The Delaware Legislative Black Caucus (DLBC) held leadership elections on Monday, electing Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha as Chair and Rep. Franklin Cooke as Vice-Chair.
The DLBC, which includes both State Representatives and State Senators, works to foster a society that is fair and equitable for all. By empowering African Americans and other marginalized communities, the caucus aims to ensure that all voices are heard in Delaware’s legislative process.
The DLBC now includes 17 legislators – the largest membership in the caucus’ history.
“Serving as Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus is truly an honor. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from and connecting with my fellow Black Caucus members, and I am grateful that they have entrusted me with the responsibility to carry the torch forward,” said Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha, Chair of the DLBC.
“While we, the DLBC, have engaged the public in meaningful conversations and made significant progress with our policies, there’s still more work to be done. Crime, public safety, health, and education are critical concerns for all of us. To see real change in these areas, we must also address the systems designed to serve our communities,” said Rep. Franklin Cooke, Vice-Chair of the DLBC.
“I am excited to continue working with my colleagues and the public in this role as we advance toward a future where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.”
The DLBC was formed in 2019 by Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden, and has led several notable initiatives over the years, including the Justice for All Agenda.
“I founded the Delaware Legislative Black Caucus to create a space where minority individuals from diverse backgrounds could have a seat at the table to confront and address the racial inequities present in their communities and throughout Delaware,” said Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden, founder of the DLBC.
“Since then, I am proud of how much this caucus has grown and the impactful work we have accomplished. From passing legislation to ensure Black history is taught to all students in Delaware, to recently hosting our first Unapologetically Black Conference in partnership with the Racial Equity Consortium at Delaware State University, our state’s only HBCU. These are historic times, and I look forward to continuing our work under the leadership of Rep. Chukwuocha and Rep. Cooke.”
“I am proud of all we accomplished during my term as the DLBC Chair, including the passage of criminal justice and law enforcement reform,” said Rep. Kendra Johnson, former Chair of the DLBC.
“Moving forward, I am confident that Rep. Chukwuocha and Rep. Cooke are well-equipped to meet the challenges we currently face. Together, we will continue working to drive positive change in our communities.”
“In recent years, the Legislative Black Caucus has brought forward truly transformative policies that have uplifted not only Delaware’s Black community but our entire state,” said Speaker Minor-Brown.
“As the first Black Speaker of the House, I am deeply proud of this progress and excited to see Rep. Chukwuocha and Rep. Cooke take the helm of the DLBC. I know they will continue to build on this momentum, and I look forward to working alongside them.”
“From passing criminal justice reform to the Equal Rights Amendment, this caucus has championed legislative priorities that have made Delaware fairer and safer for Black people in every corner of our state,” said Senator Darius Brown.
“I am proud to serve alongside my colleagues in the caucus, and I am hopeful about what we will continue to accomplish together.”
