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MISSION
To provide Black state legislators with
the tools, data, research and analysis that will enable
them to form superior solutions to address the issues confronting
their constituents. To identify or create innovative partnerships
that will serve as a catalyst to deliver viable initiatives
to enrich the lives of African Americans.
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History & Mission
The concept for creating a national policy and advocacy
institute began with a breakfast meeting in Washington, DC in the
spring of 1999. Sandra Peters brought together key leadership of
the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) to discuss
a Proposal for a new project to build capacity for NBCSL members
through in depth study of policy at the state and local level. The
project would collect data, conduct analysis and share information
through a sophisticated technology network. The Concept was presented
by the New York delegation to the Executive Committee of NBCSL and
affirmed unanimously. The Project became known as the e-Clearinghouse
project.
It was recognized early on that coupling technology
with issues and forums was critical to meeting the overall needs
of NBCSL members. Additionally, two critical events bringing the
faith community and legislative community into conversation on social
and racial justice matters were convened in Atlanta in 2001 and
Indianapolis in 2002 during NBCSL’s annual conferences.
The success of these meetings propelled interest and visibility.
After many strategic meetings, the Project recognized the need to
become a separate organization with a Board that represented a more
broad-based constituency. Again NBCSL embraced the concept and voted
unanimously to support the establishment of a 501(c) 3 that would
serve and work side-by-side with black elected officials to support
the African American community.
The National Black Caucus of States Institute (NBCSI)
was incorporated in 2001 in Washington, D.C. and received its designation
as a 501 c (3) in 2002.
Founding Board Members included:
Senator Gerald Neal, (KY)
Representative Mary Coleman, (MS)
Reverend Edward Rodman, Episcopal Divinity School
Representative John Hillard (AL)
Richard Womack, AFLCIO
The Institute as it exists today is guided by a 15
member board and focuses on four program areas: Community Economics
(Financial Literacy & Asset Building), Law & Justice, Health
Disparities & Social Services, Leadership & Public Service.
Through symposiums and forums, NBCSI seeks to raise
visibility of the issues, expand partnerships and identify best
practices that can be replicated in African American communities
throughout the country.
The Institute relies on private and corporate funding/grants
from organizations that share its vision.
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