History

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Our Pioneering Founders…

In 1970 by a few determined activists and community leaders came together to create an organization dedicated to the betterment of blacks in the state of Maryland. They recognized the need to organize around issues affecting blacks and their communities statewide and founded the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. They convened a group of 17 legislators to create Maryland’s Legislative Black Caucus*

*originally called the “Maryland Legislative Black Caucus,” the present name was adopted in 2002.

The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (LCBM) has been instrumental the advocacy and passage of legislation that has benefited blacks, and all Marylanders, in Since the 1970s. The black legislator and community leaders, who serve as members and partners of the LBCM have stood steadfast and united in articulating public policy positions that promote Black progress in Maryland.

To fulfill this mission, the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland serves as a legislative body for the Black community, and in doing so, has formed an effective statewide network of experts and resources that allow the Caucus to provide the indispensable leadership in research, development, advocacy, and implementation of policies and programs that best serve the black community.

The ‘Free State’ was not always free to All…

Our great state of Maryland is called that for good reason as it is one of the most robust and diverse states in our nation. The road to where we are today was paved by many great activists and actions, and the LCBM is proud to continue that legacy of improving the lives and outcomes of Blacks statewide. It is important to look back at that history to honor it and to build on the success.

First Chair – Arthur King

• 1966 first African American elected to Maryland General Assembly from Prince George’s County
• Fought against housing discrimination and educational inequality.
• Lobbied against “stop and frisk” provisions in state law.

Organizing under a new blueprint

• Chairman Clarence W. Blount introduced a legislative blueprint to move the Caucus into a position of influence and to tackle deep-rooted barriers impacting the black community.

Early Goals: Building an Institution

• Initial focus on individual and instructional civil  rights
• Education Parity
• Support to Maryland HBCU
• Support for minority businesses and contractors
• Plan to eliminate deep-rooted barriers impacting blacks
• Building an Institute to support goals

Working to Change “Business As Usual”

After numerous scandals involving misappropriation of funds and other such issues impacting the community, LBCM fought to make changes in legislation to address the issues.

Pursuing Common Goals

Black Milestones in Maryland Legislation

• 1831 – the Legislature approved $10,000 to transport free blacks and former slaves back to Africa.
• 1873 – the first known African American to be elected to public office in Maryland –Alderman William Butler.
• 1955 – First Blacks elected to Maryland’s General Assembly
• • Senator Harry Cole
  • Delegate Emory Cole
  • Delegate Truly Hatchett

• 1970 – Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland was created
  • 17 Black legislators convened in the State’s House in Annapolis and adopted the Black Caucus. The members were from Baltimore City and Prince George’s County & The Caucus was not immediately accepted by the Maryland General Assembly
• 1973 – Legislature officially ratified constitutional amendment allowing African American men the right to vote.
• 1981 – Cross burning becomes a felony

1993-2003 Establishing an Identity

• Caucus organized to move legislation
• Set up a pipeline of black legislators and leaders
• Established an annual retreat to define issues
• Spotlight on K-12 and Higher education
• Renamed to Maryland Legislative Black Caucus (2002)

Rising to Leadership in Annapolis

• 1831 – the Legislature approved $10,000 to transport free blacks and former slaves back to Africa.
• 1873 – the first known African American to be elected to public office in Maryland –Alderman William Butler.
• 1955 – First Blacks elected to Maryland’s General Assembly
• • Senator Harry Cole
  • Delegate Emory Cole
  • Delegate Truly Hatchett

• 1970 – Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland was created
  • 17 Black legislators convened in the State’s House in Annapolis and adopted the Black Caucus. The members were from Baltimore City and Prince George’s County & The Caucus was not immediately accepted by the Maryland General Assembly
• 1973 – Legislature officially ratified constitutional amendment allowing African American men the right to vote.
• 1981 – Cross burning becomes a felony

And the Work Continues

Today the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland is a voice in Annapolis and Beyond. We have grown from 17 to 60 members since 1970, with representation expanding from two counties to every county and in the state. Many of our members hold leadership positions in both the House and Senate, giving us the ability to weigh in on all proposed legislation and assess its effect on the black populace.

Facing the Rising Sun

2020-2022 Officers