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.
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New SC senator elected in Richland County.
National Black Caucus of State Legislators Urges Black Farmers to Apply for Share of Financial Assistance from USDA by January 13, 2024 Deadline
ICYMI: USDA Extends Application Deadline for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to January 13
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators Mourns the Passing of Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter: A Life of Enduring Grace and Advocacy
Advocating for Peace, Humanitarian Aid, and Human Rights in Israeli-Gaza Conflict
FACT SHEET: White House Calls on Congress to Support Critical Domestic Needs
Membership Highlights
With more than 700 members collectively representing over 60 million Americans, NBCSL serves as a national network, advocate and catalyst for public policy innovation, information exchange, and joint action on critical issues.
The NBCSL Foundation
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2009
President Calvin Smyre, Vice President Barbara Ballard, Executive Director LaKimba DeSadier and NBCSL members attend the historic Inauguration of President Barack Obama as he is sworn in as the first African American President and the 44th President of the United Read More
2008
NBCSL, NHCSL, and the Council of State Governments convene their last health meeting in conjunction with the Centers for Disease and Prevention Control (CDC) a three year partnership called “Healthy States” in Florida. NBCSL and the National Medical Association (NMA) Read More
2007
Georgia state Representative Calvin Smyre is elected NBCSL’s seventh president. NBCSL and the National Medical Association continue their tradition of meeting to discuss health disparities and the way elected officials and medical practitioners can work together, this meeting is sponsored Read More
2006
NBCSL legislative members urge displaced voters to participate in New Orleans mayoral election. NBCSL supports efforts to remove barriers to voter participation in the New Orleans elections. NBCSL condenses policy committee structure from 22 to 12 policy committees and institutes Read More
2005
NBCSL President Mary H. Coleman and Vice President Calvin Smyre re-elected to serve in their executive capacities through 2006. NBCSL, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) and the Council of State Governments enter three year cooperative agreement with Read More
2004
President Mary H. Coleman and Vice President Calvin Smyre visit the Dominican Republic to meet with officials and students participating in NBCSL’s student abroad program. The twenty-one students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the Dominican Republic traveled and 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
2009
President Calvin Smyre, Vice President Barbara Ballard, Executive Director LaKimba DeSadier and NBCSL members attend the historic Inauguration of President Barack Obama as he is sworn in as the first African American President and the 44th President of the United Read More
2008
NBCSL, NHCSL, and the Council of State Governments convene their last health meeting in conjunction with the Centers for Disease and Prevention Control (CDC) a three year partnership called “Healthy States” in Florida. NBCSL and the National Medical Association (NMA) Read More