WHO WE ARE
The New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican Hispanic & Asian Legislators Inc.(NYSABPRHAL) is dedicated to engaging New York State residents in dialogue about issues and policies that are having an impact at any given time – adverse or favorable – on their communities. More important is the fact that NYSABPRHAL aims to empower New York State residents with information and tools, to embark on initiatives aimed at delivering positive outcomes in their local communities. Historically, NYSABPRHAL has engaged the public at its annual convention, through the presentation of issue-focused workshops, and by collaborating with and lauding community-based leaders from every county, city, community and neighborhood across the State. NYSABPRHAL’s annual convention has always been and will continue to be the arena at which community service, educational advancement, community development, and economic development across the state is recognized.
In 1917, The New York State Assembly elected its first African-American legislator, Assemblyman Edward A. Johnson, a man born into slavery in North Carolina. In 1937, Assemblyman Oscar Garcia Rivera was the first American of Puerto Rican heritage to be elected in the State Assembly.
From those small victories, slowly, two became three, three became four, and four became many. Upon the successes of civil rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s, the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican Hispanic & Asian Legislators Inc. (NYSABPRHAL) was founded by legislative caucus members, on October 11, 1985, as a charitable organization, incorporated under Section 402 of the New York Not-for-Profit Incorporation Law, with a 501(c)(3) purpose and mission. NYSABPRHAL’s fundamental purpose is to promote the common good, social and general welfare of the various people of the community; foster and maintain an interest in racial tolerance in the world; to encourage the development of the community and promote economic growth."