44 Years of Legislative Advocacy for People of Color – A Legacy of Social Change

California Legislative Black Caucus Members

The California Legislative Black Caucus was formed in 1967 when African American members of the California Legislature joined together to address the legislative concerns of African Americans and other citizens of color. The members believed that a caucus representing concerns of the African American community in the California Legislature would provide political influence and visibility far beyond their numbers. Today, there are 8 members of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

Throughout its history, the LBC and African American members of the legislature have been instrumental in crafting and supporting legislation designed to promote racial and gender equality as well as justice for the poor and other disenfranchised groups.  The LBC has also served of the conscience of the legislature and ballot measures that seek to dismantle programs that are beneficial to African Americans and other groups of color.  The LBC also seeks to increase African American participation in all levels of government.  Among the more significant of these measures include:

Health Care Access

  • The establishment of Drew University Medical School

Housing

  • Established the Fair Housing Act of 1963 (Byron Rumford)
  • Passage of laws prohibiting the practice of “red-lining” home loans

Public Safety

  • Passage of legislative addressing domestic violence and programs offering support for poor women with children

Social Justice

  • Established a Fair Employment Practices Commission in 1959
  • Eliminated References to race and religion on employment applications
  • Discontinued segregation in the National Guard
  • Establishment of January 15th as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in California

Economic Development

  • Divestment of California financial interests in companies doing business in South Africa
  • Minority Business Enterprise/Women’s Business Enterprise Statute, which sets aside a certain percentage of government contracts for businesses owned by women and people of color

Education

  • Creation of Commission on the Status of African American Males
  • Establishment of the Center  for African American Educational Excellence and Achievement, California Museum of Afro-American History and Culture, Institute on the Preservation of Jazz as an Art Form, Youth Service Bureaus, and other mentor and Entrepreneur programs for youth
  • Authorization of bond money for school construction