Leaders of the New York State Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus (BPHA Caucus) on Feb. 5 launched the Empower Black New York Agenda, a policy initiative aimed at addressing economic and racial disparities affecting Black New Yorkers.
The initiative comes amid ongoing inequities in generational wealth, healthcare access and economic mobility for Black communities. The agenda, themed "Agency and Action," calls for targeted investments and policy reforms to create lasting change, according to a press release.
Legislators emphasized the urgent need to close the racial wealth gap, strengthen housing policies and safeguard civil rights.
“The Caucus has passed historic legislation on behalf of Black New Yorkers, from reparations to protections against deed theft, this body remains committed to closing the racial wealth gap and addressing the disparities Black communities continue to face,” stated Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, chair of the BPHA Caucus. “Black History Month reminds us that through challenges, Black New Yorkers continue to persevere and push forward. The Empower Black New York agenda reflects that resilience."
Housing was another central theme, with Assemblywoman Stefani Zinerman warning of increasing displacement in historically Black neighborhoods. “If we do not take bold action now, we risk losing the soul of our communities to investors who see homes as assets rather than places to live,” she said.
“We are a legacy of Kings and of Queens, and we stand to reclaim everything that was stolen from us and rightfully belongs to every human being no matter what color you are, your ethnicity, your creed, your religion or your sexual identity… As we are watching DEI be eviscerated in Washington D.C., we are seeing the attacks on our voting rights, we are watching as the attacks and the relitigation of our civil rights happen each and every day right before our eyes… But we must remain committed to our goals as a caucus,” said Assemblywoman Latrice Walker.
