MA Black and Latino Caucus

Welcome from Chair Williams

“Welcome to the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus' official website! We are thrilled to have you join our diverse community dedicated to representing and addressing the needs and concerns of Black and Latino residents across Massachusetts.”

Today marked the first, of what will now be a caucus tradition – an annual Retreat! The retreat was facilitated by Závon Billups, the caucus’ Executive Director. This was a historic moment of collaboration for the Massachusetts B
Today marked the first, of what will now be a caucus tradition – an annual Retreat! The retreat was facilitated by Závon Billups, the caucus’ Executive Director. This was a historic moment of collaboration for the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, bringing together diverse minds and voices to forge a path toward a more inclusive and empowered future. We are missing a few members of the fam, but had a mighty quorum! Here's to many more. Shoutout to @stccspringfield for providing us a venue, and to our guests @becmainc and @amplifylatinx who offered us more insights into the work they do everyday. #MBLLCRetreat #ConnectionAndConsenus#UnityAndStrength 🌟
¡Buen Día! Over the next couple of months the MBLLC will be sharing more about our legislative priority areas for 193rd session on social media. While we will post here regarding priorities from time to time-- the full list can be fo
¡Buen Día! Over the next couple of months the MBLLC will be sharing more about our legislative priority areas for 193rd session on social media. While we will post here regarding priorities from time to time-- the full list can be found on our website: www.mbllc.org! Please note, that this year we have narrowed our priorities into 10 issue areas. We call these 10 issue areas, “The Caucus 10.” What this means is we are focused on 10 topics facing Black and Latino communities, such as maternal healthcare, and housing— but also might have one or more bills we are advocating for within a single topic. “The Caucus 10” is not ranked in any particular order.
EVENT ANNOUCEMENT! Please join us in-person next Thursday @ 11:00am EST for the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus' premier latino culture celebration-- the Latino Excellence Awards. The event will take place at the Massachusetts State House, on O
EVENT ANNOUCEMENT! Please join us in-person next Thursday @ 11:00am EST for the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus' premier latino culture celebration-- the Latino Excellence Awards. The event will take place at the Massachusetts State House, on October 26th, in the Gardner Auditorium. All are welcome, but seating is limited, and not guaranteed. #Black #BlackandLatino #Latino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley #capecod #bostonwhileblack #Boston #latinx #latinoheritagemonth
The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus celebrates a step forward in addressing wage disparities in the Commonwealth.  Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass  “An Act relative to salary range transparency.&rdq
The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus celebrates a step forward in addressing wage disparities in the Commonwealth.  Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass  “An Act relative to salary range transparency.”  This legislation mandates that qualifying employers must disclose pay ranges in their job postings, laying the foundation for more transparent hiring processes and enabling the collection of pivotal data to address and understand prevailing wage gaps. Today’s legislation presents a monumental opportunity for Massachusetts to address wage disparities in an intersectional manner, ushering in a new means of addressing racial, ethnic, and gender-based economic disparities.  There is no good reason why women should make 70 cents for every dollar men make, or why Black women and Latina women should make 51 cents and 55 cents respectively for every dollar men make.  As a caucus, we commend the efforts of the Wage Equity Coalition, and Massachusetts Women’s Legislative Caucus; both of which led the way in protecting the momentum of salary transparency in the Commonwealth. Our last slide pictures Rep. Fluker-Oakley (D-Mattapan), a staunch advocate and caucus member who led the way in the furtherance of wage equity in Massachusetts. #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley #capecod #bostonwhileblack #boston #black #latino #wageequity #payequity
With profound sadness, we acknowledge the passing of Saundra Mae Graham (pictured right), a founding member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus. Though she was laid to eternal rest today, her life and work have left an indelible imprint on
With profound sadness, we acknowledge the passing of Saundra Mae Graham (pictured right), a founding member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus. Though she was laid to eternal rest today, her life and work have left an indelible imprint on the communities she served and the countless lives she touched. Born in Cambridge in 1941, Saundra devoted her life to the pursuit of affordable housing, social equity, and education reform. As a community leader, a city councilor, and a state representative, she consistently fought for the rights of marginalized individuals and families, effecting transformative change in the political and social landscape of Cambridge. In 1971, Graham made history by becoming the first Black woman elected to the City Council in Cambridge, and she later served as the first Black woman elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives from Cambridge. Though her political career was laden with accolades, her greatest achievement was her tireless advocacy for those in need, which won her the admiration and respect of countless individuals. Beyond her political contributions, Saundra was a driving force in the establishment of the Massachusetts Childcare Coalition, reflecting her belief that childcare was an essential need, not a luxury. The creation of the Graham & Parks School is another testament to her enduring influence in the field of education in Cambridge. The legacy of Saundra Mae Graham will live on through the innumerable lives she has influenced and the communities she has uplifted. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the lasting impact of her unwavering commitment to social justice, civil rights, and community empowerment. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit and dedication will continue to inspire us to strive for a more equitable world.
Another successful meeting with @massgovernor and @massltgov ! Todays meeting centered around education— specifically, how we can better support and retain teachers of color across the commonwealth, and importance of workforce development ski
Another successful meeting with @massgovernor and @massltgov ! Todays meeting centered around education— specifically, how we can better support and retain teachers of color across the commonwealth, and importance of workforce development skills! We greatly appreciated the insights and expertise of Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler too. @masseoe Shout out to @repmannycruz @teambrandy617 and @sousaforthecity — three members of the caucus who helped lead to the way in today’s meeting! ** not all caucus members are pictured #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley #capecod #bostonwhileblack #boston #black #latino
The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus would like to officially invite you to this year's Juneteenth Flag Raising! Please join us as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved black Americans ✊🏿. While now a new state and federal H
The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus would like to officially invite you to this year's Juneteenth Flag Raising! Please join us as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved black Americans ✊🏿. While now a new state and federal Holiday, Juneteenth has long been celebrated by Black folks in America. It will take place on the State House steps, next Monday, at 11:00am. We greatly appreciate your support, whether that be in person, or in spirit (: #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley #capecod #bostonwhileblack #boston
EVENT ANNOUCEMENT! Please join us in-person next Friday @ 11:00am EST for the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus' premier black culture celebration-- Black Excellence on the Hill. The event will take place at the Massachusetts State House, on Ap
EVENT ANNOUCEMENT! Please join us in-person next Friday @ 11:00am EST for the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus' premier black culture celebration-- Black Excellence on the Hill. The event will take place at the Massachusetts State House, on April 14th, in the Great Hall. All are welcome, but seating is limited, and not guaranteed. #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley #capecod #bostonwhileblack #boston
We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Mel King (Pictured Left), a tireless advocate for social justice, civil rights, and community empowerment. Mel King's life and work have left an indelible mark on the communities he served and the
We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Mel King (Pictured Left), a tireless advocate for social justice, civil rights, and community empowerment. Mel King's life and work have left an indelible mark on the communities he served and the people he inspired. Rest in Power Mel. Born in Boston's South End in 1928, Mel devoted his life to the pursuit of social equity, affordable housing, and education reform. As a community organizer, educator, author, and politician, he consistently fought for the rights of marginalized individuals and families, helping to transform the landscape of Boston for the better. In 1983, Mel King made history as the first African American to advance to the final election for the office of Mayor of Boston. Although he did not win the race, his campaign galvanized a diverse coalition and served as a beacon of hope and progress for countless people. His work in the Massachusetts House of Representatives also demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Beyond his political accomplishments, Mel founded the South End Technology Center, which provided access to technology, training, and educational resources for underserved communities. His commitment to education, digital inclusion, and mentorship has shaped the lives of generations of Bostonians. Mel King's legacy will live on in the countless lives he has touched and the communities he has uplifted. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate the lasting impact of his dedication to social justice, civil rights, and community empowerment. He will be dearly missed, but his spirit and work will continue to inspire us to strive for a more just and equitable world.
KEYNOTE CHANGE! Please join us virtually today @ 6:00pm EST for the MBLLC's premier Hispanic Heritage Month event-- the Latino Excellence Awards! Type the link located on the flyer in your browser to RSVP! Let us know in the comments if we will see
KEYNOTE CHANGE! Please join us virtually today @ 6:00pm EST for the MBLLC's premier Hispanic Heritage Month event-- the Latino Excellence Awards! Type the link located on the flyer in your browser to RSVP! Let us know in the comments if we will see you there! The 2022 Latino Excellence Awards event is an annual event hosted by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus to commemorate Latinx Community leaders and trailblazers that are moving the needle forward in cities and towns across the state. Carlos González, the 10th Hampden District State Representative, Caucus member, and Businessman, will be our Keynote Speaker! #mapoli
Today marks the beginning of #HispanicHertiageMonth: an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic/Latino culture, achievement, creativity, and excellence. We will have a virtual event later this month to honor Hispanic/Latino Heritage– stay tuned. #MAp
Today marks the beginning of #HispanicHertiageMonth: an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic/Latino culture, achievement, creativity, and excellence. We will have a virtual event later this month to honor Hispanic/Latino Heritage– stay tuned. #MApoli #TheCaucus #yourcaucus
Tomorrow is the last day of formal session. We implore @massgovernor to sign #nocostcalls #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley #capecod #bostonwhileblack #boston
Tomorrow is the last day of formal session. We implore @massgovernor to sign #nocostcalls #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley #capecod #bostonwhileblack #boston
This Thursday, the MBLLC’s Vice Chair, Bud Williams, will be discussing the disparity of care in #SickleCell disease with a host of others. More information on how to register for the event can be found in the flyer posted! Join us if you can
This Thursday, the MBLLC’s Vice Chair, Bud Williams, will be discussing the disparity of care in #SickleCell disease with a host of others. More information on how to register for the event can be found in the flyer posted! Join us if you can! (:
Friends, The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus would like to officially invite you to this year's Juneteenth Flag Raising! Please join us as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved black Americans ✊🏿. While now a new state and
Friends, The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus would like to officially invite you to this year's Juneteenth Flag Raising! Please join us as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved black Americans ✊🏿. While now a new state and federal Holiday, Juneteenth has long been celebrated by Black folks in America. It will take place on the State House steps, this Thursday, at 11:00am. We greatly appreciate your support, whether that be in person, or in spirit (: #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley #capecod #bostonwhileblack #boston
Here’s a snapshot from the @mablacklatinocaucus latest meeting with @massgovernor ! We talked money for Black and Brown Businesses, Commuting Sentences, Housing, and more 🙌🏿 #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #Merri
Here’s a snapshot from the @mablacklatinocaucus latest meeting with @massgovernor ! We talked money for Black and Brown Businesses, Commuting Sentences, Housing, and more 🙌🏿 #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley #capecod #bostonwhileblack #boston
🗣 HIRING ANNOUNCEMENT: Please welcome Závon Billups, The @mablacklatinocaucus‘s new Executive Director! #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley
🗣 HIRING ANNOUNCEMENT: Please welcome Závon Billups, The @mablacklatinocaucus‘s new Executive Director! #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley
EVENT ANNOUCEMENT! Please join us virtually this coming Monday @ 6:00pm EST for the MBLLC's premier Black History Month event-- Black Excellence on the Hill! Type the link located on the flyer in your browser to RSVP! Let us know in the comments if
EVENT ANNOUCEMENT! Please join us virtually this coming Monday @ 6:00pm EST for the MBLLC's premier Black History Month event-- Black Excellence on the Hill! Type the link located on the flyer in your browser to RSVP! Let us know in the comments if we will see you there! The 2022 Black Excellence on the Hill event is an annual event hosted by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus to commemorate Black Community leaders and trailblazers that are moving the needle forward in cities and towns across the state. Dr. Jaykyri Simpson, Executive Director of Young Man with a Plan will be our Keynote Speaker! Here is link to some of the work he's done with and for our Black and Latino youth: https://www.youngmanwithaplan.org/dr-simpsons
It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Bill Owens, Massachusetts first Black state senator (pictured right). State Senator Bill Owens, also known across the nation as the modern “GodFather Reparations'' aggressively fough
It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Bill Owens, Massachusetts first Black state senator (pictured right). State Senator Bill Owens, also known across the nation as the modern “GodFather Reparations'' aggressively fought housing discrimination and was an inviolable voice in the aftermath of Boston’s busing crisis. He broke ground when he was first elected in 1975, and established a foundation in his subsequent terms we must continue to build on today. May he rest peacefully. 🙏🏿
Did you know that while Black & Latino students enroll in STEM majors at the same rates as their white peers data has found they switch major at much higher rates? Data from the National Center for Education Statistics found that 37% of Latino a
Did you know that while Black & Latino students enroll in STEM majors at the same rates as their white peers data has found they switch major at much higher rates? Data from the National Center for Education Statistics found that 37% of Latino and 40% of Black STEM students switched their undergraduate majors — that’s compared to 29% of white STEM students. Researchers say it’s not lack of interest but comes down to a lack of representation and mentorship in these fields. That’s why the MBLLC has partnered with @biogen.pharma through their Community Lab initiative to discuss the power of mentoring for people of color, women, first-generation students and low income individuals in biotech and innovation. Register for our Thursday event through the link in our bio & follow along with our stories! #STEM #MASTEM #stemweek
The MBLLC stands proudly behind fellow members Rep. Bud L Williams and Rep. Chynah Tyler for leading today's effort to make Juneteenth an official State holiday! Graphic crafted by Mariela Casellas from the Office of Rep. Liz Miranda. . . . #Junetee
The MBLLC stands proudly behind fellow members Rep. Bud L Williams and Rep. Chynah Tyler for leading today's effort to make Juneteenth an official State holiday! Graphic crafted by Mariela Casellas from the Office of Rep. Liz Miranda. . . . #Juneteenth #Juneteenth2020 #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley
Today marked the first, of what will now be a caucus tradition – an annual Retreat! The retreat was facilitated by Závon Billups, the caucus’ Executive Director. This was a historic moment of collaboration for the Massachusetts B ¡Buen Día! Over the next couple of months the MBLLC will be sharing more about our legislative priority areas for 193rd session on social media. While we will post here regarding priorities from time to time-- the full list can be fo EVENT ANNOUCEMENT! Please join us in-person next Thursday @ 11:00am EST for the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus' premier latino culture celebration-- the Latino Excellence Awards. The event will take place at the Massachusetts State House, on O The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus celebrates a step forward in addressing wage disparities in the Commonwealth.  Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass  “An Act relative to salary range transparency.&rdq With profound sadness, we acknowledge the passing of Saundra Mae Graham (pictured right), a founding member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus. Though she was laid to eternal rest today, her life and work have left an indelible imprint on Another successful meeting with @massgovernor and @massltgov ! Todays meeting centered around education— specifically, how we can better support and retain teachers of color across the commonwealth, and importance of workforce development ski The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus would like to officially invite you to this year's Juneteenth Flag Raising! Please join us as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved black Americans ✊🏿. While now a new state and federal H EVENT ANNOUCEMENT! Please join us in-person next Friday @ 11:00am EST for the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus' premier black culture celebration-- Black Excellence on the Hill. The event will take place at the Massachusetts State House, on Ap We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Mel King (Pictured Left), a tireless advocate for social justice, civil rights, and community empowerment. Mel King's life and work have left an indelible mark on the communities he served and the KEYNOTE CHANGE! Please join us virtually today @ 6:00pm EST for the MBLLC's premier Hispanic Heritage Month event-- the Latino Excellence Awards! Type the link located on the flyer in your browser to RSVP! Let us know in the comments if we will see Today marks the beginning of #HispanicHertiageMonth: an opportunity to celebrate Hispanic/Latino culture, achievement, creativity, and excellence. We will have a virtual event later this month to honor Hispanic/Latino Heritage– stay tuned. #MAp Tomorrow is the last day of formal session. We implore @massgovernor to sign #nocostcalls #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley #capecod #bostonwhileblack #boston This Thursday, the MBLLC’s Vice Chair, Bud Williams, will be discussing the disparity of care in #SickleCell disease with a host of others. More information on how to register for the event can be found in the flyer posted! Join us if you can Friends, The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus would like to officially invite you to this year's Juneteenth Flag Raising! Please join us as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved black Americans ✊🏿. While now a new state and Here’s a snapshot from the @mablacklatinocaucus latest meeting with @massgovernor ! We talked money for Black and Brown Businesses, Commuting Sentences, Housing, and more 🙌🏿 #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #Merri 🗣 HIRING ANNOUNCEMENT: Please welcome Závon Billups, The @mablacklatinocaucus‘s new Executive Director! #Black #BlackandLatino #Advocacy #MApoli #BosPoli #WesternMA #MerrimackValley EVENT ANNOUCEMENT! Please join us virtually this coming Monday @ 6:00pm EST for the MBLLC's premier Black History Month event-- Black Excellence on the Hill! Type the link located on the flyer in your browser to RSVP! Let us know in the comments if It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Bill Owens, Massachusetts first Black state senator (pictured right). State Senator Bill Owens, also known across the nation as the modern “GodFather Reparations'' aggressively fough Did you know that while Black & Latino students enroll in STEM majors at the same rates as their white peers data has found they switch major at much higher rates? Data from the National Center for Education Statistics found that 37% of Latino a The MBLLC stands proudly behind fellow members Rep. Bud L Williams and Rep. Chynah Tyler for leading today's effort to make Juneteenth an official State holiday! Graphic crafted by Mariela Casellas from the Office of Rep. Liz Miranda. . . . #Junetee