On February 28, 2018, in recognition of Black History Month, The California Legislative Black Caucus, convened an informational briefing on the “State of Black California: Ten Years Later” in Sacramento. At this briefing and review, members of the Black Caucus and the audience listened to extremely informative presentations from experts and scholars on the current status of African Americans in California in areas of health, education, civic engagement, economics and the justice system. The presentations by African American professionals, in the various fields, were data driven with impressive research. As the data was revealed, it became apparent to me, and others, that after ten years, when the first “State of Black California” was convened by the now U.S. Representative Karen Bass, Black Californians continue to struggle with the same inequities and disparities.
One of the highlights of the day, was the presentation by our judicial officers before the movie screening of “Marshall”. Justice William Murray, Judge Trina Thompson and our Founding Members Judges Kevin Brazile, Yvette Roland and Michael Carter represented AAACJO well, as they described different effective court programs and projects that address diversion alternatives such as “Teen Court” and pipeline outreach programs. We are pictured with Assemblymembers Reggie Jones-Sawyer and Chris Holden. The Legislative Black Caucus members expressed their sincere gratitude for our participation in the briefing and our growing relationships.
