Recent News

This Juneteenth, the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation releases The State of Black Civic Power in Ohio, the first county-level look at how many Black Ohioans step back from our midterm elections. The number is 603,000, more people than live in the entire city of Cleveland, in a state where statewide races are decided by a handful of points. I want to be clear about what that number is not. It is not a story about apathy. The people behind it are our family, our neighbo

OLBCF President Shayla L. Davis joined WOSU 89.7 to discuss the foundation's new report, The State of Black Civic Power in Ohio, and why more than 600,000 Black Ohioans sat out the last midterms. The interview has since been carried by public media stations across the state. Listen to the full interview on WOSU

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF) will host a timely and groundbreaking virtual event in recognition of Women’s Health Month, titled Hot Flashes and Hard Truths: Black Women, Menopause, and Policy Change in Ohio, on May 27 at 6:00 PM EST. The conversation will bring together health experts, policymakers, and advocates to address the urgent need for greater awareness, research, and policy solutions surrounding menopause, particularly as it impacts Black wome

What we are witnessing across the South is not a coincidence. It is a coordinated rollback of Black political power, made possible by a Supreme Court that has spent the last decade dismantling the Voting Rights Act. Tennessee carved up its only majority-Black congressional district. Louisiana just passed a map eliminating another. South Carolina is moving to break apart Congressman James Clyburn's district. Alabama is positioning to revert to maps federal courts already said

A first of its kind. A guide to the policies in action right now in the 136th Ohio General Assembly from Black legislators across our state. For the first time, the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation has produced a comprehensive guide that brings the work happening at the Statehouse directly to you. The State of Black Ohio Policy Book documents the legislative efforts of Ohio's 22 Black lawmakers, organized by policy area, in plain and accessible language.  This is mor

We are outraged by the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. This decision represents yet another step backward in the ongoing fight to protect fair representation and the fundamental rights of our communities. “Let me be clear about what just happened. The Supreme Court did not strike down a map. They dismantled the very protection Black communities bled for, and they did it in broad daylight," said OLBCF President Shayla L. Davis "As Justice Kagan made plain in he

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF) is raising serious concerns following the passage of Senate Bill 293, legislation that threatens to restrict voting access for communities across the state. Senate Bill 293 introduces measures that will make it more difficult for many Ohioans to participate in the democratic process, particularly those who rely on accessible voting options. The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation warns that the law will disproportionat

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF) proudly announces that it has received grant funding from The George Gund Foundation for 2026 operating support. This investment will help sustain and strengthen OLBCF’s work to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for Black communities across Cuyahoga County and throughout Ohio. OLBCF is grateful to The George Gund Foundation Board of Trustees, President Tony Richardson, and Program Director Treye Johnson for their lea

Legislators , community leaders, and advocates from across the state will gather on February 25 at the Ohio Statehouse for the State of Black Ohio Press Conference and Legislative Summit. Held in recognition of Black History Month, the day is dedicated to advancing equity, opportunity, and measurable outcomes for Black Ohioans. Hosted in partnership with the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation and the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, the convening will highlight findings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

What’s happening and why it matters right now! Ohio is redrawing political maps for the Statehouse and Congress. How those lines are...

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (OLBCF) condemns Governor DeWine’s recent decision to deploy members of the Ohio National...

On Tuesday, June 24th, Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page issued a landmark ruling declaring Ohio’s EdChoice school voucher...