OUR MISSION
Our mission is to protect and empower Black Democratic voters and the leaders they elect, while advancing a bold agenda rooted in justice, opportunity, equity, and economic prosperity for our communities.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to increase the representation of Black Democrats at every level of government—from city councils and school boards to mayoral offices, state legislatures, Congress, and the United States Senate. We are committed to elevating Black voices in positions of power, including championing the appointment of more Black judges to the federal bench—and breaking historic barriers by supporting the elevation of a Black woman to the United States Supreme Court and the presidential ticket.
Our History
The concept that evolved into the Coalition of Black Democrats began in January, 1979 at the home of Mrs. Sallye Moore of Grand Prairie, Texas. A small group from Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Grand Prairie met to discuss the possibility of establishing a network between African Americans in the Metroplex. The group met for about six months and later decided to call a meeting of African American grassroots leaders from across the state to share the idea.
The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Duncanville, Texas on August 25, 1979. Robert Malson, Assistant Director of domestic policy for the White House was the speaker. Those in attendance enthusiastically embraced the idea and decided to call a statewide meeting to be held in Austin, Texas. Several planning meetings were held including Austin in October, 1979 and Corsicana in January, 1980.
The first state conference was held in Austin on February 22-24, 1980. Three-hundred fifty-six registered delegates participated in the Austin meeting.
Workshops were conducted by Conrad Mallet, Jr., Black Affairs, DNC; Dr. James R. Ukockis, Sr., Economist, Department of Treasury; Edgar Berlin, Department of Labor; David Rivers, Department of Energy; Eddie B. Johnson, Health Service Administration. The Luncheon Speaker was Congressman Ron Dellums (D-California) and the banquet speaker was Ambassador Andrew Young.