Page 31 - BHM Program 2021

OHIO LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS

Four years before African American representatives in Washington formed the

Congressional Black Caucus, eight members of the Ohio General Assembly formed
what would become the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.

The group’s mission: “to always be a voice and conscious in the legislature not just for

Black Ohioans but all minorities in Ohio.” Over the years, the caucus has addressed

issues of civil rights and voting rights, economic and health equity, education, and
criminal justice reform.

Among the founders of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus were Representative C.J.

McLin of Dayton and Representative Phale Hale Jr., of Columbus. Four legislators
from Franklin County are among the 19 members of the caucus today: Senator

Hearcel Craig, Representative Erica Crawley, Representative Dontavius Jarrells, and
Senator Tina Maharath.