ATLANTA – Georgia state legislators recently attended the National Black Caucus of State Legislator’s (NBCSL) 43rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The ALC invited African American legislators, along with advocates, policy experts, corporate executives and community leaders, to discuss pressing issues affecting African Americans and other marginalized communities.
The following Georgia legislators attended the conference: State Representatives Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain), president elect of the NBCSL; Debra Bazemore (D-South Fulton); Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain); Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta); Pam Dickerson (D-Conyers); Winfred Dukes (D-Albany); Gloria Frazier (D-Hephzibah); CaMia Hopson (D-Albany); Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus); Shelly Hutchinson (D-Snellville); Derrick Jackson (D-Tyrone); Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia); Dewey McClain (D-Lawrenceville); Sandra Scott (D-Rex); Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus); and State Senators Tonya Anderson (D-Lithonia); Gloria Butler (D-Stone Mountain); Donzella James (D-Atlanta); Valencia Seay (D-Riverdale); and Nikema Williams (D-Atlanta).
“I was glad to be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with my colleagues as we participated in workshops, meetings and policy sessions to improve our policy efforts for the benefit of the communities we serve,” said Rep. Mitchell.
“I always learn so much coming to the NBCSL’s conferences about issues that matter to the community I represent, which is majority African American,” said Rep. Kendrick. “I am even more excited we will have this conference in Atlanta next year, and we will be able to showcase the rich history of Georgia to legislators from across the nation.”
“I am excited to be here with fellow legislators from Georgia and the nation to look into different policies and laws that are directly impacting our communities,” said Sen. Anderson. “Additionally, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as an officer for the National Organization of Black Elected Legislators and to help promote ideas that will further our cause. The collaboration and learning we do during this time is vital to ensuring we are prepared for issues that could arise during the upcoming legislative session.”
“I have been attending NBCSL since 1999 before I was sworn into the Georgia House of Representatives,” said Sen. Seay. “I’ve served on different committees over the years. I am most proud of is Technology, as a result I chaired the digital divide with seniors in Georgia. The other is Agriculture where I attended the Urban Ag Academy in Iowa and was able to get support from across the line to have an agricultural history museum in the Georgia State Capitol with funding.”
The ALC seeks to provide a critical framework for policies that could be the foundation for state and federal legislation. This year’s conference focused on economic development, education reform and health disparities, and attendees were also able to address and prepare legislative agendas in areas such as gun violence, mental health, environmental justice, cannabis equity and bail reform. The 44th ALC will be held in Atlanta in 2020.
At this year’s ALC, the NBCSL adopted two resolutions, sponsored by Rep. Kendrick, to encourage states to form study committees to look at ways that states can partner with historically black colleges and universities and to urge Congress to reschedule marijuana from being a Schedule I drug.
The NBCSL represents and serves the interests of African American state legislators. With more than 700 members representing more than 60 million Americans, the NBCSL serves as a national network, advocate and catalyst for public policy innovation, information exchange and joint action on critical issues affecting African Americans and other marginalized communities.
For more information on the NBCSL, please click here.
*Editor’s note: a photo of Georgia legislators from the NBCSL conference is attached.
Representative Billy Mitchell represents the citizens of District 88, which includes portions of DeKalb County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Health & Human Services and Regulated Industries committees.
Representative Dar’shun Kendrick represents the citizens of District 93, which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Judiciary Non-Civil, Juvenile Justice and Small Business Development committees.
Senator Tonya Anderson represents the 43rd Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties. She may be reached by phone at 404.463.2598 or by email at tonya.anderson@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Valencia Seay represents the 34th Senate District which includes parts of Clayton and Fayette counties. She can be reached at 404.656.5095 or by email at valencia.seay@senate.ga.gov.
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