MBLLC Mission:
The
Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus shall define, highlight and
analyze those issues and concerns affecting people of color in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. The Caucus shall seek to develop a sense of political
awareness among its constituents and to make the political and legislative
process accountable and accessible for those who have been disenfranchised.
MBLLC History:
In January 1973, the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus (MBLC) was formed by seven Black legislators who joined together to work toward Black empowerment across the State of Massachusetts, with priority attention to the problems of Boston’s Black community with a view towards developing models for problem-solving/community development. Their major goal was to develop a power base which would make the political and legislative process accountable and accessible to the Black community. Their priority legislation included employment opportunities, Affirmative Action programs, housing, human services, and economic development in the inner city. Members of the MBLC included Senator Bill Owens, Representatives Royal Bolling, Doris Bunte, Mel King, Franklin Holgate, George Johnson, Carter Kimbrel.[1] In July 2009, the MBLC changed its name to the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) following the addition of Latino legislators Senators Jarrett Barrios and Sonia Chang-Diaz and Representatives Geraldo Alicea, Jeffrey Sanchez, and Cheryl Coakley Rivera.
The MBLLC hires one staffer to serve as Executive Director who oversees Caucus activities. MBLLC Executive Directors included Bettye Robinson (1980s), Boyce Slayman (1990s), Lori Nelson (2000s), Marvin Venay (2000s), Sibusisiwe Malaba (2010s), and currently Lucas DeBarros (as of 2018).
[1] History section provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts List of Black Members of the General Court 1867-1987
The MBLLC hires one staffer to serve as Executive Director who oversees Caucus activities. MBLLC Executive Directors included Bettye Robinson (1980s), Boyce Slayman (1990s), Lori Nelson (2000s), Marvin Venay (2000s), Sibusisiwe Malaba (2010s), and currently Lucas DeBarros (as of 2018).
[1] History section provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts List of Black Members of the General Court 1867-1987
MBLLC Executive Director:
Sibusisiwe Malaba
Executive Director Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus Massachusetts State House, Room 460 Phone: 617-722-2688 Fax- 617-626-0875 Email- mablacklatinocaucus@gmail.com |
Sibu serves as Executive Director for the MBLLC. Raised in Lawrence, MA, she has committed herself to mobilizing low-income communities of color for many years. Upon graduating from Emmanuel College, Sibu began her professional career fundraising for an educational nonprofit designed to raise the achievements of under-performing urban children. She later entered politics as a field organizer for candidates, including Alan Khazei for U.S. Senate, Governor Deval Patrick, and MBLLC member, Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz. Sibu comes to the MBLLC after having spent months abroad reconnecting with family in Kenya. Prior to that, she served as Legislative Aide to Senator Chang-Diaz where she focused on constituent services, legislation and budget work, and acted as neighborhood liaison for Boston’s highest-need neighborhoods of Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan.
Sibu is an alumnus of the Commonwealth Seminar, Oiste and Suffolk University’s Initiative for Diversity in Civic Leadership, and New Leaders Council, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Policy at Tufts University. She is a resident of Dorchester. |
