About Us

The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is the nation's premier organization representing and serving the interests of African American State legislators. 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.

Our Mission

NBCSL’s primary mission is to develop, conduct and promote educational, research and training programs designed to enhance the effectiveness of its members, as they consider legislation and issues of public policy which impact, either directly or indirectly upon "the general welfare" of African American constituents within their respective jurisdictions.

Our Objectives

In support of its mission, NBCSL has adopted the following fundamental objectives:

• To serve as a national network and clearinghouse for the discussion, dissemination, and exchange of ideas and information among African American state legislators and their staffs;
• To provide research, training, and educational services to African American state legislators and their staff.
• To improve the effectiveness and quality of African American state legislators; and
• To serve as a strong, united, and effective advocate for African American state legislators and their constituencies at the federal level.