The National Black Caucus of State Legislators is the nation's premier organization representing and serving the interests of African American State legislators.
ABOUT NBCSL
With more than 700 members representing more than 60 million Americans, NBCSL serves as a national network, advocate and catalyst for public policy innovation, information exchange, and joint action on critical issues affecting African Americans and other marginalized communities. Through research, education, and advocacy, NBCSL strengthens its members and helps ensure their strong, effective, and influential voice on Capitol Hill.





NBCSL has a new Membership Portal to access our extensive membership database.
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators' 2024 Policy Resolutions process opened on May 1, 2023
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Government shutdown to begin Sunday if no deal is reached: Live updates
Supreme Court rejects Alabama’s bid to use congressional map with just one majority-Black district
Alabama congressional map struck down again for diluting Black voting power
Georgia’s Calvin Smyre selected by Biden to serve as UN delegate
NBCSL Saddened by the Passing of South Carolina State Senator John Scott
South Carolina state Sen. John Scott, longtime Democratic lawmaker, dies at 69

The NBCSL Foundation
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2015
NBCSL President Sen. Catherine Pugh hosts Inaugural Swearing- In Ceremony and holds Executive Committee Meeting. President Barack Obama’s Executive Action on Immigration is blocked by federal district court judge. Thousands convene in Montgomery, AL to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Read More
2014
President Barack Obama creates a new initiative called “My Brother’s Keeper,” (MBK) which focuses on improving life outcomes for young men of color in several areas including education, mentorship, justice, and employment. MBK creates partnerships with government, philanthropic organizations, business Read More
2013
President Barack H. Obama is sworn in for a second term as the 44th President of the United States. Tennessee State Representative Joe Armstrong is installed NBCSL’s 10th president. President Joe Armstrong (TN), President-Elect, Senator Catherine Pugh (MD), Vice President, Read More
2012
President Barbara W. Ballard (KS) is honored with a Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) Phenomenal Women of Leadership Public Service Award during its National Women of Power Summit. She also serves on a panel moderated by Susan Taylor, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Read More
2011
Kansas State Representative Barbara W. Ballard is elected NBCSL’s eighth president. NBCSL President Barbara W. Ballard and Immediate Past President Calvin Smyre attend President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. President Barbara W. Ballard meets with Read More
2010
7.0 M Earthquake tears through Haiti killing 230,000, injuring 300,000, and causing 1,000,000 to become homeless. President Obama signs sweeping healthcare reform legislation, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, expanding coverage to over 30,000,000 Americans. President Calvin Smyre attends Read More
2015
NBCSL President Sen. Catherine Pugh hosts Inaugural Swearing- In Ceremony and holds Executive Committee Meeting. President Barack Obama’s Executive Action on Immigration is blocked by federal district court judge. Thousands convene in Montgomery, AL to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Read More
2014
President Barack Obama creates a new initiative called “My Brother’s Keeper,” (MBK) which focuses on improving life outcomes for young men of color in several areas including education, mentorship, justice, and employment. MBK creates partnerships with government, philanthropic organizations, business Read More
2013
President Barack H. Obama is sworn in for a second term as the 44th President of the United States. Tennessee State Representative Joe Armstrong is installed NBCSL’s 10th president. President Joe Armstrong (TN), President-Elect, Senator Catherine Pugh (MD), Vice President, Read More
2012
President Barbara W. Ballard (KS) is honored with a Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) Phenomenal Women of Leadership Public Service Award during its National Women of Power Summit. She also serves on a panel moderated by Susan Taylor, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Read More