About the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus
The Nations Oldest Black Caucus
Est. 1967
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus seeks to promote, foster and sponsor education, civic, and political activities that enrich and improve African American communities across the state of Ohio through the efforts of the members of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.
Mission
“The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus seeks to promote, foster, and sponsor educational, civic, and political activities that enrich and improve African American communities across the state of Ohio through the legislative efforts of the members of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus”.
Vision
Over the past 50 years the members of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus have been on the front-lines, fully committed to fighting for issues important to African Americans in Ohio. The caucus is dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system, ensuring the fundamental right to vote is not infringed upon, securing a fair playing field for African Americans seeking good-paying jobs, addressing health disparities, combating poverty and strengthening the education system to help ensure a bright future for the next generation of African American/ Black leaders in Ohio.
Furthermore, we strive to always be a conscious voice in the legislature not just for Black Ohioans but all minorities in Ohio. While cultivating a culture that will create strong leadership in the Black community and all of Ohio for the years to come.
Our Issues
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus has been on the front lines advocating for policies that are important for enhancing the African American experience and quality of life here in Ohio for over 50 years. We pride ourselves on being champions for equality in various fields.
Since our inception we have prioritized the reformation of the criminal justice system and defending the right to vote. In addition, we strive to even the playing field for African Americans by advocating for well-paying jobs, decreasing health disparities, combating poverty, and strengthening the education system. Education as a priority extends from pre-k to high school, all the way to our historically black colleges and universities, such as Central State and Wilberforce. Education ensures a bright future for our next generation of African American leaders in Ohio.
Our History
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus has been on the front lines advocating for policies that are important for enhancing the African American experience and quality of life here in Ohio for over 50 years. We pride ourselves on being champions for equality in various fields.
Since our inception we have prioritized the reformation of the criminal justice system and defending the right to vote. In addition, we strive to even the playing field for African Americans by advocating for well-paying jobs, decreasing health disparities, combating poverty, and strengthening the education system. Education as a priority extends from pre-k to high school, all the way to our historically black colleges and universities, such as Central State and Wilberforce. Education ensures a bright future for our next generation of African American leaders in Ohio.
Our Leadership
Why does Ohio need a Black Caucus?
Our Purpose
The OLBC was founded in 1967 a time in our countries history when the voices of Black legislators were often ignored and overlooked by other legislator’s even within the same political caucus.
The struggle to have their voices heard when speaking up for underserved communities charged the Black legislators in the Ohio House and Senate to band together to form the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus formerly know as Black Elected Democrats of Ohio (BEDO).
Today the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus is a well respected valued organization consisting of seventeen members between the House and Senate. Currently other caucuses and key stakeholder consult with and seek the support of OLBC before moving forward with polices that may impact the marginalized communities.
The successes of the OLBC have blazed a trail for many of the constituent caucuses we know today.
Systemic Change
The OLBC is committed to creating systemic change to level the field for those whom have been disenfranchised by a system that was not designed for equal opportunity. The OLBC hopes to create a better quality of life for all Ohioans through the equity and inclusion.
Education
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) is dedicated to improving education access for Black communities. We advocate for increased funding for early childhood programs, support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and ensuring Ohio’s public schools have the resources needed for success. Through these efforts, the OLBC aims to promote educational equity and provide all Ohioans with the tools to succeed
Defending Damocracy
The OLBC is deeply committed to defending democracy against efforts that seek to undermine or disrupt the democratic process in Ohio and across the United States. We are particularly concerned about attacks on democracy from the Republican Party, which they believe are aimed at disenfranchising voters and undermining the integrity of elections. The OLBC advocates for policies that protect voting rights, promote fair and transparent elections, and hold accountable those who seek to undermine democracy. They believe that a strong and vibrant democracy is essential for ensuring that all voices are heard and that the rights of all citizens are protected.
Criminal Justice Reform
The OLBC is committed to supporting policies that reduce the rate of Black imprisonment and recidivism by addressing the root causes of actions that lead members of our communities into correctional facilities, often tied to poverty.
Healthcare Access
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) is actively working to improve healthcare access and outcomes for Black communities. We focus on reducing maternal health disparities through better prenatal care and support, addressing high Black infant mortality rates, enhancing women’s healthcare access, and improving care for aging Black seniors. These efforts aim to promote health equity and ensure that all Ohioans have access to needed healthcare services.
Voting Rights
The OLBC strongly believes that voting rights are human rights. To protect and defend Ohioans’ rights to vote, the OLBC advocates for policies that ensure equitable access to the ballot box for all citizens. This includes opposing voter suppression efforts such as restrictive voter ID laws, advocating for early voting options, and supporting measures to expand voter registration opportunities. The OLBC also works to protect voting rights by opposing gerrymandering and advocating for fair redistricting processes that ensure all communities have a voice in the political process. Overall, the OLBC is committed to ensuring that every eligible Ohioan can exercise our right to vote without barriers or discrimination.