African American Caucus
The African American Caucus connects city officials to important policymakers by working with the California Legislature and its Legislative Black Caucus, as well as corporate and civic leaders, to build long-lasting relationships with the people in public policy decision-making positions.
Established in 1998, one of the African American Caucus' primary objectives is to promote diversity in the League of California Cities and the state Legislature through the development of symposia on topics vital to the African American community. The caucus coordinates participation within Cal Cities’ decision-making process through membership on the Cal Cities board of directors, policy committees, departments, and regional divisions.
The African American Caucus' mission is to represent the interests of African American city officials and the greater African American community within the League of California Cities, the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, and related national organizations. This mission will be achieved by:
- Identification of issues of concern to the African American community.
- Vocalization of those issues through sponsorship of educational seminars, visible position-taking, and heightened concerted involvement in the League of California Cities.
To achieve its goals, the African American Caucus established seven ad hoc committees: Public Policy, Legislation, Education, Membership, Communications, and Finance. These committees are responsible for planning and carrying out the range of caucus activities throughout the year, including:
- Networking with the members of the California State Legislature and United States Congress to identify important legislation that affects the African American community.
- Performing outreach and building relationships with statewide and national organizations (e.g., the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, NAACP, the Urban League, and the Latino Caucus of the League of California Cities).
- Reviewing and making recommendations on bills in a manner consistent with the African American Caucus mission statement.
- Developing educational symposia on important topics.
- Recruiting new members through networking and educational events.
- Obtaining corporate sponsorship, fundraising, and developing long-term sources of income for the organization.
- President - Walt Allen, III, Councilmember, Covina
- First Vice President - Porsche Middleton, Vice Mayor, Citrus Heights
- Second Vice President - Racquel Vasquez, Mayor, Lemon Grove
- Secretary - Erica Stewart, Mayor, San Luis Obispo
- Treasurer - Ian Oglesby, Mayor, Seaside
- General Counsel - Bruce Soublet, Sr. Assistant City Attorney, Richmond
- Member-at-Large - Minnie Diallo, Council Member, Lathrop
- Member-at-Large - Vacant
- Member-at-Large - Paul Akinjo, Council Member, Lathrop
- Member-at-Large - Darrell Dorris, Council Member, Lancaster
African American Caucus member meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month 12:30-1:15 p.m., unless advised otherwise, for those interested in joining and to learn about what we’re doing and share thoughts and ideas on how we can improve as a Caucus. Meetings are virtual. Join an upcoming meeting through Zoom.
Meeting ID: 892 6743 8479
Passcode: 23Forward
Keep an eye out for African American Caucus events in the Cal Cities Advocate.
To join the African American Caucus, please submit membership dues via the online portal or fill out the membership form and send it with membership dues to:
League of California Cities - African American Caucus
1400 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
For any additional questions, please contact Marla Matime, Executive Director of the League of California Cities African American Caucus.