Black Leadership Council’s Advocacy Day

Imagine a California truly equitable for Black communities and individuals. Imagine the Black mother-to-be who can focus on her pregnancy without worrying about any adverse maternal outcomes. Imagine the Black child who has everything they need to excel in school, graduate, and move on to a meaningful career. Imagine the young Black couple with as much opportunity and access to own a home and pass it down to their children.

Advocacy Day 2023 left to right: Dr. LaWanda Wesley, Dr. MaryAnn Jones, Paul (in rear), Tomiquia Moss, Assemblymember Matt Haney, Shellena Eskridge, Tasha Henneman, Darris Young, Brett Andrews and Monet Boyd.

Enter the Black Leadership Council, an initiative of PRC, which convenes leaders from various fields across our great state to turn that hopefulness of Black prosperity into reality. One way we achieve that reality is through on-the-ground power building at our state’s capitol each Juneteenth. Our “Black in Action” Day of Advocacy brings together leaders from private and public sectors, from all racial backgrounds, urban and rural communities, and all walks of life, to address the systemic inequities preventing millions of Black Californians from the thriving lifestyles they so deserve.

Part of how we make Black prosperity a reality is to amplify the work and voices of leaders who have dedicated their lives to making California a place for all. We’ll take time to celebrate a handful of  California’s top leaders at our legislative luncheon. Please join us in recognizing the following changemakers for their invaluable contributions to communities across the state!

Exceptional Leadership Awardees

Tony Thurmond, California State Superintendent
For exceptional leadership and commitment to educational equity in California.

Shirley M. Weber, Ph.D., California Secretary of State
For exceptional and groundbreaking leadership in achieving Black Prosperity in California.

Dr. Flo Cofer, Community Advocate & Leader
For exceptional leadership in public health and championing health equity in California.

Next Generation Leadership Awardee

Tiyesha Watts, Legislative & Policy Advocate, California Academy of Family Physicians
Our Young Adult Award recognizes outstanding leadership and positive change in California.

Black Leadership Council Visionaries

Tomiquia Moss, Secretary, California Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency
Malia Cohen, California State Controller
For their instrumental foundational support for the BLC and overall leadership in California. (“Seeding Sisters” of the BLC)

Advocacy is a continuous journey, extending far beyond June 19th. We invite you to support the BLC’s ongoing efforts by sponsoring Advocacy Day or donating to help sustain our work. Your contribution plays a vital role in advancing our mission and creating meaningful change in our communities.