top of page
Recent News


Statement from OLBCF on the ICE Murder of Renee Nicole Good
Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF) extends its deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and community of Renee Nicole Good. Her death is a devastating tragedy that demands transparency, accountability, and justice. The reported circumstances surrounding Ms. Good’s death, including the involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are deeply troubling. Ohio is no stranger to the unfair and harmful treatment carried out by ICE officers, part
office57126
Jan 82 min read


600,000 Black Votes "Missing" in Ohio? OLBCF Launches Statewide Initiative to Build a Community Driven Policy Agenda
Today the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation released the State of Black Ohio: Voters’ Voice – Pilot Brief . Alongside the report, OLBCF is launching a statewide survey to transform community lived experience into a concrete legislative agenda. The Pilot Brief summarizes initial findings from Cleveland’s Central neighborhood and provides a framework for a statewide push focusing on: Community Priorities Advocacy Tools Direct Impact The U.S. Census Bureau reve
office57126
Dec 19, 20251 min read


OLBCF Announces New Board Leadership for 2026 and Celebrates Outgoing Chair Derrick Clay’s 17 Years of Service
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF) proudly announces its newly elected board leadership for the 2026 term, marking a powerful new chapter of impact, innovation, and advocacy on behalf of Black communities across Ohio. Taking on the role of Board Chair is Clifton R. Williams III of Cleveland, a government affairs lobbyist with Taft Law. Known for his strategic expertise and commitment to public service, Williams brings deep policy knowledge and a political
office57126
Dec 14, 20252 min read


Ohio Senate Advances SB 50: A Bill Allowing Teenagers to Work Longer Hours — But at What Cost to Their Future?
Ohio lawmakers have advanced Senate Bill 50, legislation that would allow teenagers to work longer hours during the school week. While the intention may be to support families facing financial hardship, this proposal raises serious concerns about how it could impact the long-term success, development, and well-being of Ohio’s young people. We know many families are struggling to make ends meet. The rising cost of living means some households depend on income from teen workers
office57126
Nov 18, 20252 min read


OLBCF Issues Urgent Call for Community Support Amid Funding Challenges and Shifting Policy Climate
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF), Ohio’s only Black-led, nonpartisan statewide policy and research foundation, is calling on the community, corporate partners, and philanthropic institutions for immediate support to sustain its vital work on behalf of Black Ohioans. Despite its nonpartisan mission and focus on public policy, OLBCF is being directly impacted by the nation’s changing funding climate, where diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are und
office57126
Nov 4, 20252 min read


If Ohio is the heart of it all, no one should go hungry
OLBCF acknowledges Governor DeWine’s announcement of $25 million in emergency food assistance to help families affected by the potential federal SNAP suspension. While appreciated, this effort does not meet the scale of need facing Ohioans. Ohio has over 1.5 million SNAP recipients, yet this funding reaches only 63,000 people which is less than 5% of those who rely on these benefits. That leaves more than 1.4 million Ohioans at risk of going hungry starting tomorrow. If Ohio
office57126
Nov 4, 20251 min read


OLBCF Applauds Cuyahoga County’s Historic Passage of Ohio’s First CROWN Act
Yesterday marked a pivotal moment for equity and dignity in Cuyahoga County as the County Council officially passed the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Ordinance, making Cuyahoga the first county in the state of Ohio to adopt such legislation. We extend our deepest gratitude to Cuyahoga County Councilmembers Michael J. Houser and Meredith Turner and every member of Cuyahoga County Council for their leadership, courage, and commitment to justice.
office57126
Oct 15, 20252 min read


OLBCF Welcomes Monica L. Womack to Board of Directors
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Monica L. Womack, a respected strategic advisor and advocate for economic equity, to its Board of Directors. With more than two decades of experience advancing inclusive economic development, Womack brings deep expertise in building systems that empower historically under-resourced businesses and communities. She is the Founder and CEO of MLW Solutions, LLC, where she leads innovative initiat
office57126
Oct 14, 20252 min read


The Map Is The Message: Why Redistricting Is A Black Issue
What’s happening and why it matters right now! Ohio is redrawing political maps for the Statehouse and Congress. How those lines are...
office57126
Oct 2, 20253 min read


OLBCF Responds to Governor DeWine’s Deployment of Ohio National Guard to D.C.
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF) condemns Governor DeWine’s recent decision to deploy members of the Ohio National...
OLBCF
Aug 26, 20251 min read


OLBCF’s Response to Franklin County Ruling Declaring Ohio’s EdChoice Voucher Program Unconstitutional
On Tuesday, June 24th, Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page issued a landmark ruling declaring Ohio’s EdChoice school voucher...
OLBCF
Jun 25, 20252 min read


OLBCF Slams Ohio Senate Budget: $600M for Stadiums, $700M for the Rich — Nothing for Black or Working Families
Contact: Jayah J. Watters-Clark Director of Communications 216-505-7230 Communications@olbcfoundation.org The Ohio Legislative...
OLBCF
Jun 12, 20252 min read


OLBCF CONDEMNS CLEVELAND CLINIC'S PREDATORY COPAY POLICY AND DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY FOR COMMUNITY HARM
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF) stands in full opposition to the Cleveland Clinic's outrageous and morally bankrupt...

Shayla L. Davis
May 14, 20251 min read


Black History Month Newsletter for OLBCF
For Media Inquiries, Contact: Shayla L. Davis President and CEO 614-263-7700 office@olbcfoundation.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A Call to...

Shayla L. Davis
Feb 10, 20254 min read


PUBLIC STATEMENT: OLBCF’s Response to Governor DeWine’s Budget Proposal
For Media Inquiries, Contact: Shayla L. Davis President and CEO 614-263-7700 office@olbcfoundation.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ohio...

Shayla L. Davis
Feb 7, 20253 min read


OLBCF Calls Attention to Executive Orders Threatening Equity in Ohio
For Media Inquiries, Contact: Shayla L. Davis President and CEO 614-263-7700 office@olbcfoundation.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OLBCF Calls...

Shayla L. Davis
Jan 23, 20253 min read


THE UNSEEN BURDEN: BLACK COMMUNITIES LACK ON THE FRONTLINES OF DEMOCRACY AND THE CALL FOR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
As the President and CEO of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, I stand with a heavy heart in the aftermath of the 2024 general...

Shayla L. Davis
Nov 8, 20241 min read


STATE OF THE BLACK CINCINNATI THE JOURNEY TO THE PARITY
The Southwest Urban League recently published the highly anticipated Black Cincinnati Report, a comprehensive analysis shedding light on...

Shayla L. Davis
Jul 3, 20241 min read


OLBCF PRESIDENT & CEO SHARES INSIGHTS ON PENDING BILLS FROM BLACK LEGISLATORS
Read OLBCF President & CEO's insights on pending bills from Black legislators, discussed in an interview with the Cleveland Observer.

Shayla L. Davis
Mar 25, 20241 min read


OHIO SENATE TACKLES HOUSING ISSUES
In a sweeping new report, Senator Michelle Reynolds (R) is leading the committee to tackle Ohio's housing crisis head-on.

Shayla L. Davis
Mar 25, 20241 min read
bottom of page