Black Leadership Council Recognizes Assemblymembers Bonta, Jackson for Leadership and Service

June 30, 2026

The Black Leadership Council held its annual Legislative Awards Luncheon in Sacramento on June 17, honoring California lawmakers and community leaders for their work advancing racial equity and community investment. Assemblymembers Mia Bonta and Dr. Corey Jackson received awards recognizing their legislative efforts in education and wealth equity respectively, while several other leaders were honored for achievements in housing, health, and civic engagement. The event followed morning meetings between BLC members and the California Legislative Black Caucus to discuss community priorities and legislative strategy.

Who is affected

Assemblymembers Mia Bonta and Dr. Corey Jackson (award recipients)
California Legislative Black Caucus members
Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins and her legislative director Jerika Edwards
Nikki A. Beasley (Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services executive director)
Carol F. Burton (health care and criminal justice executive)
Joya Chavarin (education researcher)
Black communities across California
Individuals seeking Medi-Cal Certified Peer Support Specialist certification
Low-income working families eligible for CalWORKs
Community college students in noncredit programs
Patients facing surprise medical bills and discriminatory lending practices

What action is being taken

The BLC is supporting a package of legislation focused on health, voting rights, and economic equity
The BLC is advocating for state funding to support the Stop the Hate Program and the California Civic Media Fund
BLC and CLBC are working together to translate community priorities into legislative action
The California Legislative Children's Caucus (established by Bonta) is advocating for investments in childcare, health, and education

Why it matters

This work addresses systemic inequities that have historically harmed Black communities by shifting from crisis management toward investment, prevention, and repair. The legislation and advocacy efforts target fundamental areas of well-being including healthcare access, economic security, voting rights, education, and housing stability. As Jackson noted, "this nation needs Black leadership more than ever," and these initiatives represent organized efforts to put resources where harm has been greatest and create opportunities for communities to thrive rather than merely survive systems not designed with their well-being in mind.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint