Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus (LLBC) invited the public to what is being called a “road show” which stopped in northeast Louisiana on Monday, October 17, 2022. Topics on the discussion menu included healthcare, education, and redistricting, among other topics, such as the upcoming 2022 midterms elections. Many Democratic leaders are fighting against numerous laws that they say are aimed at keeping Blacks and other minorities from voting in large numbers. The LLBC has been in existence since 1977, and was founded by legendary Black leaders Rev. Avery Alexander, Diana E. Bajoie, Sidney Barthelemy, Louis Charbonnet III, Nick Conner, Joseph A. Delpit, Alphonse Jackson, Johnny Jackson, Jr., Thomas Jasper and Richard Turnley, Jr. One of the organization's most notable accomplishments during the early days, was successfully passing reapportionment legislation in 1983 and 1990, which established more African American districts. This allowed for the election of more African American representatives and senators. According to the latest figures, there are 36 Black representatives in Baton Rouge - 10 senators and 26 representatives. According to its mission statement, LLBC's goal is to “raise the quality of life for African Americans, the indigent, and working people through legislation, education, and economic development.”

While in Monroe, LA on Monday, October 17, 2022, the subject of redistricting was mentioned, as that was an issue in the Louisiana legislature when there was an attempt to create a second majority-minority voting district in the state. They were unsuccessful, illustrating the significance of having greater minority representation in Washington in a state under Republican control. Chairman Vincent Pierre believes the Black population warrants an additional Black district. Pierre and the Caucus are urging Black voters to head to the polls on November 8, 2022, as congress control is said to be up for grabs as the polls show that races are close.

The LLBC is also aware of the rising support for the legalization of marijuana, which was highlighted recently when President Joe Biden pardoned thousands of individuals on the federal level of marijuana convictions. Gov. John Bel Edwards, who is in the last two years of his second term, does not support the legalization of the drug. The question is, what can Republicans do to the governor they haven’t already tried?

There are strong feelings among members of the caucus that Gov. Edwards should be a little more open concerning the case of Ronald Greene’s death. Many in the Black community do not believe that the governor is being forthright with what he knows about Greene’s case. The main message now is to go to the polls and vote, as the stakes have never been higher.

Photo: LA Legislative Black Caucus members, Rep. Ed Larbadian, Rep. Adrian Fisher, Rep. Tammy Phelps, Sen. Katrina Jackson, Rep. Vincent J. Pierr, and Rep. Pat Moore stopped in Monroe, LA recently.