By Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
For the first time, women make up the majority of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). Nine of its 12 members are Black women, a historic milestone for the 57-year-old organization.
State Senators Laura Richardson (D-Inglewood) and Akilah Weber (D-La Mesa) were sworn in Dec. 2 by Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. Weber, the new CLBC Chair, introduced her first bill on day one to address maternity ward closures.
Joining them is Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Ladera Heights), who noted the expanded caucus is just the start of ensuring California’s legislature reflects its diversity.
The Assembly welcomed new members Sade Elhawary (D-South Los Angeles), Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton), and LaShae Sharp-Collins (D-San Diego). Richardson, a returning legislator, honored trailblazers like Congresswoman Maxine Waters, adding, “We don’t need to agonize—we need to organize.”
This session also sets a record with 58 women in the state legislature, nearly half its 120 members.
The CLBC was founded in 1967 to address issues affecting African Americans and other communities of color. New members say they are ready to lead, with Elhawary introducing a bill to improve mental health services for unhoused families and Ransom pledging to fight for economic opportunity and safer neighborhoods.
“There’s work to do,” said Sharp-Collins. “Let’s get started.”
