With voting rights, legalization of medical marijuana, Black economic development, child care, and criminal justice reform in Kansas – just to name a few – on the agenda for Kansas’ 2024 legislative session, Black leaders across the state have a lot to take on at their annual Black Legislative Day at the Kansas Capitol on Mon., Feb. 19.
This is the sixth year for the day-long event that has annually attracted more than 100 African Americans from across the state to the capitol.
There is an open invitation for anyone interested in issues that affect African Americans to join others in the capitol for an opportunity to grow their understanding of the issues and to advocate for or against legislation that may have a positive or negative impact on the state’s Black community.
“This is an event for experienced advocates as well as for citizens hoping to grow their knowledge and understanding of the legislative process and the issues,” said Stacey Knoell, executive director of the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, one of the event’s primary sponsors.
Use this QR code to register for Kansas Black Leadership Day at the capitol.
Again this year, the event will include a series of panel presentations and discussions on hot legislative topics of the year, with a specific focus on the potential impact the legislation might have on the state’s Black community.
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Micah Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Kansas.
There is a distinguished and expert list of presenters who will serve on panels or present on session topics. A partial list includes:
Clay Barker, general counsel for the Kansas Secretary of State, will discuss changes and proposed changes in voting laws in Kansas.
Amber Sellers, a member of the Lawrence City Council, will give an overview and update on proposed bills affecting African Americans in Kansas.
John Nave, executive vice president AFL-CIO Kansas, will talk labor issues and the variety of job training and educational programs and funding.
A unique panel this year will feature experienced candidates speaking on the ABCs of running for office. This is a great session for those who’ve considered running for office and designed to help encourage more Kansas African Americans to step up, file and run.
Along with a lot more sessions, the highlight of the day is always the opportunity to meet and network with other Black leaders from across the state.
Participants are also encouraged to drop into the Kansas House and Senate sessions to see our legislative process in action, meet Black legislators during a planned update session and visit representatives from their district to let them know about issues that are important to you and other Black residents of your area.
The $15 registration fee includes attendance at all sessions, continental breakfast, lunch and a closing reception.
Registration for the event is open on CommunityVoiceKS.com. Use the QR code on this page to go directly to registration. Check in with continental breakfast begins at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st floor rotunda. The deadline to register is Wed., Feb. 14.
Kansas Black Legislative Day is a collaborative project of the Kansas State Branches of the NAACP, Kansas Black Legislative Caucus, the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, and the Kansas Black Leadership Council.
What State-Level Issues Are Important to You?
The Kansas Black Leadership Council wants to know what issues you’re concerned about.
Even if you don’t have an issue of particular concern, the’re asking Black Kansans from across the state to take their 5-minute survey.
Don’t know what the issues are? Taking this multiple-answer survey can help grow your knowledge of the issues.
To take the survey, scan the QR Code belor or go to KansasBLC.org/BlackAgenda.
The results of this survey will be used to help guide KBLC’s lobbying and advocacy efforts.
Use the QR code to take the five minute KBLC survey. Share your opinion on what your feel are important issues impacting African Americans in Kansas.
