ALBANY, NY – The Black leaders of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus (BPHA Caucus) came together to unveil the Empower Black New York Agenda aimed at improving the lives of Black New Yorkers across the state. Click here to watch the entire press conference.
Black New Yorkers continue to face deep economic and racial disparities that limit opportunities for growth and stability. Discriminatory policies have long denied Black communities access to generational wealth, quality healthcare, and the economic mobility needed to thrive. The Empower Black New York Agenda is not just necessary—it is urgent. With the theme of “Agency and Action”, the Caucus is calling for a concerted and consistent effort to uplift Black New Yorkers through targeted investments and policy reforms. By addressing these disparities head-on, the state doesn’t just support Black communities, it uplifts all of New York.
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“The Caucus has passed historic legislation on behalf of Black New Yorkers, from reparations to protections against deed theft, this body remains committed to closing the racial wealth gap and addressing the disparities Black communities continue to face,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus. “Black History Month reminds us that through challenges, Black New Yorkers continue to persevere and push forward. The Empower Black New York agenda reflects that resilience. It is about ensuring that no community is left behind and keeping equity at the heart of state government, because uplifting Black New Yorkers means uplifting all of New York.”
At this moment, it seems Black History Month is poised in the right place and the right time, because there is no time more important as black members of the State Legislature to be stepping forward and saying these are the things that need to happen in our state government. This is particularly because of the onslaught that we are seeing on the federal level. And so, here we are advancing an Agenda that is not just important for our community, but really creates a basis for those who are in need all over our State,” stated Senator Kevin Parker.
“We all know as we stand here today that New Yorkers, particularly black and working class families, are facing an unprecedented housing crisis. Homeownership, as you know, is the cornerstone of generational wealth and it is slipping further and further out of reach as foreign investors and corporate speculators buy out our communities… Studies show that in neighborhoods in Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights, if we do not take bold action now, we risk losing the soul of our communities to investors who do not see our homes as places to live, but as assets to trade,” stated Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman.
“We are a legacy of Kings and of Queens, and we stand to reclaim everything that was stolen from us and rightfully belongs to every human being no matter what color you are, your ethnicity, your creed, your religion, or your sexual identity… As we are watching DEI be eviscerated in Washington D.C., we are seeing the attacks on our voting rights, we are watching as the attacks and the relitigation of our civil rights happen each and every day right before our eyes… But we must remain committed to our goals as a Caucus,” stated Assemblywoman Latrice Walker.
“We stand at a strange place, and it’s the laboratories of democracy, state government, that must stand up at a time like this… I’m very grateful to stand with the best people that money cannot buy, the best people that are going to fight for these issues and ensure that justice rains down across New York State like it should rain down everywhere,” stated Senator James Sanders Jr.
I’m proud to be a part of this Caucus and its loud support for the Anti Harassment in Reporting Act. This would stop the practice of false anonymous complaints against families that would lead to unnecessary investigations… For Black children by the time they turn 18, nationwide, they have a 1 in 2 chance of having a CPS investigation. We want to make sure we are keeping families whole,” stated Senator Jabari Brisport.
“Black Americans and all those in the African diaspora, have had a unique impact on this country. October 9th, 1779, there was a Haitian regiment that landed on Savannah. That history is not told, despite the fact that we may have never beaten the British without them during the Revolutionary War. We always try to forget about the contributions of African Americans to the founding of this country and why Black History Month is so important,” stated Assemblymember Landon Dais.
“This Agenda is really about a Black future & a Black legacy in New York… In this moment where we are watching the federal government be hostile to every part of our community, especially Black and Brown New Yorkers, we need to step up and take leadership, we will say enough is enough, we will say not today,” stated Assemblymember Amanda Septimo.
“We are all leaders in this fight, but we have to make sure we stand up where it matters and where people are the most vulnerable in terms of their mental health. Whether it’s at their home, if they encounter it in the carceral system, at hospitals, or schools, we need to ensure that there are mental health facilities in every single neighborhood. We must make sure we protect our most valuable asset; Our minds,” stated Assemblymember Phara Forrest.
“This year is the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance. Right now, however, our Black arts organizations are suffering. There is a huge disparity. We need to make sure that we fund our Black arts organizations and programs to continue creating art and carrying the legacy of Black Arts and culture,” stated Senator Cordell Cleare.
“We are in a State of Emergency, New York State. We are watching as programs are being cut across our state, and this Caucus will continue to fight for these programs, collaborate, and stand together as a Legislative body,” stated Assemblymember Kwani O’Pharrow
“I look back at my time as a teacher and I can say that education is the way to go. In order to know where we are going in our future, we have to look at our past. So to deny us the ability to teach our past is a travesty that we cannot see go further… I’m here to stand for change and fight for basic human rights across New York State.” stated Assemblymember Noah Burroughs.
“I am proud to stand with my fellow African-American, Hispanic, and Asian colleagues in the Legislature in supporting and enacting our ‘Empower Black New York Agenda’, with the goal of improving the quality of life of and equipping Black New Yorkers throughout our State,” stated Assemblymember George Alvarez.
“As we continue to highlight and remember our history during Black History Month, the Empower Black New York Agenda emphasizes a call to action to address the various hardships and setbacks we face as Black New Yorkers. It calls us to come together in strength, and to focus on our commitment to a better future,” stated Assemblymember Clyde Vanel.
