THE MARYLAND LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS 46 Years of Progress
The Free State 1870 15 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.
The Free State. 1831 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. 1993 Cross burning finally becomes a felony
1955 History is Made. Senator Delegate Delegate Harry Cole Emory Cole Truly Hatchett
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!
In the beginning. Lena K. Lee Pete Rawlings Norman Reeve Troy Brailey
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.
Who Served. First Chair Arthur King First Vice Chair Verda Welcome
1970-1982 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
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.
Progress Changing business as usual
Pursuing common goals and objectives.
1993-2003 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)
2003-2013 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
2013 and Beyond Advocacy Criminal Justice Reform Neighborhood Revitalization Increased resources to K-12 education Capital Improvements for HBCUs Tax Incentives for Economic Development
Leadership: Former Past Presidents Delegate Barbara Robinson Delegate Aisha Braveboy 2104-2016 2012-2014 Baltimore City Prince George's County Senator Catherine E. Pugh 2010-2012 Baltimore City Delegate Veronica Turner 2008-2010 Prince George s County Senator Verna L. Jones 2006-2008 Baltimore City Delegate Rudolph C. Cane 2004-2006 Wicomico Delegate Obie Patterson 2002-2004 Prince George s County Delegate Talmadge Branch 2000-2002 Baltimore City Delegate Carolyn Howard 1998-2000 Prince George s County Senator Larry Young 1996-1997 Baltimore City Delegate Joanne C. Benson 1995-1996 Prince George s County
Leadership: Former Past Presidents Delegate John D. Jefferies 1992-1994 Baltimore City Delegate Christine M. Jones 1991-1992 Prince George s County Delegate Curt Anderson 1988-1990 Baltimore City Senator Bucky Trotter 1986-1988 Prince George s County Delegate Elijah E. Cummings 1984-1985 Baltimore City Senator Clarence W. Blount 1982-1984 Baltimore City Delegate Frank Conaway, Sr. 1981-1982 Baltimore City Senator Robert Douglas 1978-1980 Baltimore City Delegate Arthur Murphy, Sr. 1978 Baltimore City Senator Robert Douglas 1976-1978 Baltimore City Delegate Lloyal Randolph 1972-1975 Baltimore City Delegate Arthur King 1970-1972 Prince George s County
Facing the Rising Sun of a New Day Begun 2016-2018 Officers Chair Delegate Cheryl D. Glenn Baltimore City 1 st Vice- Chair Darryl Barnes Prince George s County
Facing the Rising Sun of a New Day Begun 2016-2018 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
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..