African American Caucus Promotes Diversity
California
—
Since 1998
Established in 1998, the Cal Cities African American Caucus was founded with a clear political mandate: to advance diversity, equity, and meaningful representation within the League of California Cities and the California State Legislature. From its inception, the Caucus has served as a coordinated political force, uniting with allied organizations and stakeholders to shape policy conversations, elevate critical issues, and develop high-impact symposia addressing the social, economic, and political priorities of the African American community.
In 2021 the Caucus formed its first full 10-member governing board representing nine California cities. The board reflects the state’s geographic and political diversity and brings varied governing experience and policy perspectives, ensuring urban, suburban, and rural African American communities are heard. This structure strengthens the Caucus’s ability to shape policy, coordinate advocacy, and advance equity, accountability, and opportunity across local and state government.
Our Purpose
We are the African American Caucus.
We demand equity — because fair representation for Black city officials and our community isn't a request, it's a right.
We create opportunities — opening doors, building pathways, and ensuring that no voice goes unheard and no potential goes unrealized.
We celebrate achievements — honoring the power, resilience, and victories of Black leaders and the communities they serve.
This is our mandate. This is our movement.
The African American Caucus' purpose is to represent the interests of African American city officials and the greater African American community.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
The African American Caucus exists to unapologetically champion the interests of African American communities and city officials throughout the League of California Cities. We stand on the shoulders of trailblazing African American city officials who fought, led, and sacrificed to open doors that were never meant to open — and we honor their legacy by refusing to be silent.
We are not merely a voice at the table — we are the table. We are the bridge between the needs of our communities and the power to meet them. We are the force that turns advocacy into action, presence into progress, and potential into policy.
Our Caucus does not simply strive for change — we drive it. We will ensure that African American city officials are not just represented, but empowered. Not just included, but influential. Not just heard, but heeded.
This is our commitment. This is our charge.
Vision
The African American Caucus connects African American city officials with policymakers, civic leaders, and corporate partners across California to ensure African American communities’ voices, needs, and priorities are heard and acted upon at every civic level.
We turn vision into action through three commitments:
Identify — Document and highlight the pressing issues facing African American communities across California cities.
Advocate — Amplify those issues via educational seminars, clear positions on critical matters, and a strategic presence within the League of California Cities.
Empower — Provide tools, resources, and policy frameworks to help communities thrive.
Values
We are firmly committed to advancing power, access, and opportunity for communities of color through principled leadership and deliberate action. Our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is not symbolic—it is a governing standard that informs our policy positions, advocacy efforts, and accountability to the communities we serve. These values are:
Support and advocating for minority groups of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and other disenfranchised groups
Ensuring those from disenfranchised groups are given a voice to shine light on the problems that are prevalent within the community
Ensuring leaders, members, and general supporters of the African American Caucus can share their unique perspective and experience to help advance our mission and goals
Uplift and support women of color, LGBTQ+ members of color by creating a safe environment to grow and learn within their career
