History of the Legislative Black Caucus

Established In 1967, The Legislative Black Caucus is the principal unifying vehicle of the 30 African American members who have served in the California State Legislature.

By Simeon Gant | SPECIAL TO SACOBSERVER.COM

Before the Fifteenth Amendment of the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act were adopted, Black men and women were outlawed from participating in America's political system. Since then, African Americans have quickly advanced, and soon began to elect leaders from their own community.

In California, the first African American elected to the state legislature was Fredrick M. Roberts. When Roberts was elected to the California State Assembly in 1918 there were many social wrongs that he attempted to right.

He fought against new laws that restricted African Americans from exercising their social, economic and political right. Roberts also championed such issues as opening access to public facilities, like restaurants and restrooms. In the early 1900's Blacks did not have the same access to these places as Whites and many felt it was time for a change.

Other Black legislators sponsored measures establishing a Fair Employment Practices Commission in 1959, the Fair Housing Act of 1963, discontinued segregation in the National Guard, and eliminated references to race and religion on employment applications in 1949.

The Legislative Black Caucus was officially established in 1967. Like the various other caucuses in the State Legislature, the goal of the LBC is to form a unified body of elected officials to establish a common legislative agenda.

With the assistance of the LBC, new laws helped make California a better place to live for African Americans. Since Assemblyman Roberts began the African American crusade for political representation in California, 37 Black men and women have been elected to the California Legislature.

By virtue of their racial origins, they were all members of the Legislative Black Caucus.All of these legislators have registered as Democrats, each providing their own political experience. More often than not, they wrote laws considered to the left of the political spectrum. Throughout its history, the Legislative Black Caucus has 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.

Among the more significant of these measures were the establishment of January 15th as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday in California, the establishment of the Center for African American Educational Excellence, and the MBE/WBE Statute, which set aside a certain percentage of government contracts for businesses owned by women and people of color.

The caucus has also been active in opposing numerous bills that sought to dismantle programs beneficial to African Americans or bills that would otherwise negatively impact African American communities.

During the 1995 to 1996 legislative session the LBC hosted its annual Black Family Hearing. African American legislatures worked diligently against Proposition 209, which was designed to make sweeping changes to Affirmative Action laws. These hearings, attended by elected officials, community activists and department heads, proved to be an effective forum in disseminating viewpoints and legal clarification of this controversial issue. Unfortunately the voters of California approved the changes, banning Affirmative Action laws in the State of California.

The original Black Family Hearings held at the State Capitol Building were called Colored Conventions from 1855 to 1865. Like the hearings conducted in the mid-90s the conventions brought delegates from across the state mainly to work on strategies to oppose racist laws like the measure that barred African Americans from testifying in California courts of law.

As African Americans mature in the California political system, its leadership base has grown tremendously. To this date, two Black legislators have presided over the State Assembly as the Speaker of the house. Herb Wesson (D-Los Angeles) was elected to the speakership in 2002. Willie L. Brown, Jr. (D-San Francisco) spent 31 years in the legislature. He has the honorable distinction of serving as the Assembly Speaker longer than any other member for 14 tumultuous years.

Former LBC chair, Senator Kevin Murray (D-Los Angeles) is the first legislator to hold statewide office concurrently with his father Assemblyman Willard H. Murray (D-Compton). The elder Murray also once chaired the caucus. Both father and son have continued to advocate for the rights of American citizens who have historically been underrepresented.

In 2006, Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally was chosen not only as Chair of the LBC, but was also given the title, “Dean of the State Assembly.” Dymally holds the distinction of being the only African American to be elected Lt. Governor of California in 1975. In addition, Dymally served in the State Assembly in two different eras, first elected in 1962, then returning to the Assembly in 2005.

From the moment African Americans were able to vote and choose their own legislative representatives, it became evident that Black members were interested in coming together to effectively change the discriminatory laws set in California. The LBC has served as a political organization with a mission to empower the African American community. Fighting for economic development, educational equality and greater self-sufficiency are just a few goals the Caucus will be encouraged to fight for as we launch into a new era of African American politics.

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