African American Caucus Promotes Diversity
California— Since 1998Established 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 reached a pivotal milestone with the establishment of its first full governing board—10 members representing nine cities across California. This leadership body reflects the geographic and political diversity of the state. Collectively, the board embodies a broad range of governing experiences, policy perspectives, and regional priorities, ensuring that the voices of African American communities—urban, suburban, and rural—are represented in statewide decision-making. This structure strengthens the Caucus’s capacity to influence policy, coordinate legislative advocacy, and serve as a unified political force advancing equity, accountability, and opportunity across California’s local and state governments.
Our Purpose
demand Equity ~ create Opportunities ~ celebrate Achievements
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’ mission is to represent the best interest of the African American community and city officials within the League of California Cities. We strive to preserve the long-standing history of African American city officials in California who have gone on to voice, represent, and pave the way for more African American city officials to be a beacon within the community. Our Caucus will strive to be a force of change. We will be the bridge to put our chairs at the right tables. Be the bridge between what the African American community needs and those who have the resources to make it happen.
Vision
Our vision is to connect African American city officials with policymakers, civic leaders, and corporate leaders throughout California. We aim to establish a clear understanding of what the African American community needs and how we can follow through on these policy initiatives.
We achieve our vision by:
Identifying issues of concern to the African American community throughout California’s cities.
Vocalizing said issues through sponsorship of educational seminars, visible position-taking, and a heightened concerted involvement in the League of California Cities.
Empowering our communities with the tools and resources needed to thrive.
There are also seven ad hoc communities that aid the African American Caucus in fulfilling their vision. These communities are : Public Policy, Legislation, Education, Membership, Communications, and Finance.
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
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