About The MLBC
Our mission is captured in our slogan: Legislative power with purpose.
The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus is a coalition of 20+ state legislators committed to ensuring that all citizens of our state have equal opportunities. The caucus includes members of both the state Senate and the state House of Representatives.
The Black Caucus serves as a partnership between residents and legislators. Our members believe that legislators and residents can affect the most change by working in tandem.
We sponsor events and programs around the state to make this partnership as productive as possible. The events allow legislators to share vital information and also serve as an opportunity for residents to express their opinions and concerns to the people who represent them.
We invite you to join us as we work toward a Michigan that grants all its citizens equal access, equal justice and equal opportunity.
Bringing value to each of our focus topics.
Economic Growth
Health Care
Childhood Education
Senior Living
Diversity
Natural Resources
MLBC Officers
Rep. Amos O’Neal
Chairperson
Saginaw, 94th District
Rep. Cynthia Neeley
Executive Vice Chairperson
Flint, 70th District
Sen. Sarah Anthony
1st Vice Chairperson
Lansing, 21st District
Rep. Kristen Grant
2nd Vice Chair
Grand Rapids, 82nd District
Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr.
Secretary
Ypsilanti, 32nd District
Rep. Kimberly Edwards
Treasurer
Eastpointe, 12th District
Rep. Stephanie Young
Chaplain
Detroit, 16th District
Rep. Helena Scott
Historian
Detroit, 7th District
Rep. Donavan McKinney
Sergeant-at-Arms/Parliamentarian
Detroit, 11th District
MLBC Members
Sen. Sylvia Santana
D-Detroit, 2nd District
Rep. Tyrone Carter
D-Detroit, 1st District
Rep. Karen Whitsett
D-Detroit, 4th District
Rep. Joseph A. Tate
D-Detroit, 10th District
Rep. Kimberly L. Edwards
D-Eastpointe, 12th District
Rep. Jason Hoskins
D-Southfield, 18th District
Rep. Jimmie Wilson, Jr.
D-Ypsilanti, 32nd District
Rep. Kristian Grant
D-Grand Rapids, 82nd District
Sen. Stephanie Chang
D-Detroit, 3rd District
Sen. Mary Cavanagh
D-Detroit, 6th District
Rep. Ranjeev Puri
D-Canton, 24th District
Rep. Jim Haadsma
D-Battle Creek, 44th District
Rep. Will Snyder
D-Muskegon, 87th District
Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips
D-Detroit, 7th District
Rep. Morgan Foreman
D-Ann Arbor, 33rd District
Executive Director
Thomas L. Collins Jr.
Excutive Director
The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) proudly announces the appointment of Thomas L. Collins Jr. as its new Executive Director. With over two decades of distinguished public service, legislative expertise and community-driven advocacy, Mr. Collins brings a powerful blend of strategic vision, policy depth and lived experience to one of the most consequential roles in Michigan politics.
A product of Michigan State University and a veteran staffer of the Michigan House of Representatives, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and Michigan Democratic Party leadership, Mr. Collins has long stood at the intersection of policy, politics and purpose. From co-founding the Advantage a Student retention program at MSU to serving as a lead policy architect for some of the state’s most complex legislative initiatives, including the Joint Select Committee on the Flint Water Emergency, Mr. Collins’ career reflects a tireless commitment to equality, data-driven governance and ethical leadership.
His portfolio spans agriculture, economic development, criminal justice reform, education equity, energy, environmental justice, technology, transportation and governmental operations. As a former Senior Policy Advisor in the Michigan House Democratic Caucus, Mr. Collins helped craft and negotiate legislation across multiple policy domains while mentoring staff and serving as a key liaison to state agencies and advocacy coalitions.
We believe in our people
“I’m truly blessed and honored to have the opportunity to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives. It’s time to deliver for the people of the 14th House District and for the residents of this great state.”