President ~ Erica A. Stewart

Mayor~ San Luis Obispo

Erica A. Stewart is the Mayor of San Luis Obispo and the new President of the African American Caucus. Stewart’s political career in San Luis Obispo shows itself with her experience volunteering in the area focusing on education, diversity, homelessness, growth for women and girls, and economic vitality. Her strive to create a healthier and stronger San Luis Obispo reflects in her previous work in health care, SLO County Superior Court, and the former Chief Operating Officer at United Way. As secretary for the African American Caucus, Erica A. Stewart showcases her effortless skills to contribute to the organization and to the city of San Luis Obispo.

1st Vice President ~ Minnie Diallo

Councilmember ~ Lathrop

Minnie Diallo is the city council member for the city of Lathrop and 1st Vice President for the African American Caucus. Diallo places great importance on public safety and quality of life for those residing in Lathrop. Minnie has previously served as the Chair of the Park and Recreation Department for the city of Lathrop. As a member-at-large, Diallo is an important part of the African American Caucus who provides a fresh take and fresh ideas.

2nd Vice President ~ Jackie Elward

Vice Mayor ~ Rohnert Park

Jackie became the first Black woman elected to the Rohnert Park City Council in 2020 by defeating a six-term incumbent. During her time on the Council and while serving as Mayor, Jackie has concentrated on creating more homes that Rohnert Park residents can reasonably afford, helping people who are unhoused move off the streets and into safer, stable options, expanding access to parks and open space for all neighborhoods, improving local water quality and system efficiency, and prioritizing public investments in transportation, sustainable agriculture, and clean energy — all accomplished while preserving a balanced municipal budget.

Secretary - Princess Washington

Councilmember ~ Suisun City

Princess Washington was elected to serve on the council in 2022. Councilmember Washington represents Suisun City on several Boards and Agencies, including the Suisun City Successor Agency, the Suisun City Housing Authority, the Suisun-Solano Water Authority, and the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District. She was recently nominated to serve on the Sierra Club National Board of Directors. She is deeply committed to serving the community of Suisun City, advancing the wellbeing of Solano County, and supporting efforts that benefit the wider region and beyond.

Treasure ~ Devin Murphy

Mayor Pro Temporer ~ Pinole

Devin T. Murphy is city’s first African American, first openly gay, and youngest mayor in its 120-year history. He was elected as a member of the Pinole City Council on November 3, 2020 with the highest number of votes of any candidate in Pinole’s history.

Since being elected, Devin has championed a more transparent, citywide participatory budgeting process, the city’s economic development strategy to promote small business growth and economic opportunity, new private-public investments in housing, and concrete local action on energy efficiency and addressing the climate crisis.

Executive Director ~ Troy L. Finley, Sr.

Troy L. Finley, Sr. is a dedicated community leader, activist, and political strategist committed to advancing social justice and empowering underserved communities. As President of the Bay Area Chapter of the National Action Network, he has championed civil rights initiatives and mobilized communities around critical issues affecting African Americans and marginalized populations.

Currently serving as Executive Director of the African American Caucus, Troy brings strategic leadership and grassroots organizing expertise to the forefront of political advocacy. His work bridges community activism with political action, creating pathways for meaningful policy change and increased civic engagement.

Through his multifaceted roles, Troy L. Finley, Sr. continues to be a powerful voice for equity, justice, and community empowerment throughout the state.

Member~at~Large ~ Walt Allen III

Councilmember ~ West Covina

Walter Allen has been in the law enforcement profession for more than 43 years and is a graduate of the 172nd Session of the FBI National Academy. Walter began his law enforcement career as a police officer at Cal State Fullerton University Police Department, and within a year and a half he was hired as a Police Officer for the Chino Police Department. During his time at Chino PD, Walter served as a police Field Training Officer, patrol corporal, and Sharpshooter for the department’s SWAT Team, earning a reputation for steady leadership and tactical skill.

Member-at-Large ~ Alex Walker-Griffin

Vice-Mayor ~ Hercules

Alexander Walker-Griffin’s passion for civic engagement started at the age of 10, and by 13 years old he was working on statewide campaigns. In college, he held a variety of leadership roles, ranging from president of Community Organizing and Political Action to student government. Alex was a two-term student body president of Contra Costa College. Under his leadership, he successfully started the college’s first free breakfast, school supplies, and bus pass program. Simultaneously, he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to represent 2.3 million students as a member of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. His proudest achievement being the lone student to vote to make community college tuition free for the first two years. He would go on to serve as one the founding members of Calbright College, the nation’s first 100 percent online community college.

Member-at-Large ~ Paul Akinjo

Mayor ~ Lathrop

Paul Akinjo served as a councilmember of Lathrop in 2012, with a double re-election in 2014 and 2018. He also currently works as a Technical Support Analyst in the County of Almeda. Akinjo has a strong commitment to giving back to the community to the best of his ability. This is shown by his time in the United States Army Reserves where he received an honorable discharge, previous work in the City of Oakland as a Community Organizer for Affordable Housing, serving as a delegate for the Central Valley Executive Committee with the League of California Cities, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Special City Selection Committee Delegate, and the list goes on. Paul is very active within his community, within his city, and within his county. As the member-at-large, Paul Akinjo serves as a valuable part of the African American Caucus.

Member-at-Large ~ Natalie Rogers

Councilmember ~ Santa Rosa

Natalie was elected to the City Council in November 2020 as the first person ever to represent District 7 on the Council. Upon her election to the Council, her colleagues selected her to serve as the Vice Mayor for a one-year term. On Dec. 13, 2022, her council colleagues selected her as Mayor of the City of Santa Rosa for a two-year term. She was the first female African-American Mayor and the first female African-American Vice Mayor for the City of Santa Rosa. District 7 includes the neighborhoods within Southwest Santa Rosa

Member-at-Large ~ Dr. Tamala Kelly

Councilmember ~ Monrovia

Dr. Tamala Kelly serves the city of Monrovia, and have been a part of the Monrovia community for the past 20 years. Dr. Kelly has organized community health fairs, food and clothing drives, hot meal deliveries, and served as an Ambassador with Child Help USA and a Partner with the Monrovia Youth Alliance through the Santa Anita Family YMCA. 

Dr. Kelly received a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Azusa Pacific University. She is currently the CEO of Empower 2 Purpose, Inc. Together with her husband, they founded The Purpose Church in Monrovia.

President Emeritus ~ Ian Oglesby

Mayor ~ Seaside

Ian Oglesby is the Mayor of Seaside and the treasurer of the African American Caucus. Oglesby was first elected to the office of the mayor in 2018 and reelected in 2020. Prior to serving as the mayor, Oglesby served as the County Economic Development Commissioner, County Board of Education Trustee, Planning Commissioner, Councilmember, and even the Mayor Pro-Tem (a considerable precursor to his future as mayor). Throughout his time working for the city of Seaside, Ian Oglesby has played a part in establishing multiple housing projects, city revival, and various other proposals to improve community safety and economic revival. As the treasurer, Oglesby is an integral part of the African American Caucus.