Honoring the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on the occasion of their 50th anniversary for their dedication and advocacy on behalf of communities of color across the Commonwealth.

WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) was formally organized by then House Majority Leader K. Leroy Irvis during the 1973-74 legislative session after meeting in secrecy for several years; and

WHEREAS, The founding members recognized the need to promote and protect the rights and interests of the minority districts and communities throughout the Commonwealth, and to speak with a united voice regarding these issues; and

WHEREAS, For the past 50 years The PLBC has empowered Black legislators and served as an information and advocacy vehicle to advance the interests of diverse communities across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, The PLBC has worked tirelessly to address the issues that affect marginalized communities in Pennsylvania, including civil rights, education, criminal justice reform, and social justice. State Representative Donna Bullock, the current caucus chairperson, indicated that the PLBC will continue to focus on legislation and policy to advance police reform, protect the rights Black workers, expand voting rights, provide more resources to Black-owned businesses, and end race-based hair discrimination through the CROWN act; and

WHEREAS, Currently, the PLBC includes more than 35 members, representing urban, suburban and rural districts across the Commonwealth. Their members serve in leadership roles throughout the state legislature. They are party caucus leaders, committee and delegation chairs, and appointees to various commissions and special committees; and

WHEREAS, The PLBC has played a vital role in shaping public policy and advocating for social and economic justice in Pennsylvania. Over the years, they have sponsored and supported a multitude of bills and initiatives that have impacted the lives of all Pennsylvanians: and

WHEREAS, We extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to the PLBC for their unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion in Pennsylvania, and for their contributions to the advancement of civil rights and social justice for all Pennsylvanians: now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council hereby honors the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on the occasion of their 50th anniversary, for their dedication and advocacy for the Commonwealth’s Black, indigenous, and people of color communities.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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