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| Trade Mission Committee
1. Representative Vernon Sykes 2. Representative Joyce Beatty 3.
Representative
John Barnes Jr. 4.
Representative
Catherine Barrett Executive CommitteeThe
Honorable C.J. Prentiss, President
The
Honorable Ray Miller, 1st Vice President The
Honorable Peter Lawson Jones, 2nd Vice President The
Honorable Dixie Allen, 3rd Vice President The
Honorable Sylvestor Patton, Parliamentarian The
Honorable John Barnes Jr., Sergeant-at-Arms The
Honorable Jack Ford The
Honorable Mark Mallory The
Honorable Vernon Sykes The
Honorable Tom Roberts The
Honorable Shirley Smith The
Honorable Troy Lee James The
Honorable Catherine Barrett The
Honorable Sam Britton The
Honorable Ben Espy The
Honorable Rhine McLin The
Honorable Joyce Beatty The
Honorable Barbara Boyd Purpose
After
the elections of 1996, a contingent of eleven Black Ohio politicians led by
Representative C.J. McLin met in Washington D.C. with other Black politicians
from across the United States. The
purpose of the meeting was to develop strategies for building a power base
within the national political structure that addressed the needs and concerns of
Black America. From this meeting,
the Congressional Black Caucus was created.
When the Ohio delegation returned from Washington, they realized that
parallel state issues required the development of parallel solutions.
Thus the Black Elected Democrats of Ohio (BEDO) concept was shaped.
BEDO functioned a year before officially organizing in 1967.
Its proud victories include major victories in the areas of economic
development, housing, and education to name a few. One
of BEDO's most far-reaching victories was the enactment of House Bill 584.
This land mark legislation allows the state of Ohio to support the
development of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE's) by making available loans,
bonds, and a percentage of set aside purchases made by the state.
As a result of this law, minority businesses are in a better position to
gain economic parity with their well-established White counterparts.
Perhaps more importantly, it recognizes a philosophy that speaks to the
responsibility of government to ensure opportunities for all Ohioans.
With the enactment of House Bill 584, BEDO is responsible for
spearheading the development of the nation's most comprehensive law for minority
economic development. Under
its new name, The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC), the organization
continues to promote, foster and sponsor education, civic and political
activities. In recognition of the
needs, hopes, and aspirations of African Americans, OLBC promotes faith in the
American Constitution and active participation by all in constructive social and
political action. The
strength that comes from the governmental process and the significant impact
that OLBC has on that process makes it one of the strongest, most powerful
organizations of its kind in the United States.
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