawmakers in the entire country!
History of the Caucus
Before 1962, many African-American lawmakers served in the Georgia General Assembly. From 1868 to 1907, 58 Black legislators were elected. The first 33 African-American members joined in 1868.
However, after 1907, things changed. For many years, African-Americans faced unfair rules. They were often stopped from voting or running in state elections. This was due to things like poll taxes, which were fees to vote. There were also literacy tests, which were difficult reading tests. Until 1946, African-Americans could not even vote in "white primaries." These were special elections run by the Democratic Party that decided who would be on the ballot.
But important changes started to happen. Several court cases helped make voting fairer. These included King v. Chapman, Gray v. Sanders, and Wesberry v. Sanders. Also, new laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were passed. These laws made it possible for more Black people to register and vote.
Because of these changes, Senator Leroy Johnson was elected in 1962. He was the first Black senator since 1907. Then, in 1965, eight more African-American members were elected to the House of Representatives. Six were from Atlanta: William Alexander, Julian Bond, Benjamin Brown, Julius C. Daugherty, J. D. Grier, and Grace Towns Hamilton. One was from Columbus (Albert Thompson) and one from Augusta (Richard Dent).
By 1972, 14 African-American members were serving in the General Assembly. Senator Johnson began holding informal meetings with these Black lawmakers. They would talk about important issues for their communities. In 1975, this group officially became the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus. Rep. Benjamin Brown was its first leader.
Leaders of the Caucus
The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus has had many important leaders over the years. Here are some of the people who have served as its chair:
- Rep. Benjamin Brown (1973-1976)
- Rep. Bobby Hill (1976-1979)
- Rep. Calvin Smyre (1979-1980)
- Rep. William Randall (1980-1982)
- Senator Al Scott (1982-1984)
- Rep. Sanford Bishop
- Senator Charles Walker
- Rep. Bob Holmes
- Rep. Mike Thurmond
- Rep. Georganna Sinkfield
- Sen. Diana Harvey Johnson
- Rep. Carl Von Epps, Jr.
- Senator Ed Harbison
- Rep. Stan Watson
- Rep. Al Williams
- Senator Emanuel Jones
- Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler
- Senator Lester G. Jackson
- Rep. Karen Bennett (politician)
