The Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, & Asian Legislative Caucus Unveil the 2026 Thriving Black Agenda in Honor of the 100th Anniversary Black History Month
ALBANY, NY (February 4, 2026) – Today, the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus unveiled a comprehensive Black Legislative Agenda in honor of Black History Month. This comprehensive package of legislation aims to directly improve the lives of Black New Yorkers throughout the state. You can view the entire Thriving Black Agenda here.
Black New Yorkers continue to face deep economic and racial disparities that limit opportunities for growth and stability. Discriminatory policies have long denied Black communities access to resources for housing, healthcare, criminal justice, economic development, environmental justice, as well as services to aid children and families.
The Thriving Black Agenda is both urgent and necessary in our current political climate. With the theme of “Leading with Purpose”, the Caucus is calling for a focused and concerted effort to improve the lives of Black New Yorkers through both policy reform and targeted investments . By addressing these disparities head-on, the state doesn't just support Black communities, it uplifts all of New York.
“As we celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Black History Month, it is paramount that we address the disparities that New York’s Black population is dealing with every single day. As Chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus, I want to ensure Black New Yorkers that we remain steadfast in our goals as a legislative body to uplift our communities through equity and fairness. That is why my colleagues and I have put together the Thriving Black Agenda this year. This comprehensive package of legislation aims to not only address the crisis that our Black population is facing surrounding issues of parole justice, youth investment and housing, but to stabilize these issues through preventative measures. I thank my colleagues for their valuable input in the creation of this agenda as we continue advocating for the rights of Black New Yorkers.” said Caucus Chair Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages.
“As Assembly Majority Leader, I am throwing my support behind mental health legislation, especially mental health legislation focused on our youth. The young people in my district have spoken up and said support and expansion of mental health programs are very important to them, and I am making it my priority to see that done.” said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.
“As we celebrate the 100th year of Black History Month, I’m reminded of our ancestors and everything they survived and built. We cannot forget the Middle Passage, the Black Codes, and redlining, but we also celebrate the Harlem Renaissance, Black Wall Street, our excellence in sports, science, technology, and the cultural movements that reshaped this nation. Our history is one of truth, resilience and undeniable brilliance. Each chapter tells the truth of our history and the power of our perseverance” said Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson.
“As we celebrate the 100th Year of Black History Month we also honor the contributions of Black Americans. Our impact continues to shape this nation and its future.” said Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow.
“As we mark 100 years of Black History Month, we honor our ancestors not with symbolism, but with action. Black history is resistance. Black history is survival. Black history is power.
Each February, the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Caucus pauses its routine to recommit—collectively and unapologetically—to advancing a strong Black Agenda rooted in equity, repair, and self-determination. As a united coalition, we are clear: we will defend Black life, protect Black rights, and build Black futures. Happy Black History Month—forever.” said Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman.
"Black History is New York history, and American history. I'm proud to work alongside my Caucus colleagues to recognize that history, and to chart a Black future that respects the dignity, value and contributions of all New Yorkers." said Senator Zellnor Myrie.
“This year’s Black History Month carries special meaning as we mark 100 years of honoring our history at a time when we are seeing deliberate efforts to erase it — from removing Black history from school curricula, to banning books, dismantling monuments, and silencing the stories that reflect our struggles and achievements. Our history is not optional, and it is not negotiable. It is central to the American story. To erase Black history is to erase the truth. As we gather with the BPHA Legislative Caucus, we are not only celebrating our past — we are defending it, protecting it, and passing it on. We will continue to stand against erasure, against hate, and against any attempt to deny future generations the full story of who we are and what we have built.” said Senator James Sanders Jr.
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About the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus
The New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus is a eighty member body of state legislators representing a quarter of residents across the State of New York from Long Island, the metro New York City area, to Upstate. To learn more, visit bphacaucus.com.