NBCSL celebrates 49th anniversary in Biloxi
JANS – Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus successfully served as state host of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) 49th Annual Legislative Conference in Biloxi December 8-12. Rep. Zakiya Summers (MS) served as overall organizer. More than 400 legislators, lobbyists, legislative staff, and sponsors from across the country attended.
Since 1977, the NBCSL has brought together hundreds of members at its annual legislative conferences. Originally created to provide support and resources for Black state legislators, the mission remains focused on empowering legislators to make informed decisions on legislation and public policy that affects their constituents, particularly in Black and underserved communities.
The 49th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) continued to foster an engaging environment for members to connect, discuss pressing issues, debate policy, pass resolutions, share model legislation, access vital educational resources, and celebrate collective achievements.
“While some states have growing Black caucuses and others have individual Black legislators, NBCSL ensures no legislator stands alone. Together, we legislate,” noted Rep. Harold M. Love, Jr. (TN), President of the 700 member organization that represents 50 million African Americans.
The 5-day conference kicked off with a HBCU Welcome Reception – The Legacy Lives Here – which paid homage to Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Jackson State University, Rust College, and Tougaloo College.
The President’s Reception awarded the Soul of the South stars including Bobby Rush, Myrlie Evers Williams, Dr. Bill Cooley, and former Mississippi Reps. Alyce G. Clarke and Mary Coleman.
The Awards Gala honored former Rep. Ed Blackmon as a Nation Builder, Sen. Hillman Frazier with the Legacy in Leadership Award, and Ireland Neal as Geoff Youth of the Year.
The 50th NBCSL will be held Fall 2026 in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA.
