Our Mission
The Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus shall define, highlight and analyze those issues and concerns affecting people of color in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Caucus shall seek to develop a sense of political awareness among its constituents and to make the political and legislative process accountable and accessible for those who have been disenfranchised.
Our History
In January 1973, the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus (MBLC) was formed by seven Black legislators who joined together to work toward Black empowerment across the State of Massachusetts, with priority attention to the problems of Boston’s Black community with a view towards developing models for problem-solving/community development.
Their major goal was to develop a power base which would make the political and legislative process accountable and accessible to the Black community. Their priority legislation included employment opportunities, Affirmative Action programs, housing, human services, and economic development in the inner city.
Members of the MBLC included Senator Bill Owens, Representatives Royal Bolling, Doris Bunte, Mel King, Franklin Holgate, George Johnson, Carter Kimbrel. In July 2009, the MBLC changed its name to the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) following the addition of Latino legislators Senators Jarrett Barrios and Sonia Chang-Diaz and Representatives Geraldo Alicea, Jeffrey Sanchez, and Cheryl Coakley Rivera.
The MBLLC hires one staffer to serve as Executive Director who oversees Caucus activities. MBLLC Executive Directors included Bettye Robinson (1980s), Boyce Slayman (1990s), Lori Nelson (2000s), Marvin Venay (2000s), Sibusisiwe Malaba (2010s), Lucas DeBarros (2010s), Kyéra Sterling (2020s), Závon Billups (2020s).
