Video & Transcript : 'African Americans' :

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CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He's the only African American.
  • It took about a century for the first African American elected to Congress to come from South Carolina
  • It took about a century for the first African American elected to Congress to come from South Carolina
  • for me and reflects the significant contributions Korean Americans and Asian American and Pacific Islander
  • The Asian American community is very vibrant.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, offered a prayer and pledge, and welcomed several guest delegations, including Hubert Humphrey Fellows and Congressman Jim Clyburn. Members gave extended remarks honoring Clyburn’s civil rights and congressional leadership, as well as his work on rural issues, the Affordable Care Act, and bipartisan relationships. The chamber also announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment. The main floor action was on Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, celebrating Lunar New Year. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support, highlighting the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and community, and California’s large Asian American population. Several members also noted the history of Chinese immigrants in California and the importance of recognizing and supporting Asian American communities amid ongoing concerns about anti-Asian hate. The resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of 37-0. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment-in-memory tributes. Senator Becker honored Niles Telenius, a young climate and aviation advocate; Senator Gonzalez, joined by Senators Strickland, Laird, Cabaldon, and Umberg, honored former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster for his leadership in city government, energy policy, and public service; and Senator Wiener honored Terence Allen for his work in San Francisco’s cannabis, LGBTQ, small business, and nightlife communities. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with recess until 3:30 p.m. for adjournment proceedings.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Feb 17th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • He's the only African American.
  • It took about a century; the first African American elected to Congress came from South Carolina.
  • It took about a century, the first African American elected to Congress came from South Carolina, but
  • for me and reflects the significant contributions Korean Americans and Asian American and Pacific Islander
  • The Asian American community is very vibrant.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, observed a moment of silence for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, and heard opening prayer and pledge. Members also welcomed Hubert Humphrey Fellows from several countries and received introductions of guests, including California State University Chancellor Mildred Garcia and Congressman Jim Clyburn. The chamber then approved the Senate journals and announced a joint hearing of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee and the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions to be held upon adjournment. The main floor item was Senate Resolution 72 by Senator Wahab, recognizing Lunar New Year. Senators from several caucuses and districts spoke in support, describing the holiday’s significance across Asian cultures, its themes of family, renewal, courage, and prosperity, and California’s large Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Senator Wiener also highlighted the history of Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco and the contributions of Chinese immigrants and workers to California. The resolution passed by a 37-0 roll call vote. At the end of the session, members offered adjournment memorials for Niles Telenius, former Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster, and Terence Allen, with tributes describing their public service, community leadership, and personal impact. The Senate then announced it would reconvene on Thursday, February 19, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 14th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • the great American ideal from many...
  • And the great American ideal from many, we are one, or we strive to be.
  • I've stood against racism and the attacks on voting rights that are impacting African Americans throughout
  • Anthony was the only African American student when he started attending architecture school at Columbia
  • University, where he got involved in the civil rights movement, encouraging other African American students
Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor privileges and recognitions. Members welcomed a delegation from Catalonia on the 40th anniversary of the California-Catalonia sister-state relationship, Solano Community College’s speech and debate team, and several small business honorees, including Royal Clothiers and Old California Botanicals. The chamber also recognized Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones for his advocacy on democracy and voting rights, with multiple senators speaking in support of his visit. On business, the Senate confirmed Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Laura Ederton Speed as Executive Director of the State Bar, both by unanimous 35-0 votes. The body adopted SCR 163 designating May as California Tourism Month, highlighting tourism’s economic impact, and SCR 170 declaring Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week, with extensive testimony from senators about the trauma firefighters and first responders face and the need to reduce stigma and expand support. The Senate also adopted SCR 174 marking the 60th anniversary of California’s pilot regional centers for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emphasizing the system’s role in community-based care. The Senate adopted SR 111 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after extended debate focused on LGBTQ rights, hate violence, and the need for allies to speak out; the resolution passed 26-0. The chamber then approved a second-day consent calendar of multiple bills by 34-0, moved SCR 116 to the inactive file, granted reconsideration on SR 111 for a later session, and heard motions to adjourn in memory of Carl Anthony and Lupe Estrella. The Senate announced committee hearings and then adjourned to reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Mar 16th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The senator from Hayward is the first Muslim and African-American elected to the Senate.
  • And the senator from La Mesa, our presiding officer, became the first African-American elected to La
  • legacy of all of our women, but today on behalf of the Black Caucus, we wanted to highlight a few African-American
  • We look at American history and we see women who didn't wait for permission to lead.
  • Women like Jeane Kirkpatrick, who brought ...of American freedom.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and suspended several rules and notices for floor business. The chamber approved the journals for March 9–12, 2026, and suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow a Budget Subcommittee on Education hearing on item 6120 with short notice. The body then took up third reading items, beginning with SCR 114 designating March 15–21 as National Surveyors’ Week. Senator Grove spoke in support, emphasizing the historical importance of surveyors and their role in infrastructure, land ownership, and economic development. The resolution passed unanimously, 40-0, and Grove introduced guest Christy Ashay, president of the California Land Surveyors Association. The Senate next considered SR 76 recognizing Women’s History Month and honoring 42 women from across California. Senator Menjivar led the resolution, highlighting women’s contributions and calling for continued policy work on equity, pay, and opportunity. Senators Richardson, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, and others spoke in support on behalf of the Black, LGBTQ+, Latino, Jewish, AAPI, and other caucuses, citing women’s historic and ongoing leadership and the need to address persistent inequality. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 40-0. After the vote, the Senate proceeded to a lengthy floor ceremony recognizing the Women of the Year honorees from each district, with brief biographies read into the record for community leaders, educators, public safety officials, veterans, advocates, business owners, and others. The session concluded with an adjournment in memory of James Bernard Peth, offered by Senator Ashby in honor of the father of Senate Ethics Committee Chief Counsel Aaron Peth. The Senate announced it would recess and reconvene on March 19, 2026, at 9 a.m.
FL
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Senate in Session Mar 27th, 2025

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • brothers of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek letter fraternity for African-American
  • American History and Culture.
  • American History and Culture.
  • American physicians and a business leader in the community, and he wanted to remedy that.
  • American History and Culture.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, pledge, and several member introductions and recognitions, including resolutions and visiting groups. The chamber then moved to a special order calendar and took up a series of bills, beginning with SB 88 on utility terrain vehicles, which would allow local governments to opt in to street use of UTVs under specified safety conditions; it passed 32-5 after debate over safety concerns. SB 102 on exceptional student education created a workforce credential/badge program for students with autism or on modified curricula; despite concerns about unfunded mandates, it passed 36-0. SB 106 on exploitation of vulnerable adults authorized alternative service methods for scammers through the apps they used to contact victims and passed 37-0. SB 130 expanded and eased procedures for compensation of victims of wrongful incarceration, including extending filing deadlines and removing restrictive bars; it passed 38-0. SB 158 eliminated cost sharing for diagnostic and supplemental breast exams under the state employee health plan and passed 38-0. The Senate then considered SB 234 on crimes against law enforcement officers, prompted by the killing of Officer Jason Raynor. The bill clarified that a person may not resist an officer with violence and added a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. A late amendment to restore “good faith” language failed, and after extensive debate over due process, racial profiling, and sentencing concerns, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than brought to a final vote. SB 262 on trust code technical changes passed 36-0. SB 274 designated portions of roads in Orlando as Harris Rosen Way and Geraldine Thompson Way; it passed 38-0 and then received 37 co-sponsors. SB 280 created an enforcement mechanism for candidate party-affiliation qualification requirements and passed 38-0. SB 296 repealed the statewide middle and high school start-time mandate and returned the issue to local districts with reporting requirements; it passed 38-0. Later, SB 356 designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Florida, with the sponsor emphasizing anti-Semitism and the need for education and remembrance. The transcript also included additional ceremonial remarks and recognition of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity members in the gallery. Throughout the meeting, most measures advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous support, while SB 234 generated the most substantive disagreement and was set aside for later consideration.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Mar 16th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • The senator from Hayward is the first Muslim and African-American elected to the Senate.
  • And the senator from La Mesa, our presiding officer, became the first African-American elected to La
  • legacy of all of our women, but today on behalf of the Black Caucus, we wanted to highlight a few African-American
  • Jewish women of Latin American heritage have also made profound cultural and political contributions,
  • We look at American history and we see women who didn't wait for permission to lead.
MA
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Education Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am

Joint Committee on Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • It overlooks African civilizations from Timbuktu's center of learning to African societies' leadership
  • and ingenuity, and minimizes African Americans' impact on the arts, sciences, government, and civic
  • This strengthens empathy, community, and shared American values.
  • House 604, an act concerning Asian Pacific Island and Desi American History Education.
  • I'm sitting at my teacher's desk during my homeroom period in high school when a tall, thin, lanky, African-American
Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Education
Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on a wide range of bills, with the largest portions focused on the Healthy Youth Act (S.340/H.656), comprehensive and inclusive curriculum bills (H.655/S.371 and related measures), climate literacy education (H.560/S.391), computer science coursework (H.534/S.362), arts education funding and STEM-to-STEAM proposals (H.561 and H.4297), and a homeschooling reporting bill (H.518). Supporters of the Healthy Youth Act argued it would preserve local control while requiring medically accurate, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive sex education and regular updates to state health frameworks; opponents raised parental rights, age-appropriateness, and opt-out concerns, with some calling for fetal development content. Supporters of inclusive curriculum bills said they would improve representation, belonging, and civic understanding, while opponents argued they could undermine parental authority or promote ideological content. Climate, computer science, and arts advocates emphasized workforce readiness, student engagement, and the need for state support and funding to expand access and teacher training. Testimony on the climate literacy bill described increasing climate impacts in Massachusetts and argued that interdisciplinary instruction would prepare students for science, policy, and green careers; witnesses said the bill was not a mandate but a support and funding measure. Computer science supporters said access remains uneven, especially for girls, students of color, and students with disabilities, and urged stronger statewide requirements and AI-related standards. Arts advocates backed both the STEM-to-STEAM bill and the Lowell Mason arts funding proposal, citing research on student achievement, attendance, creativity, and the economic importance of the arts sector. The homeschool bill was supported by a homeschool advocacy group as a modernization of reporting requirements. The committee closed testimony on numerous bills where no one remained signed up or testimony had concluded, including several education, curriculum, and commission proposals. No votes were taken during the hearing itself. At the end of the session, the committee closed out the remaining testimony and adjourned after a motion and second.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate and Governmental Affairs May 12th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • congressional districts that reflected the picture of Louisiana, over 30 percent of the population being African
  • American.
  • Population being African American.
  • this discussion tonight, that you understand the impact on voters across the state of Louisiana: African-American
  • On Friday, we heard heartfelt testimony from African-American leaders and voters from around the state
Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 12, 2026, and focused primarily on Senate Bill 407, a congressional redistricting proposal, with Senate Bill 121 also scheduled for later. The chair explained the committee would first take up SB 407, consider amendments, then hear public testimony, and would not take up SB 116 or SB 130. Two amendment sets were adopted on SB 407: one technical set adjusting dates to align with the upcoming election cycle, and another updating the map in the bill. Committee members and the bill sponsor described the proposal as a 4-2 congressional map intended to comply with the Supreme Court’s CalA ruling, preserve traditional redistricting criteria, and avoid using race as the basis for district lines. Supporters of SB 407 argued the map was compact, contiguous, kept parishes and cities together, and created two opportunity districts without racial predominance. Several senators said the map better reflected Louisiana’s political and demographic realities and could withstand legal challenge under the Equal Protection Clause and First Amendment. Testimony in support also emphasized fairness, representation, and the idea that the state should not move to a 5-1 map. Some speakers, including former legislators and community advocates, said the state should maintain or preserve two districts where Black voters and Democratic voters could elect candidates of choice. Opponents of the broader redistricting effort criticized the process as rushed and confusing, especially because early voting had already begun and the Secretary of State was not present to answer questions. Some speakers said the legislature had not been properly involved in the election suspension process and raised concerns about whether votes already cast would count if maps changed. Others argued the proposed changes were an attempt to dilute political power and disenfranchise voters, particularly Black, poor, and queer communities. The committee heard extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Jul 8th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, the California State Asian Chamber of Commerce, and the California African
  • American Chamber of Commerce, are committed... to compete for local contracts.
  • American Chamber of Commerce, are committed.
  • The California Asian Chamber of Commerce and the California African American Chamber of Commerce are
  • Andrea DeVoe, on behalf of the California African American Chamber of Commerce, the third co-sponsor,
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact met on July 11, 2025, and heard six measures focused on small business contracting, ports and trade, local economic development, clean energy transition, tariff impacts, and infrastructure finance. SB 70 would raise the Small Business Procurement and Contract Act contract cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and index it to inflation; supporters said it would reflect current economic conditions, while opponents argued it could reduce transparency, favor larger firms, and strain small businesses’ ability to carry inventory and wait for payment. The bill was approved 7-0 to Appropriations. AJR 14 urged federal agencies to consider the effects of tariff policy on California ports, with testimony emphasizing impacts on cargo volumes, jobs, supply chains, and infrastructure needs; it passed 7-0. SB 781 would require cities and counties to adopt small business utilization plans and strengthen the California Small Business Technical Assistance Program; chambers of commerce and committee members supported it as a way to expand procurement opportunities and technical assistance, and it passed 7-0 to Local Government. SB 227 would extend and expand the Green Empowerment Zone in Contra Costa County, add environmental justice representatives, and extend authorization to 2040; it passed 7-0 to the floor. SB 263 would direct the California Transportation Agency to study the statewide impacts of tariffs, with supporters from the ports, retail, and trucking sectors arguing that better data is needed to guide budgeting and policy responses; it passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 769 would create the Golden State Infrastructure Fund to finance major infrastructure projects through a revolving public-private investment model; supporters said it would help address long-term infrastructure needs and prepare for major events, and the bill passed 6-0 to Appropriations after opposition was withdrawn. All measures were reported out of committee, and the meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m.
FL
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Rules Feb 17th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is a fundraiser for that historical African-American school. Is that a better example?
  • He was one of the best bosses I've ever had, an African-American gentleman, Gerald, who now I believe
  • Well, would you agree that there was a period of time where African Americans, Hispanics, and Native
  • But there are stories where Hispanics, Asian-American, African-Americans, based on merit, deserved an
  • But there are stories where Hispanics, Asian-American, and Hispanics, Asian-American, African-Americans
Summary: The committee took up a long agenda of retained bills and several new measures, with most receiving favorable reports after amendments. Major debate centered on CS/SB 706, which preempts airport naming to the state and designates Palm Beach International Airport as the Donald J. Trump International Airport subject to FAA and trademark-related conditions. Senator Jones offered amendments to avoid private royalty benefits, but both failed. Senators Berman, Osgood, Jones, and Pizzo spoke against the bill, raising concerns about naming an airport after a sitting president, lack of local input, and ethical issues; Senator Mayfield defended the bill as cost-free to the airport and noted the naming agreement. The committee ultimately voted the bill favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 546 on conservation land notice requirements and CS/SB 1014 on municipal utility service to properties outside city limits, both with amendments and some opposition from the Florida League of Cities on the utility bill. Several other bills were heard and reported favorably with little controversy. CS/SB 1500 would streamline uncontested probate proceedings; SB 962 would exclude farms and farm operations from certain zoning definitions tied to affordable housing preemption; CS/SB 820 would strengthen reporting for problem-solving courts; SB 840 would revise portions of last year’s hurricane-related land-use law to narrow its scope and sunset temporary restrictions; and SB 856 would require online property listings to show estimated ad valorem taxes, with an amendment excluding social media platforms and broadening liability protections. SB 110 would clarify homestead exemption eligibility for 98-year or longer residential leases. SB 394 would exempt certain underwriting managers handling limited facultative reinsurance from licensure requirements, and SB 434 would prevent wind-hardening improvements from increasing assessed value for residential property tax purposes. The committee also advanced several public-safety and transparency measures. CS/CS/SB 658 and 608, a combined water-safety bill, would require safety features for rental properties with pools or nearby water bodies and authorize DBPR enforcement; supporters framed it as a response to Florida’s high child-drowning rates, and Airbnb waived in support. SB 748 would place constitutional language on restoration of voting rights on sentencing score sheets, with broad support from voting-rights and civil-rights groups. CS/SB 824 would require annual reporting of unimproved school-district land inventories, and CS/SB 848 would create a framework for off-site stormwater treatment and related credits, with support from builders and mitigation bankers. The committee also heard CS/SB 1036 on school counselors, which clarifies certification requirements and performance criteria after a delete-all amendment.
NY
NY

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York State Senate Session - 03/18/2026

New York Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Right, before the American Revolution.
  • Make someone of African descent a Mason.
  • then African Lodge Number 459.
  • on March 23, designating it Pakistan-American Day in the State of New York.
  • THE PAKISTANI AMERICAN COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTING SO MUCH TO THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal, then moved through a series of introductions and resolutions recognizing Women’s History Month honorees, Prince Hall Masons and Eastern Stars, Agriculture Week, Pakistan-American Heritage Day, visiting Mercaz Academy students, and the 175th anniversary of Albany Law School. Several senators spoke in support of the commemorations, and each resolution was adopted. The chamber then took up a number of bills on the calendar. Among the measures passed were bills related to insurance, private housing finance, public health, mental hygiene, real property, elder law, public authorities, and environmental conservation. One bill on the Environmental Conservation Law drew a procedural challenge over a proposed amendment; the Chair’s ruling that the amendment was nongermane was upheld by a show of hands, after which the bill passed. Another bill amending the Emergency Tenant Protection Act was debated on the issue of vacant rent-stabilized units and LLC ownership transparency, with supporters saying it would help identify responsible owners and opponents arguing it was too broad and could impose unclear penalties; it ultimately passed. The most extended debate centered on a real property bill concerning electronic rent payment systems and automated clearinghouse fees. Supporters framed it as a transparency measure that lets tenants choose whether to use such systems, while critics questioned how fees would be handled and whether the bill would affect landlord costs. After debate, the bill passed. A public health bill sponsored by Senator Webb also passed after she explained it was intended to improve transparency and oversight of changes to maternity and perinatal services amid concerns about maternal health deserts and hospital closures. The Senate then completed the calendar and adjourned until the next day.
HI
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

HLT Public Hearing - Wed Apr 2, 2025 @ 10:30 AM HST

Health

Transcript Highlights:
  • These numbers are above other populations, African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian, and so on.
  • These numbers are above other populations, African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian, and so on.
  • These numbers are above other populations, African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian, and so on.
  • These numbers are above other populations, African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian, and so on.
  • These numbers are above other populations, African-American, Hispanic, Caucasian, and so on.
Committee: House Health
Summary: The Committee on Health met on April 2, 2025, and heard several resolutions focused on student mental health, autism data collection, school heat exposure, and climate change as a public health issue. Testimony on HCR 96/HR 92 supported encouraging the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand student mental health services; the University of Hawaii testified in support, and a student speaker said expanded services would make students more likely to seek help. The committee also heard HCR 145/HR 139, which urges state agencies to collaborate on planning for Hawaii’s participation in CDC autism prevalence surveillance; supporters included the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and an autism advocate who said Hawaii needs better local representation in the data. The committee then heard HCR 186/HR 179, requesting a study of heat exposure management in Department of Education and charter schools. The Department of Health and the climate change and health working group supported the measure, citing rising temperatures, heat-related illness risks during outdoor activities, and the value of wet bulb globe temperature standards. Finally, the committee heard HCR 188/HR 182, declaring climate change a public health emergency and calling for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the climate change and health working group, and a Native Hawaiian physician emphasized climate-related health harms such as heat illness, wildfire impacts, chronic disease, and inequities; one member opposed the measure as politicized and said it could dilute attention from other urgent problems. In decision-making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HCR 96/HR 92, HCR 145/HR 139, and HCR 186/HR 179 as is. For HCR 188/HR 182, the committee recommended passage with amendments, specifically a House draft one for technical clarity, consistency, and style. During the vote on the climate emergency resolution, Representatives Elos and Garcia voted no, while the rest of the members present supported the recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, June 11, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think that does a disservice to the American people who could benefit from... ...American people who
  • Americans work hard for their money, and wasting Americans' paychecks on fraud is just unacceptable.
  • Red, White, and Blue affirm that black Americans are Americans.
  • Note what all of these people have in common: color, African-Americans, persons who have reached great
  • And this actually happened: racial segregation after we ended the enslavement of African-Americans in
Bills: HCR109 , HR1335 , HB9238
CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session May 4th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • In doing so, the French were choosing to support the side that sought to keep Black Americans.
  • This is why the story of Cinco de Mayo is deeply connected to the story of Black Americans.
  • He worked as an attorney advocating for Asian Americans and later founded the National AFL-CIO.
  • He founded the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, APALA.
  • Holbrook, who commanded the first American artillery regiment to enter France in World War I.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions. Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.
LA
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education Mar 25th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • As some of you may be aware, the last four years we've been doing a task force surrounding African-American
  • community, there was an uptick in African-American suicides.
  • So although the title reads the African American Task Force, this is really for all colleges and all
  • community, brought to my attention after COVID that there was an uptick in African-American suicides
  • So although it, and even the title reads, the African American Task Force, this is really for all colleges
Bills: HCR14 , HB201 , HB218 , HB352 , HB626 , HB636 , HB738 , HB749
Committee: House Education
Keywords: Department of Education, federal overreach, education policy, Tenth Amendment, local control, fine arts, high school diploma, arts education, capstone project, academic achievement, student recognition, Louisiana education, food insecurity, hunger, student hunger, school meals, free lunch, community eligibility provision, McKinney-Vento, homeless students
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

Hearings to examine the nomination of Linda McMahon, of Connecticut, to be Secretary of Education. Feb 13th, 2025 at 09:00 am

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Charleston, South Carolina, my hometown where 60 plus percent of African American males don't go to college
  • It's called African-American history.
  • If you're running an African-American history class, could you perhaps be in violation of this executive
  • So there's a possibility, there's a possibility, you're saying, that public schools that run African-American
  • has been taught in public schools for decades could lose federal funding if they continue to teach African-American
Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee
Keywords: educational reform, federal grants, bureaucracy, wealth disparity, public testimony
Summary: The committee meeting engaged in discussions focused primarily on educational reform, the influence of federal grants on local education systems, and the growing disparities in wealth and access to quality education. Members expressed concerns about the bureaucracy surrounding federal funding that hampers schools' ability to obtain necessary resources for improvement. Several members highlighted personal anecdotes from constituents, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to help students succeed in both K-12 and higher education environments. The meeting included public testimonies that provided insights into various community perspectives on these pressing issues.
US
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, February 9, 2026)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • World War II saw the service of many African Americans who never got their just due in or out of the
  • African-Americans African-Americans who<07:39:48.718><c> never</c> who never who never got<07:39:50.878
  • Why are we erasing... that African-Americans first served that African-Americans first served shouldertosh
  • As of 2025, 21% of Army soldiers are Black or African American.
  • <08:07:26.798><c> leadership,</c><08:07:27.760><c> while</c> African-American leadership, while African-American
Bills: HB1531 , HB6644 , HB3190 , HB3390 , HB3682 , HB5616 , SB3705
Keywords: Taiwan, China, banking organizations, financial regulators, national security, Burma, sanctions, foreign relations, accountability, economic oversight, military accountability, discount window, Federal Reserve, Federal Reserve Act, Board of Governors, liquidity, bank liquidity, emergency lending, lender of last resort, financial stability
FL
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Senate in Session Feb 11th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Black history is not a sidebar to American history. It is American history.
  • museum also, when you read about it, will have the artifacts of Mary McLeod Bethune, who was a brave African-American
  • woman that started a Daytona normal college for 13 or 12 African-American women.
  • Mary McLeod Bethune, who was a brave African-American woman that started a Daytona normal college for
  • 13 or 12 African-American women.
AL
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee Jan 21st, 2026

Judiciary

CA
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Floor Session Jan 20th, 2026

California Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Her father made history as the first African American to advance to a general election for the Los Angeles
  • She helped as founding executive director of the Los Angeles African American Women's Public Policy Institute
  • It built confidence where barriers had long existed, and it equipped African American women with the
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed a visiting Quebec National Assembly official, Matu Lemay, who was introduced as a special envoy discussing California-Quebec environmental collaboration. The body also approved Senate journals, suspended Joint Rule 62A to allow certain bills to be heard in Appropriations on short notice, and deemed gubernatorial and Assembly messages read. The chamber then considered three gubernatorial appointments. Courtney Welch was confirmed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board of Directors by a 29-1 vote, Janessa Goldbeck was confirmed to the California Veterans Board by a 28-2 vote, and Tom Huntington was confirmed to the State Parks and Recreation Commission by a 28-0 vote. The Senate also adopted the consent calendar, including Senate Bill 607, by a 37-0 vote. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memories honoring Elizabeth Betsy Hammer Carr, Alberto Ronel, William Louis McIntyre Jr., and Joy Atkinson. Senators highlighted each individual’s public service, community leadership, activism, and family legacy, with particular emphasis on Carr’s labor and housing advocacy, Ronel’s health care and behavioral health work, McIntyre’s business and civic contributions, and Atkinson’s leadership development work for African American women in public life. The Senate then announced its next floor session and recessed.