EMPOWERING BLACK OHIO. DRIVING EQUITABLE CHANGE.

A Holiday Message From the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation

As we near the end of the year, the OLBCF extends heartfelt wishes for a joyful and peaceful holiday season to you and your loved ones. This time of year brings moments of celebration, gathering, and reflection, but we also acknowledge that the holidays are not easy for everyone.

With unemployment rates among Black women remaining disproportionately high, many families across Ohio are entering this season with worry, uncertainty, and difficult decisions. We ask our community to keep this truth close and, if you are able, find ways to pay it forward. A small act of kindness, generosity, or support can make a world of difference for someone facing hardship.

We also want to express our deep gratitude to everyone who supported OLBCF during Giving Tuesday. Your donations, no matter the size, sustain the work we do and reaffirm the importance of Black-led research, policy, and advocacy in Ohio. We are still hanging on by a thread in a rapidly shifting funding and policy climate, but your belief in our mission keeps us moving forward.

Thank you for standing with us, for investing in our work, and for showing up for your community. We wish you warmth, rest, and meaningful connection this holiday season.

Happy Holidays, and thank you for being part of the OLBCF family.

OLBCF Giving 

Yours In Service, 

Shayla L. Davis 



OLBCF Releases State of Black Ohio Pilot Brief

Black Ohioans know what they need, and we developed a pilot report to amplify their voices. The State of Black Ohio Pilot Brief shares what residents in Cleveland's Central neighborhood told us about what's working, what's broken and what must change across education, jobs, health, safety, food access and civic power. This is not just another report, it's a call to action and a tool for real change. We invite you to explore the brief, take the short statewide survey and use these insights to spark conversations, inform policy, and help build a stronger Ohio where Black families thrive. 

In this section of the newsletter we'll keep you updated on new policies, legislature and OLBCF updates!

Bills You Should Know About

Below is a summary of recently passed Ohio bills, many of which were sponsored by Black legislators, highlighting the leadership and advocacy shaping policy across our state. House Bill 393 was sponsored by State Representative Darnell Brewer; House Bill 134 by State Representative Latyna Humphrey; and House Bill 102 by State Representative Josh Williams. Senate Bill 17 was sponsored by Senators Michele Reynolds and Hearcel Craig. Each of these measures carries meaningful implications for our communities. As these policies move from legislation to lived impact, staying informed is essential to ensuring our voices remain heard and our communities continue to move forward.