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. 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).
History section provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts List of Black Members of the General Court 1867-1987. A full list of past MBLLC members can be found on our "Members" page linked here.
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).
History section provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts List of Black Members of the General Court 1867-1987. A full list of past MBLLC members can be found on our "Members" page linked here.
MBLLC Executive Director:
Lucas DeBarros
Executive Director Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus Massachusetts State House, Room 460 Phone: 617-722-2688 Fax- 617-626-0875 Email- mablacklatinocaucus@gmail.com |
Serving as the Executive Director for the MBLLC, Lucas carries on the passion and commitment to advocacy which he has championed throughout his life. He first learned about the importance of public service as he witnessed community leaders in the Dudley Street area of Boston create substantial change for all residents of the neighborhood. This motivated him to seek out his own path by focusing on youth engagement.
Proud of his Cape Verdean heritage, Lucas was happy to start his career at Boston based Cape Verdean Community Unido where he held his first job. He later went on to work with groups such as the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative and the Dudley Youth Council. Graduating from Bentley University, Lucas ventured into the corporate world before returning to serve the community where he initially laid his roots. As a Legislative Aide for State Representative Evandro Carvalho he focused on policy advocacy, constituent services, and community engagement for the Fifth Suffolk District in Boston. |
