EMPOWERING BLACK OHIO. DRIVING EQUITABLE CHANGE.

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OLBCF President Shayla L. Davis issues response to the National Redistricting Crisis and What It Means for Ohio

What we are witnessing across the South is not a coincidence. It is a coordinated rollback of Black political power, made possible by a Supreme Court that has spent the last decade dismantling the Voting Rights Act.

Tennessee carved up its only majority-Black congressional district. Louisiana just passed a map eliminating another. South Carolina is moving to break apart Congressman James Clyburn's district. Alabama is positioning to revert to maps federal courts already said violated the law. This is not redistricting. This is redlining with a different name.

Continue reading President Davis' statement here.

Black Ohio: We've Got Work To Do

Every conversation, every registration check, and every vote is a step toward protecting our future and building stronger communities for the next generation.

We must encourage our family, friends, and neighbors to register to vote, check their registration status, and make a plan to get to the polls. When we show up informed, organized, and united, our voices have the power to shape the future of Ohio. Too many decisions are being made about our communities without enough of us at the table.

Your Response is Crucial: Take the State of Black Ohio Survey

We are actively collecting responses for the State of Black Ohio: Voter's Voice Survey and are willing to travel to community events and gatherings to help residents complete the survey.

The State of Black Ohio Survey is how we turn lived experiences into meaningful policy change. When lawmakers ask, “What do Black Ohioans need?” we answer with your data, your voice, and your priorities.

Just five minutes of your time can help shape a living policy agenda placed directly on desks at the Statehouse.

Have an upcoming event or community gathering? Partner with us by emailing office@olbcfoundation.org. Take the survey. Share it with three people. That’s how we build power together!

Complete the Survey

OLBCF Publishes State of Black Ohio Policy Book!

The State of Black Ohio Policy Book is now available, a groundbreaking resource highlighting the policies and priorities shaping Ohio’s 136th General Assembly through the work of Black lawmakers across the state. Created by OLBCF, this first-of-its-kind publication provides a comprehensive look at the legislative efforts of Ohio’s 22 Black legislators, organized by policy area and written in clear, accessible language. More than just a report, the Policy Book serves as a guide, a historical record, and a powerful reflection of Black leadership and advocacy at the Ohio Statehouse.

Read the Policy Book

We are proud to congratulate the new Black Ohio House and Ohio Senate candidates who advanced from Ohio’s May election. We encourage voters across the state to find their district, research these candidates, and stay informed about the leaders seeking to represent their communities. An informed and engaged voter is critical to building a stronger future for Ohio.

Building Power through Policy and Connection

Several weeks ago, President Davis attended the 21st Annual Black Policy Conference at Harvard Kennedy School, where leaders from across the country gathered to discuss the future of Black political power, policy, and advocacy. One of the most impactful moments was a keynote presentation by Joshua Doss, Pollster and Political Consultant, who shared findings from the Black Values Survey. His data-driven analysis reinforced an important truth: Black voters are not a monolith, and many are increasingly shifting away from traditional party alignment.

The conference featured conversations on health equity, civil rights, economic justice, and Black political representation, all centered on the policies shaping our communities. Just as important as the sessions themselves was the opportunity to connect with pollsters, organizers, elected officials, advocates, and emerging Black leaders all working toward meaningful change. Spaces like these create opportunities for collaboration, strategy, and relationship-building that are essential to long-term progress.

In this work, relationships matter. The conference served as a reminder that investing in the next generation of leadership and showing up in spaces where ideas, policy, and people intersect is critical to building lasting impact for Black communities across the country.

Review the Black Papers

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