HARRISBURG, June 29 – Today, members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus released the following statement to congratulate students from historically Black colleges and universities in the region who were named 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars by the White House. “These students are shining examples of the skill and leadership coming from HBCUs across the country, and especially in Pennsylvania at Cheyney University and Lincoln University,” PLBC Chairman Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., said. “This recognition from the White House helps put a national spotlight on HBCUs at a time when Black excellence is being celebrated louder than ever. Every student who was named a 2020 HBCU Competitive Scholar should be proud today.” The winners are Jalen Scott-Davis and Tanysha Young from Lincoln University, and Kevin Mwangi and Kiyana Roberts of Cheyney University. The scholarship is awarded as part of the White House’s Initiative on Historically Black Colleges. Read more
I’m inviting you to learn about your rights by attending my Housing: Know Your Rights event on Tuesday, Feb. 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berean Presbyterian Church, 2101 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, 19122. Renters and homeowners can receive information on their rights as well as on a number of state-related programs, such as help to heat your home and assistance with rent or property taxes. Read more
During a House Budget Hearing in Harrisburg, Pa. state Rep. Donna Bullock questioned the lack of diversity in the Pennsylvania State Police. She discussed why it’s critical to have troopers of all different backgrounds. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 23 - State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus hosted a Black History Month program to celebrate the Tuskegee Airmen and women. "The Tuskegee Airmen and women proved everyone who doubted the leadership skills of black Americans wrong,” Kinsey said. “Before the civil rights movement began to form, these heroes helped open doors for black Americans in the military and beyond.” The event featured a panel discussion with Tuskegee Airmen and women from the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., including Nathan O. Thomas, Dr. Eugene Richardson, and Alma Bailey. The panel was hosted by Junious R. Stanton. There were also performances by the Kappa Concert Choir and dance selections from Sanaa Sewell, a fifth grader from the Mathematics Science and Civics Charter School. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 25 – State Rep. Margo Davidson, D-Delaware, announced that the state House of Representatives last week voted to pass a bill that she supported to give first-time homebuyers a tax deduction for money saved toward the purchase of a home. “I was a prime supporter of this bill because we have to make it easier for ordinary Pennsylvanians to own their own home,” she said. “Last week’s vote showed overwhelming bipartisan support for this legislation, which would make homeownership more accessible. I hope the Senate will hear the resounding roar of support for this bill and move it forward to the governor’s desk.” The First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act would allow Pennsylvanians to open special savings accounts and take state tax deductions for eligible expenses such as a down payment and closing costs. Account holders would be permitted to claim deductions for a total of $50,000 over a 10-year period. Annual contributions would be capped at $5,000 for single taxpayers and $10,000 for those filing a joint return. The bill would apply to first-time homebuyers and those who have not owned or purchased a home within the three years leading up to the purchase. Allowing Pennsylvanians to establish first-time homebuyer savings accounts could result in an annual increase of up to 4,000 home purchases within the state, with the projected impact from economic activity, job creation and earnings reaching as high as Read more
As the first Dominican elected to serve in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, Pa. state Rep. Danilo Burgos gave the keynote address in Harrisburg to honor 175 years of independence for the Dominican Republic. He explains the legislation he’s working on to help people of all backgrounds achieve the American Dream. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 19 – State Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila., Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, today announced his support for a bipartisan package of legislation that would enhance the quality of career and technical education programs throughout Pennsylvania. This four-bill package aligns with the House Democrats’ Plan4PA to give students throughout the commonwealth a quality education that would jumpstart their careers in vocational and technical job fields. “As Democratic chairman of the House Education Committee, I am committed more than ever to improving the delivery of Career and Technical Education programs to those who need them the most,” Roebuck said. “These past few years, numbers have risen to more than 67,000 Pennsylvania high school students being able to participate in CTE programs. This bipartisan package of bills – especially my two bills – would build upon the success we have already seen, while also giving stakeholders a voice to make much-needed changes.” In 2015, the House unanimously adopted H.R. 102 to establish the Select Subcommittee on Technical Education and Career Readiness. The subcommittee, co-chaired by state Rep. Patrick Harkins, D-Erie, made several recommendations that resulted in this package of legislation, including calling for a central database of resources. “Young Pennsylvanians contemplating career paths have access to a wealth of resources from Read more
At a Capitol news conference, Pa. state Rep. Donna Bullock promotes legislation enabling community solar projects in Pennsylvania. In community solar, participants can subscribe to a portion of an offsite solar project and receive credit on their electricity bill for the power produced, just as if the panels were on their roof. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 15 – In his continued effort to connect with young people in his district, state Rep. Chris Rabb announced he will host his third annual millennial brunch from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 at Mt. Airy Nexus, 520 Carpenter Lane, 19119. Rabb said the brunch is a great opportunity for residents, students, activists and leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 to gather for food and networking and to get information about what they can do to improve their schools, help fight crime and improve their neighborhood. Residents interested in attending are urged to call Rabb’s office at 215-242-7300. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 14 – State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, D-Phila., announced that the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus will host a Black History Month program to celebrate the Tuskegee Airmen. The ceremony will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 23 at New Covenant Church of Philadelphia, 7500 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119. "The Tuskegee Airmen’s excellent combat record served as an example to all who doubted the leadership skills of black Americans'” Kinsey said. “Even before the civil rights movement took shape, these heroes helped open doors for black Americans in the military and beyond.” The event will feature a panel discussion with members of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen hosted by Junious R. Stanton. Speakers include Tuskegee Airmen and women Nathan O. Thomas, Dr. Eugene Richardson, Bertram Levy and Alma Bailey. Read more
Cathay Williams was the first and only known female Buffalo Soldier during the Civil War. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 14 – State Rep. Ed Gainey, D-Allegheny, is demanding answers after an apparent racial incident occurred in Brushton in Pittsburgh on Thursday. Gainey, who is in Harrisburg attending budget hearings, said he was contacted by a neighborhood resident about what appeared to be a doll that had been hung by the neck from a utility pole. Gainey in turn contacted city officials, who quickly had the doll removed. The incident remains under investigation. “I am disturbed and sickened by this incident,” Gainey said. “I find it appalling, but sadly not surprising that in 2019 we are still confronted with these public displays of hate in our communities. “Whether it is a racially motivated incident like this or an attack on a religious group, we cannot allow hate to fester and take hold in our communities. While we cannot allow events like this to define who we are, neither can we allow them to pass unremarked,” Gainey said. “We are better than this, Pittsburgh is better than this. “I want to thank the people in the community who brought this to my attention and also thank the city for its quick response in removing it. I also hope – and will continue to seek -- that those who perpetrated this wanton act are brought to justice.” Read more
On this date in 1920, Andrew "Rube" Foster organized the first successful black baseball league at a YMCA in Kansas City, Missouri. Foster also served as its president. Read more
Read more
Nelson Mandela was released from prison on this day in 1990 after spending 27 years as a political prisoner of the racist South African government. He became the country's first black president in 1994. Read more
Harry S. McAlpin became the first African-American journalist to be admitted to a white house press conference on this day in 1944. Read more
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 7 – State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., today applauded the announcement of a federal initiative to combat climate change across the nation. “The Green New Deal proposed today by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York and U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts is an ambitious and aggressive beginning in the fight against climate change. From record rainfall and deadly wildfires to frigid cold temperatures, these unusual weather patterns are a constant indication that climate change is real and we need to act fast. “Today’s announcement also serves as a reminder that the Pennsylvania General Assembly must look to itself and redouble its efforts on climate change, renewable energy and cutting carbon emissions in the commonwealth. Last summer, Philadelphians dealt with several days of scorching heat, resulting in an increase in pollution and poor air quality and creating breathing difficulties for the young and old. The decline in our climate and increase in pollution is a social justice issue that hits poor and working-class communities the hardest. “The legislature could start by supporting legislation, of which I am a cosponsor, written by my Philadelphia colleague state Representative Chris Rabb. The bill would transition the commonwealth to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050 . He and I, along with many of our fellow lawmakers, agree the change must start now. “I also stood today with Read more
Dr. J. Robert Gladden forged a great path for other Black orthopedic surgeons after becoming the first board-certified African-American surgeon in 1949. Read more
NBA legend Michael Jordan soared into basketball history in 1988 with his unique slam dunk, taking off from the free throw line. The stunning feat earned him the moniker "Air Jordan" and the creation of the Jumpman logo. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today announced her support for Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2019-20 proposed budget. “Recently, my colleagues in the Philadelphia House Delegation stood together to announce our plan to reduce poverty in Philadelphia,” Cephas said. “House Democrats are on the same page as Governor Wolf when it comes to helping our most vulnerable citizens get back on their feet while avoiding new taxes.” Wolf’s 2019-20 budget proposal includes: • No new taxes. • A new Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center. • A minimum wage increase to $12 per hour. • Lowering the age of mandatory school attendance from 8 to 6. • Increasing the dropout age from 17 to 18. • A study on the benefits of providing free full-day kindergarten to all children 5 and older. • $200 million more for basic education. • $50 million more for pre-K and Head Start. • $50 million more for special education. • $7 million more for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. • $8 million in one-time grants for community college students/graduates working in Pennsylvania. “This is the first step in a long budget review process and I look forward to learning more details through my committee roles this session,” Cephas said. “I want to make sure that the final budget continues to reflect the values Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form your are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
Oh no! It seems cookies are not enabled for your browser. This site unfortunatly uses cookies to help provide you with a customized experience on the site. Please enable cookies to allow your experience to be customized. Thank you.