African American Caucus Promotes Diversity
California— Since 1998The Cal Cities African American Caucus was established in 1998. It was founded on the principle objective to promote diversity in the League of California Cities and the state legislature. The African American Caucus comes together with other entities to develop symposia on topics that are vital to the African American community. In 2021, the African American Caucus instated its first full board of 10 members representing 9 cities. Our board represents various regions throughout California such as the Bay Area, Central Coast, Southland, San Diego, and Central Valley.
Our Purpose
Advocacy— Focus on Black achievementThe African American Caucus' mission is to represent the interests of African American city officials and the greater African American community within the Cal Cities, the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, and related state and national organizations. This mission will be achieved by:
Identification of issues of concern to the African American community
Vocalization of those issues through sponsorship of educational seminars, viable legislative advocacy and heightened participation and involvement in the Cal Cities initiatives.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
The African American Caucus’ mission is to represent the best interest of the African American community and city officials within the League of California Cities, the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, and all other related organizations. We strive to preserve the long standing history of African American city officials in California who have gone on to voice, represent, and pave the way for more African American city officials to be a beacon within the community. Our Caucus will strive to be a force of change who can help bridge the divide between what the African American community needs and those who have the resources to make it happen.
Vision
Our vision is to connect African American city officials with policymakers, civic leaders, and corporate leaders throughout California. We aim to establish a clear understanding of what the African American community needs and how we can follow through on these policy initiatives.
We achieve our vision by:
Identifying issues of concern to the African American community throughout California’s cities.
Vocalizing said issues through sponsorship of educational seminars, visible position-taking, and a heightened concerted involvement in the League of California Cities.
Empowering our communities with the tools and resources needed to thrive.
There are also seven ad hoc communities that aid the African American Caucus in fulfilling their vision. These communities are : Public Policy, Legislation, Education, Membership, Communications, and Finance.
Values
We value our commitment to empower our communities of color and uphold a high level of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our values not only show our commitment to communities of color, but also shape how we interact with, advocate for, and support communities of color. These values are:
Support and advocating for minority groups of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and other disenfranchised groups
Ensuring those from disenfranchised groups are given a voice to shine light on the problems that are prevalent within the community
Ensuring leaders, members, and general supporters of the African American Caucus can share their unique perspective and experience to help advance our mission and goals
Uplift and support women of color, LGBTQ+ members of color by creating a safe environment to grow and learn within their career
Advance the Black Community
Leadership opportunities— Seeks to increase participationWe achieve our vision by:
Identifying issues of concern to the African American community throughout California’s cities.
Vocalizing said issues through sponsorship of educational seminars, visible position-taking, and a heightened concerted involvement in the League of California Cities.
Empowering our communities with the tools and resources needed to thrive.
There are also seven ad hoc communities that aid the African American Caucus in fulfilling their vision. These communities are : Public Policy, Legislation, Education, Membership, Communications, and Finance.
Demographic Data
Ensure Black representation— Promote equity — Celebrate diversityOut of the 80 members of the state assembly, only 20 are African American/Black https://www.ppic.org/blog/diversity-in-the-california-statehouse/
This shows that African Americans are less likely to be represented within the state government, not including the local level.
As of 2020, Pittsburg and Antioch, within Contra Costa County, with most Black representation in local elected governments.
Black residents of Fairfield make up 14% of the city population but only 9% of city elected officials.
In 2018, Menlo Park has 18% black elected officials after just having no African American representation earlier that same year.
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