Black History Month is a reminder to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves: Terrence Upchurch
As companies and schools across America begin to dismantle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus which I lead is committed to taking a firm stance against the elimination of these programs, while aiming to educate the public and diminish the stereotypes being promoted by the current administration, writes guest columnist State Rep. Terrence Upchurch of Cleveland, who represents Ohio House District 20.
The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) kicked off February with a Black History Month bill package encompassing over 20 bills centered around Black excellence and improvement. This package is more than just symbolic -- it highlights a critical and ongoing conversation about how the state can better support Black communities, elevate Black voices, and tackle systemic disparities.
It is important for the caucus to place an emphasis on amplifying the Black agenda. The bills cover several key areas, including education, housing, workerâs rights, health and safety and criminal justice reform, such as:
â Prohibiting landlords from discrimination against tenants based on form of payment â particularly the use of federal vouchers for rent;
â The C.R.O.W.N. Act, prohibiting discrimination against an individual because of traits associated with an individualâs race, including protection of hair texture and protective and cultural hairstyles, reintroduced this session as Senate Bill 73.
â The anti-lunch-shaming bill ensuring a hungry child is not denied a meal regardless of financial status, reintroduced this session as House Bill 97.
â Repealing the recently enacted provision that requires people pay for public records and release of body cam footage.
â Foster-to-College bill, providing full college scholarships for Ohioans in foster care after their 13th birthday, reintroduced as House Bill 25.
The work we are doing is not about just passing bills -- itâs about creating a foundation for lasting change felt for generations. Each bill introduced is a step toward dismantling barriers and aiming for a brighter, more inclusive future.
In our current political climate, it is important to remember that legislation can have a direct impact on illuminating our history, promoting inclusivity, and addressing inequality. With all the racial injustice occurring in the White House, it is important that Ohioâs lawmakers -- Black and non-Black -- take a stand. This is a unique opportunity to promote the interest and well-being of all Ohioans by honoring both the past and future and pushing for change in the present by putting Black people at the center of state policy.
Ohio should be a place where all citizens are thought about and taken care of, not a select few. Shedding a light on policies and issues that will promote a group that has been consistently underserved and underrepresented will help everyone.
As companies and schools across America begin to dismantle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus is committed to taking a firm stance against the elimination of these programs, while aiming to educate the public and diminish the stereotypes being promoted by the current administration.
As we reflect on Black History Month, letâs ask ourselves: are we simply in our positions of influence for the title and the notoriety, or are we really changing the lives of the people of Ohio?
State Rep. Terrence Upchurch, a Cleveland Democrat, speaks during an Ohio Statehouse news conference on Oct. 31, 2023. (Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com)Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com
I am honored to be president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus and do not take this role lightly. Itâs a privilege to serve in the Ohio House, especially when most Ohioans who look like me never even get to step foot in the Statehouse. I will always advocate for those who never get a chance to advocate for themselves.
I hope we, as a state, will continue to fulfill this goal. Happy Black History Month!
State Rep. Terrence Upchurch of Cleveland represents Ohio House District 20 and is currently in his 4th term.
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