Policy Resolution LJE-15-19

Creating and Implementing African American Commissions to Reduce Disparities
Law, Justice, and Ethics (LJE) Committee

WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) focuses heavily on economic vitality, improved education, reduction of health disparities, and the elimination of the arbitrary factors that limit and/or prohibit the positive progression of African American families and communities;

WHEREAS, NBCSL believes no segment of our society should suffer disparate impact resulting from lack of access to, or productive use of, the implements of government;

WHEREAS, NBCSL understands the importance of collaboration, the exchange of best practices, and the strength of partnership and solidarity;

WHEREAS, NBCSL has supported the creation, funding, and implementation of African American Commissions, by statute, in each state for the following purposes:

(1) assisting with the research and development of public policies that adequately address barriers and promote the well-being of African Americans;

(2) assisting state agencies in the development or retooling of programs and services that have not fully realized success within African American communities;

(3) monitoring and reporting on the alignment of community needs and governmental investment, and
(4) supporting the research needs and public policy initiatives of members of the NBCSL;

WHEREAS, President Barack Obama launched the My Brother’s Keeper initiative, by joining together with other public, private, and non-profit sector leaders to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure all young people can reach their full potential;

WHEREAS, President Obama and his Administration, through My Brother’s Keeper, are identifying areas where the Administration can make adjustments to close opportunity gaps confronting young men of color; and

WHEREAS, in September 2014, President Obama issued the “My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge” to cities, towns, counties and tribes across the country to become “MBK Communities,” for all members of our communities, and mayors in particular, as they often sit at the intersection of many of the vital forces and structural components needed to enact sustainable change through policy, programs, and partnerships.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) applauds and supports the efforts of President Obama and his Administration for creating the My Brother’s Keeper;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVER, that NBCSL urges its members and other leaders to join the “My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge”;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NBCSL applauds and recognizes the efforts of the African American Affairs Commission of Connecticut, the Illinois African American Family Commission, the Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans, the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, the Commission on African American Affairs of Pennsylvania, the Council on Black Minnesotans of Minnesota, the New Mexico Office of African American Affairs, the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs, and the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that NBCSL members avail themselves of opportunities to educate others on the critical role of African American Commissions within government; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other federal and state government officials as appropriate.

  • SPONSOR: Senator Donne Trotter (IL)
  • Committee of Jurisdiction: Law, Justice, and Ethics Policy Committee
  • Certified by Committee Chair: Representative Reginald Meeks (KY)
  • Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 12, 2014
  • Ratification is certified by: Representative Joe Armstrong (TN), President