HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today hosted the Rev. Jesse Jackson, one of the most well-known civil rights leaders of his era, at the state Capitol. Jackson and members of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition visited Harrisburg to evaluate the progress of the PLBC in Dauphin County regarding voting rights for incarcerated individuals, particularly in relation to Rep. Rick Krajewski’s H.B. 1756 . Their goals also include supporting the PLBC tour from this past summer and promoting Black economic development. “Rev. Jackson has been a pivotal figure in the civil rights and voting rights movements, advocating for social justice and racial equality through grassroots activism and national campaigns,” said Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who chairs the PLBC. “His leadership and unwavering commitment have helped amplify the voices of marginalized communities and shaped critical dialogues around civil rights issues in America.” Jackson was recognized by both state legislative bodies for founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, which advocates for civil rights, economic equality, voting rights and social justice. He played a crucial role in pushing for federal and state legislators to implement legislation addressing voter impediments, affirmative action in contracts, and major civil rights campaigns, including the push for economic empowerment. “Let Read more

HARRISBURG, Oct. 16 - Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 100 , introduced by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware and former state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., creating a license exemption for natural hair braiding in the commonwealth. “Natural hair braiding has been commonplace in the African American community for centuries. The techniques have been passed from generation to generation and are learned from early childhood. It does not take formal training to do,” Young said. “This is a recognition of the distinct cultural richness of natural hair braiding and that all it takes a comb, a brush and a beautiful head full of hair — no license necessary.” The law exempts hair braiders from having to obtain a cosmetology license to practice braiding and brings Pennsylvania in line with the more than 30 other states that have exempted hair braiders from licensing laws. Read more

Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and statewide voting rights advocates came together today to celebrate and spread awareness of the Department of State’s first-ever official guidance to counties on voting practices in jails. Most Pennsylvanians who are being held pre-trial or are incarcerated for a misdemeanor are eligible to vote, but many jails do not have official procedures. Read more

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., held a news conference to highlight their legislation, H.B. 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Generations of immigrants answered Pennsylvania’s welcoming call of opportunity and freedom, making our commonwealth into the powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Right now, Pennsylvania is betraying its own values by scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state although foreign-born workers comprise over 8% of our state’s workforce and pay $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes. As our population ages and many residents leave our state for other opportunities, we need skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders to make sure that Pennsylvania continues to grow and thrive economically, culturally and socially. “Pennsylvania needs an Office of New Pennsylvanians to ensure that these new residents are able to flourish in the commonwealth,” Smith-Wade-El said. “They need to know we have their back.” “Pennsylvania is stronger when we welcome and celebrate immigration,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. Read more

“This project has invested in the lives of people, not only wrapping their arms around the youth in the community but also stepping in to help young adults by providing the guidance they need in order to transition to the workforce,” said Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus chairman and hearing host Rep. Napoleon Nelson, who represents portions of Montgomery County. “We cannot expect to see success until we focus on how to improve the lives of the people in our communities.” Read more

BELLEFONTE, Aug. 28 – State lawmakers and Centre County officials today toured the Centre County Correctional Facility together and discussed the importance of voting access, as it pertains to people who are incarcerated. Discussion centered on facility policies allowing individuals to vote from jail and how the duty to vote, justice and democracy are related. “I speak on behalf of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus when I say that we are impressed with the level of voting access that the CCCF provides,” said state Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny , who is a member of the PLBC and hosted the meeting. “When we look at the issue of voting from jail, we’re also talking about the dignity and power it can provide for the voter." “It’s imperative that incarcerated people know that their voice is not only wanted at the polls but is needed. Denying the right to vote to individuals in jail strips them of their humanity and silences voices that need to be heard in a democracy." “In 2018, Centre County Correctional Facility staff, the Commissioners, and a community volunteer began the process of exploring what voting would look like in our facility,” said Warden Glenn Irwin, Centre County Correctional Facility . “We know how important voting is, so we work to stay compliant with current PA election laws and regulations while ensuring all of our eligible returning citizens can Read more

HARRISBURG, Aug. 14 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus said they are examining the Pennsylvania State Police’s report on traffic stops in 2023, the latest data in an effort that the PSP is undertaking to improve safety, training, public trust and more. The report, which was released today, was co-issued by Dr. Robin S. Engel, a professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati, and details information collected at 449,047 traffic stops in 2023. The report can be found here . “The members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus are analyzing this report, and I can say that we have already set up continued conversations with PSP and local police officials about issues of race and law enforcement,” said PLBC Chair Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery. “Transparency and accountability require thorough and accurate information. This data is an important look at policing on the ground and should be helpful in learning more about factors that affect a traffic stop. “We also look forward to future years, when the majority of our local departments will be reporting their data along with the state in a similar fashion. We thank the State Police and the Shapiro administration for a model on how to keep comprehensive reporting. Transparency and collaboration are central to achieving public safety.” Read more

State Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, addresses access to voting during a hearing in Pittsburgh on July 30. HARRISBURG, July 31 – Led by state Reps. Aerion Abney, Napoleon Nelson, Rick Krajewski, Anthony Bellmon and Greg Scott, the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday heard from Allegheny County officials over incarcerated peoples’ right to vote from jail. The caucus held a news conference in Pittsburgh during their Lunch and Learn Event with guests, including Allegheny County Jail Assistant Deputy Warden Connie Clark, County Elections Manager David Voye, Lorraine Cross of the Black Political Empowerment Project, Amy Kleissas from the League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh, Destiny of Faith Church Rev. Brenda Gregg, and Teresa Minor Spencer of West End Power. "Even behind bars, the right to vote is a beacon of hope, reminding us that every voice matters, and that redemption and civic duty are intertwined," said Abney, D-Allegheny. “Voting from jail underscores the principle that rehabilitation includes reintegration into society, fostering a sense of responsibility and participation in democratic processes.” Discussion centered on allowing incarcerated individuals to vote and how that emphasizes the idea that justice and democracy are inclusive. "The vote is the great equalizer; it bridges the gap between those inside and outside prison walls, ensuring that all citizens Read more

HARRISBURG, July 9 – The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus today laid out a plan for reforming Pennsylvania’s adult use cannabis laws, with a focus on criminal justice reform and social equity. “It is time that we invest in the restoration of communities that have been impacted, we return incarcerated persons to their families, and we provide entrepreneurs with a pathway to lead in this emerging marketplace,” said PLBC chair, state Rep. Napoleon Nelson. The PLBC is advocating for expungement of prior cannabis offenses and the reimbursement of assets forfeited during cannabis-related arrests to be included in any legislation that would legalize marijuana for recreational use. “So many stakeholders and lawmakers in other states have already affirmed these moral imperatives and we are convinced that Pennsylvania will do the same,” Nelson said. “We’re in a commonwealth that has a number of dispensaries, none of which I believe are owned by Black folk — zero — unacceptable,” said state Rep. Chris Rabb, co-founder of the PA Cannabis Caucus. “The origins of the racist war on drugs and cannabis prohibition have been directly and insidiously connected to Black folk and to any number of people who have been marginalized over generations.” “To do so while thousands of Pennsylvanians have their lives, Read more