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State representative Kam Buckner (26th District) was elected the Chair of the powerful Illinois House Legislative Black Caucus today. Immediately following the vote, he said:

“I am privileged, honored, and humbled by the trust that my colleagues, the members of the Illinois House Legislative Black Caucus have placed in me to serve as the caucus chair for the 102nd General Assembly.

I thank immediate past Chair Rep. Camille Lilly for her dedication, service, and commitment to the values that this caucus was built on over 5 decades ago.

Our state and our nation are at an inflection point and as we stand at the crossroads of history, the Illinois House Legislative Black Caucus will work with a singular focus to improve the lives of those whom we represent through legislation, policy, and aggressive advocacy.”

Formally established in 1967, the primary mission of the ILBC is to assure that the interests of African American citizens are given equitable representation in the General Assembly and that legislative action is directed to address those interests. For 53 years, the ILBC has represented the interest of Illinois citizens. Through the efforts of the Caucus, tremendous strides have been made in areas of housing, health and welfare, education, employment, and minority business enterprise. Since the first presence of an African-American in the House of Representatives in 1876, 157 African American legislators have been elected to serve in both the House and Senate.