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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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
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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2003
NBCSL opposes United States invasion of Iraq. NBCSL and NHCSL meet during NCSL Fatherhood Symposium, Fannie Mae Housing Symposium, and the AstraZeneca sponsored Health Disparities Conference. A press conference was also held during NBCSL’s 27th Annual Legislative Conference to address Read More
2002
President Thomas, Vice President Mary Coleman, and NBCSL’s Committee on International Affairs Chair, Rep. Reginald Beamon, sign agreement in the Dominican Republic to promote African American students study abroad through NBCSL’s International Technical Assistance Center (ITAC). NBCSL receives a grant Read More
2001
Ebony Magazine names Representative James L. Thomas to its annual list: The 100+ MOST Influential Blacks. Fannie Mae sponsors its second annual symposium for the Committee on Housing, coinciding with NBCSL’s 5th Annual Gala and a Committee on Telecommunications symposium Read More
2000
Sen. Angela Monson (OK) elected NCSL Vice President; on track to become first African American woman president of that organization. Committee on Housing and other NBCSL members attend a housing/lending symposium hosted by Fannie Mae in Washington, D.C. President Thomas Read More
1999
NBCSL participates in the Fifth African African-American Summit in Accra, Ghana convened by Rev. Leon Sullivan. BCSL Corporate Round Table holds Third Annual Dinner Gala and Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. NBCSL Executive Committee establishes historic partnership with the leadership Read More
1998
NBCSL participates in march commemorating the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in Memphis, Tennessee. NBCSL Task Force on African American Males co-hosts the third national meeting of the African American Males National Council in St. Louis, Missouri. NBCSL 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