Reverend Avery C. Alexander
Founder
How it all started
The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus (LLBC) was established in 1977. The ten founders of the LLBC were: Rev. Avery C. Alexander, Diana E. Bajoie, Sidney Barthelemy Louis Charbonnet, III, Nick Connor, Joseph A. Delpit, Alphonse Jackson, Johnny Jackson Jr., Thomas Jasper, and Richard Turnley, Jr. In establishing its theme “An Organization on the Move for its People,” the Legislative Black Caucus is expressing its sole purpose for existence, which is working for the betterment of opportunities for African American communities.
The success of the LLBC is not just dependent upon its members; it also depends upon building coalitions with women groups, other minorities, and special interest groups.
Coalition building has strengthened the capacity of the Caucus to pass legislation and to oppose and prevent the passage of legislation which is detrimental to constituency interest.
Mission
The founding mission of the LLBC is to provide equal opportunities for African Americans in recognizing the need to repeal, enact, or re-enact laws affecting their lives; to strengthen African-American economic development; to intercede and bridge the communication gap between government and African-Americans.
As time has passed the mission of the LLBC has evolved into raising the quality of life for African Americans, the indigent and working people through legislation, education.
Key goals
- Enacting legislation that positively impacts and repealing legislation that negatively impacts the Black Caucus’ constituencies
- Implementing and promoting policies which allow all citizens fair and open access to educational and economical advancement opportunities.
- Providing leadership in challenging policies which hinder the progress of African Americans
- Organizing and maintaining a networking system in Louisiana that links together elected officials, faith-based and civic organizations, businesses and colleges and universities for identifying cutting-edge issues that affect Louisiana’s African American citizenry.
- Developing and implementing community-based programs, meetings and forums for the distribution of information.
- Serving as a united public voice for the African American population in Louisiana.
In its early years the Black Caucus successfully passed reapportionment legislation in 1983 and 1990, which established more African-American legislative districts, thus allowing for the election of more African-American representatives and senators.
Founders
Ms. Diana E. Bajoie
Founder
Mr. Sidney John Barthelemy
Founder
Mr. Louis Charbonnet, III
Founder
Mr. George “Nick” Conner
Founder
Mr. Joseph A. Delpit
Founder
Mr. Alphonse Jackson
Founder
Mr. Johnny Jackson, Jr.
Founder
Mr. Thomas Jasper
Founder
Mr. Richard Turnley, Jr.
Founder
Reverend Avery C. Alexander
Mr. Avery Caesar Alexander, who was born on June 29, 1910 was a trailblazing Louisiana civil rights leader and public servant who used the state legislature to further the aims and goals of the historic Civil Rights Movement. He was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives as a Democrat in 1975 and served in that office until his passing.
Ms. Diana E. Bajoie
In 1991, Bajoie was the first African American woman elected to the Louisiana Senate, and in 2004, she was the first woman elected to a senate leadership post as Senate Pro Tempore. Bajoie has received numerous awards throughout her career, including Louisiana Social Workers Public Servant of the Year Award
Mr. Sidney John Barthelemy
The second African American to hold the New Orleans mayoral chair, he was a member of the Louisiana State Senate from 1974 to 1978 and a member at-large of the New Orleans City Council from 1978 to 1986. He served as mayor of New Orleans from 1986 to 1994.
Mr. Louis Charbonnet, III
Always attuned to the needs of his community, Louis decided to run for Louisiana State Representative from the 96th District, won his election and went on to serve from 1970-1984 where he distinguished himself as a floor leader for Governors Edwin Edwards and Dave Treen, New Orleans Mayors Moon Landrieu and Ernest “Dutch Morial. He was the legislative coordinator for the City of New…
Mr. George “Nick” Conner
First coach and lay member of the St. Augustine faculty. The Josephite founders of the school turned to Mr. Conner to help build the athletic programs. During the early years of the school, he taught Science, Civics, and Industrial Arts. He coached baseball, basketball, football, and track and field. As the athletic director, he built sports programs based on excellence, integrity, respect, accountability, and…
Mr. Joseph A. Delpit
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has made significant strides across various sectors. Since 1959, he’s been at the helm of the Chicken Shack, evolving it into a chain under Chicken Shack Systems, Inc. Additionally, he’s been involved in healthcare, consulting, investments, and mental health services. Delpit’s extensive memberships encompass roles in civic, religious, and educational organizations. He has notably been a part of boards…
Mr. Alphonse Jackson
Mr. Alphonse Jackson, who was born in Shreveport, was the first black legislator to be elected from Caddo Parish since Reconstruction when he won the state House District 2seat in 1972. Former Rep. Jackson was a trailblazing educator who worked to integrate Caddo Parish schools and fight discrimination in other areas.
Mr. Johnny Jackson, Jr.
Mr. Jackson Jr. was an American politician. Jackson served as New Orleans City Councilman, from 1986 to 1994. In 1968, he became director of the Desire Community Center. He was the center’s leader during the 1970 standoff between New Orleans police and members of the Black Panther Party, who used the center to offer breakfast, mentoring, and tutoring programs for area youth.
Mr. Thomas Jasper
Native New Orleanian proudly and successfully served the Lower Nine Housing Development Corporation, Minority Business Development, and Louisiana State Office of Minority Affairs under the leadership of former Louisiana Governors Edwards and David Treen and former City of New Orleans Mayor Sidney Barthelemy. In 1976, he was elected to serve as Louisiana State Representative to House District 102 in the Lower Ninth Ward. He…
Mr. Richard Turnley, Jr.
Mr.Richard Turnley Jr., the first black member elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives from Baton Rouge in modern times and a founder of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus. Mr. Turnley, who represented Scotlandville and other north Baton Rouge communities, served three terms in the Louisiana House before being elected in 1984 toDistrict 14 of the state Senate.
Current Members
Currently the Louisiana Legislature has thirty-seven (37) African American members consisting of ten (10) senators and twenty-seven (27) representatives.
Explore Current Members