Welcome
The North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus
2009 – 2010
Welcome from the Chair:
It is my esteemed pleasure to serve as Chairperson of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, and to represent your interests and those of the citizens of our state. I appreciate your trust and confidence in my ability to serve in this capacity and l look forward to our work together.
The North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus (NCLBC) has had an impressive history, beginning with its inception when the Caucus was formally organized in 1984--sixteen years after Democrat Henry Frye of Guilford County became the first Black Representative elected to the North Carolina General Assembly in the 20th century. Significant strides and contributions have been made toward fulfilling the mission of the Caucus, designed to promote legislative policies and actions responsive to the needs of all North Carolinians, particularly African-Americans, people of color and other disparate groups.
Organized to operate as a vehicle through which African-Americans residing in the State of North Carolina will be able to exercise their political power in a unified manner; to insure that the views and concerns of African-Americans are carried out by their elected representatives; and to work to develop the political consciousness of Black people, the Caucus is an unincorporated association of Senators and Representatives of African-American decent.
With nine senate members and twenty one house members, representing 14% of 170 General Assembly members, the range of Black representation has grown from one member (Henry Frye in 1968) to thirty in 2009.
The responsibility and challenge to lead the Caucus in this agenda is an awesome task, but one which I embrace with humility and enthusiasm. In conjunction with the expertise and competence of this organization’s stellar membership, I feel confident about the strides we will continue to make this year, and invite each of you to join us in this effort.
Warmest regards,
Alma Adams