THE MARYLAND LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS. 46 Years of Progress

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1 THE MARYLAND LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS 46 Years of Progress

2 The Free State th Amendment gives African Americans men the Right to Vote 1873 William H. Butler first elected black official in Maryland Alderman in Annapolis 1890 Harry Sythe Cummings first African American elected to the Baltimore City Council.

3 The Free State the legislature approved $10,000 to transport free blacks and former slaves from the United States back to Africa; 1973 legislature officially ratified constitutional amendment allowing African American men the right to vote Cross burning finally becomes a felony

4 1955 History is Made. Senator Delegate Delegate Harry Cole Emory Cole Truly Hatchett

5 Organizing started with a few determined activists... Lena K. Lee, The Fearless One Peter Rawlings Norman Reeves Troy Brailey Recognizing the need to organize around issues affecting black folks in their communities and across the state!

6 In the beginning. Lena K. Lee Pete Rawlings Norman Reeve Troy Brailey

7 Legislative Black Caucus created in Maryland 17 Black legislators met in the State s House in Annapolis In that year, 1970, they convened and adopted the Black Caucus The members were from Baltimore City and Prince George s County The Caucus was not immediately accepted by the Maryland General Assembly.

8 Who Served. First Chair Arthur King First Vice Chair Verda Welcome

9 Building an institution Initial focus on civil rights and education Support to HBCU s in Maryland Support to minority businesses and contractors Cross burning becomes a felony

10 Organizing around collective action 1983 Chairman Clarence W. Blount introduced a legislative blueprint that moved the Caucus into a position of influence to tackle deep rooted barriers impacting the black community.

11 Progress Changing business as usual

12 Pursuing common goals and objectives.

13 Establishing an Identity Established Standing Committees to move legislation Set up pipeline of black legislators and leaders Established annual retreat to define agenda Spotlight on K-12 and Higher education Renamed Group Maryland Legislative Black Caucus (2002)

14 Legislative Activism Maryland Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities Health Care responsive to African American Needs Expansion of Minority Business Enterprise Program One of few States approving state funding for MLK Jr. Memorial February designated Black History Month in Maryland

15 2013 and Beyond Advocacy Criminal Justice Reform Neighborhood Revitalization Increased resources to K-12 education Capital Improvements for HBCUs Tax Incentives for Economic Development

16 Leadership: Former Past Presidents Delegate Barbara Robinson Delegate Aisha Braveboy Baltimore City Prince George's County Senator Catherine E. Pugh Baltimore City Delegate Veronica Turner Prince George s County Senator Verna L. Jones Baltimore City Delegate Rudolph C. Cane Wicomico Delegate Obie Patterson Prince George s County Delegate Talmadge Branch Baltimore City Delegate Carolyn Howard Prince George s County Senator Larry Young Baltimore City Delegate Joanne C. Benson Prince George s County

17 Leadership: Former Past Presidents Delegate John D. Jefferies Baltimore City Delegate Christine M. Jones Prince George s County Delegate Curt Anderson Baltimore City Senator Bucky Trotter Prince George s County Delegate Elijah E. Cummings Baltimore City Senator Clarence W. Blount Baltimore City Delegate Frank Conaway, Sr Baltimore City Senator Robert Douglas Baltimore City Delegate Arthur Murphy, Sr Baltimore City Senator Robert Douglas Baltimore City Delegate Lloyal Randolph Baltimore City Delegate Arthur King Prince George s County

18 Facing the Rising Sun of a New Day Begun Officers Chair Delegate Cheryl D. Glenn Baltimore City 1 st Vice- Chair Darryl Barnes Prince George s County

19 Facing the Rising Sun of a New Day Begun Officers Delegate Edith J. Patterson 2nd Vice-chair Charles County Delegate Benjamin Brooks Treasurer Prince George s County Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes Secretary Dorchester and Wicomico Counties Delegate Pamela Queen Financial Secretary Montgomery County Senator Joanne C. Benson Chaplain Prince George s County Delegate Charles E. Sydnor III Parliamentarian Baltimore County Senator Nathaniel McFadden Historian Baltimore City

20 Progress Today a Voice in Annapolis and Beyond! 46 members with representation throughout the state 20% of State Senators are African American 26% of State Delegates are African American Members in leadership positions in the House and Senate Staff, Statue, Seniority Enacting of countless laws benefitting the Community Continuing to examine all proposed legislation affecting black populace And, the work continues..