National Black Caucus of State Legislators facts for kids
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is a group of African American politicians. These politicians are elected to serve in state governments across the United States. They work together to make laws and policies that help everyone.
How the NBCSL Started
The NBCSL began in 1977. About eighteen African American state lawmakers were at a big meeting. They felt that the main organization there wasn't including them enough. So, they decided to create their own group.
They called for a special meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. About ninety African American state lawmakers came to this first meeting. The first president of the NBCSL was Matthew McNeely from Michigan.
The group has grown a lot since then. By 2008, it had more than 600 members. These members come from 44 states. They also come from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C.
What the NBCSL Does
The NBCSL holds a big meeting every year. It takes place in a different state each time. This meeting is called the Annual Legislative Conference.
Throughout the year, the NBCSL also hosts smaller events. These are called policy symposia. They help members learn about new ideas and important issues. This keeps them updated on topics that affect the people they represent.
At the annual conference, special committees meet. They talk about ideas for new policies. These ideas come from the information shared at the symposia. Members then vote on these policy ideas. If an idea gets enough votes, it becomes an official position of the NBCSL.
Lawmakers, business partners, and workers' groups use these policy positions. They use them to help create new laws. This happens in state governments and in the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
The NBCSL's Main Goal
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) has over 700 members. These members are Black state lawmakers. They come from 47 states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.
NBCSL members represent more than 50 million Americans. These Americans come from many different backgrounds. The NBCSL keeps an eye on what is happening in federal and state governments. They share this information with their members. They do this through special meetings and conferences.
Every year, NBCSL members vote on policy ideas. These ideas directly affect laws at the state and federal levels. The group focuses on issues that impact life in the United States. They want policies that help all Americans.
The main goal of the NBCSL is to teach and train its members. This helps them be better lawmakers. It helps them understand laws and public issues. They focus on how these issues affect African American people in their areas.
Who Leads the NBCSL?
The NBCSL has leaders who guide the organization. Here are some of the current executive officers:
- Representative Billy Mitchell (GA), President
- Representative Laura V. Hall (AL), President-Elect
- Representative Harold M. Love Jr. (TN), Vice President
- Representative Vivian Flowers (AR), Secretary
- Senator Raumesh Akbari (TN), Financial Secretary
- Representative Cherish Pryor (IN), Treasurer
- Senator Gerald Neal (KY), Parliamentarian
- Senator Pat Spearman (NV), Chaplain
