Lansing, Mich. (Jan. 13, 2023) — Today, the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus (MLBC) released the list of new officers for the 102nd Legislature after new and returning MLBC members voted with unanimous consent.The MLBC Executive Board for the 102nd Legislature consists of:
- Chairperson, Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor);
- Executive Vice Chairperson, Rep. Amos O’Neal (D-Saginaw);
- First Vice Chairperson, Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing);
- Second Vice Chairperson, Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac);
- Secretary, Rep. Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Twp.);
- Treasurer, Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit);
- Chaplain, Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint);
- Historian, Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit); and
- Sergeant-At-Arms/Parliamentarian, Rep. Donavan McKinney (D-Detroit).
The MLBC has had a long and rich history in the Legislature, and building on its past foundations, the work of outgoing Chairman, Marshall Bullock, and looking towards the future, the MLBC will continue to be a presence in Lansing and throughout the state.
“Last term, the MLBC was able to see several policy and legislative advancements that aligned with MLBC’s policy pillars. As the outgoing MLBC Chairperson, I am confident this new executive board will continue this work of advancing the issues meaningful and central to Black Michiganders across the state,” said former Chair Sen. Marshall Bullock. “With the leadership of new Chairperson Geiss, the MLBC will continue work grounded in equity and justice.”
The new MLBC Executive Board consists of Black legislators who serve, or have served, urban, suburban, and rural communities representing a geographic range within the state and each member has a strong and consistent record of leadership. Together, the new Executive Board will help advance the MLBC’s purpose of promoting, fostering, and sponsoring education, civic, and political activities that enrich and improve Black communities across the state. The Executive Board will also work to preserve the MLBC mission to be the unified public voice for the advancement of the interests, issues, and concerns of Black Michiganders across the diaspora, throughout the state, and amplifying the voices of our collective communities.
“At a time when our representation in the Legislature has changed dramatically, it is necessary for the MLBC to be present, engaged, and working diligently not just for today, but moving towards the future,” said MLBC Chair Sen. Geiss.
“I am humbled to be elected as executive vice chair of the MLBC,” Rep. O’Neal said. “Being a part of this caucus means seeking change and finding solutions that enhance the communities we live in, not only for Black and other people of color, but for all Michiganders. I am excited to play a larger part in this caucus and continue to make our state more socially and economically just.”
“I look forward to working with this executive board of dedicated legislators as a team, with the MLBC membership, and groups aligned with the MLBC, because to go far, we must go together, to paraphrase the African proverb,” Geiss added. “Working collectively, we will aim to amplify the collective voice of our communities across the diaspora as we execute the MLBC mission, values, and purpose with great intentionality and vision.”
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