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. 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.
In 2007, more than a year before the general election, all but one of the members of the LBC endorsed Barack Obama for president.
Current membership Officers are elected from within the LBC with representation from both the Assembly and Senate members.
Officers Position Officer party District Chair Akilah Weber Democrat 39th State Senate district 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 Member party District Sade Elhawary Democrat 57th State Assembly district Mike Gipson Democrat 65th State Assembly district Tina McKinnor Democrat 62st State Assembly district Rhodesia Ransom Democrat 13th State Assembly district Laura Richardson Democrat 35th State Senate district LaShae Sharp-Collins Democrat 79th State Assembly district Lola Smallwood-Cuevas Democrat 28th State Senate district Lori Wilson Democrat 11th State Assembly district
Ex-officio members Ex-officio Member party Office Shirley Weber Democrat Secretary of State Tony Thurmond Democrat Superintendent of Public Instruction Malia Cohen Democrat State Treasurer
Former members Former MemberPast Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus party District Time in office Frederick Madison Roberts Republican 74th State Assembly district (1919–1931)62nd State Assembly district (1931–1935) 1919–1935 Augustus F. Hawkins Democrat 62nd State Assembly district 1935–1963 William Byron Rumford Democrat 17th State Assembly district 1949–1967 Mervyn Dymally Democrat 53rd State Assembly district (1963–1967) 29th State Senate district (1967–1975) 52nd State Assembly district (2002–2008) 1963–19752002-2008 F. Douglas Ferrell Democrat 55th State Assembly district 1963–1967 Willie Brown Democrat 18th State Assembly district (1965–1974)17th State Assembly district (1974–1992)13th State Assembly district (1992–1995) 1965–1995 Yvonne Brathwaite Burke Democrat 63rd State Assembly district 1967–1973 Bill Greene Democrat 53rd State Assembly district (1967–1974)47th State Assembly district (1974–1975)29th State Senate district (1975–1984)27th State Senate district (1984–1992) 1967–1992John J. Miller Democrat 17th State Assembly district (1967–1974)13th State Assembly district (1974–1978) 1967–1978Leon D. Ralph Democrat 55th State Assembly district (1967–1974)48th State Assembly district (1974–1976) 1967–1976Frank Holoman Democrat 65th State Assembly district 1973–1974Julian Dixon Democrat 63rd State Assembly district (1973–1974)49th State Assembly district (1974–1978) 1973–1978Nate Holden Democrat 30th State Senate district 1974–1978Curtis R. Tucker, Sr. Democrat 50th State Assembly district 1974–1988Teresa Patterson Hughes Democrat 47th State Assembly district (1975–1992)25th State Senate district (1992–2000) 1975–2000Maxine Waters Democrat48th State Assembly district1976-1990Gwen Moore Democrat49th State Assembly district (1978–1992)47th State Assembly district (1992–1994)1978-1994Elihu Harris Democrat13th State Assembly district1978-1990Diane Watson Democrat 30th State Senate district (1978–1982)28th State Senate district (1982–1994)26th State Senate district (1994–1998)1978-1998Willard H. Murray Jr. Democrat54th State Assembly district (1978–1992)52nd State Assembly district (1992–1996)1988-1996Curtis R. Tucker, Jr. Democrat 50th State Assembly district (1989-1992)51st State Assembly district (1992–1996) 1989–1996Marguerite Archie-Hudson Democrat 48th State Assembly district 1990–1996Steven BradfordSteven Bradford's biography archived at the California State Senate Democrat 51st State Assembly district (2009–2012) 62nd State Assembly district (2009–2012)35th State Senate district (2016–2024)2009-2014, and2016-2024
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