WHAT: The California Legislative Black Caucus will hold a press conference on Wednesday, January 31st to release the State of Black California Report, which provides a snap shot of blacks in California, in Sacramento at the State Capitol in Room 1190. The report was the result of a one-year research project that included qualitative and quantitative data collection measuring the status of the state’s black population relative to whites and other ethnic and racial groups. The nine-member Caucus, largest delegation in the state’s history, commissioned the report in order to develop a public policy agenda for the Caucus that would improve the lives of Black Californians.

WHEN: Wednesday, January 31, 2007,

10 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. – Press Conference

10:20 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. – Interviews with Caucus members

10:40 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. – Report Presentation & Overview – Dr. Michael Stoll

WHERE: State Capitol, Room 1190

WHO: Members of the Legislative Black Caucus include Assemblymember Mervyn Dymally, chair; Assembly Majority Leader Karen Bass, vice chair; Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas; Senator Edward Vincent; Assemblymember Wilmer Amina Carter; Assemblymember Mike Davis; Assemblymember Curren Price; Assemblymember Laura Richardson; Assemblymember Sandre Swanson; and researcher Dr. Michael A. Stoll, School of Public Affairs University of California, Los Angeles.

Background: The State of Black California Report was commissioned by the California Legislative Black Caucus in order to develop a strong legislative agenda to build on assets and address challenges faced by the Black community. In addition to proposing specific legislation, this report provides additional proposals that do not require legislation but require active involvement from the Black community. It also provides us a snap shot of the status of our community relative to whites and other ethnic and racial groups in California.

Key components of this process were the town hall meetings held throughout the state. At these meetings, the Legislative Black Caucus had the opportunity to listen to the issues that affect Blacks in the Inland Empire, Sacramento and San Diego.