Welcome to the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators, Inc.

I have the profound honor of serving as Chairwoman of an organization whose roots reach back to one of the most courageous moments in New York State political history. In 1966, Black and Puerto Rican legislators walked through the corridors of the State Capitol in the early morning hours — not to request inclusion, but to demand it. That Midnight Walk was not a single act of defiance. It was the beginning of a movement — one that transformed the Legislature, redefined political power, and opened doors that had been closed for generations. 

I carry that legacy with me every day — as a legislator, as Chairwoman, and as a proud daughter of the communities this organization was built to serve.

Today, the Association represents a historic 77 members of the New York State Assembly and Senate, collectively serving more than 8 million New Yorkers of color. We are the largest legislative caucus–affiliated nonprofit in New York State government—and we take that responsibility seriously. Our members serve at the highest levels of state leadership, shaping policy on civil rights, housing, healthcare, education, labor, and economic opportunity. But our power has never been about titles or positions. It has always been about people.

The trailblazers who came before us — Edward A. Johnson, Oscar Garcia-Rivera, Shirley Chisholm, Percy E. Sutton, Olga A. Mendez, Charles Rangel — understood something fundamental: that individual achievement, no matter how historic, is not enough. True power is collective. True representation is institutional. And true justice requires an organization that works both inside government and beyond it, every single day.

That is what the Association exists to do. Through our Annual Legislative Conference, policy convenings, advocacy, and presence in communities across this state, we ensure that the fight for equity and opportunity never pauses, never retreats, and never belongs to any one person or moment.

This is your organization. This is your legacy. And the walk that started in 1966 continues — with all of us, together.

With pride and purpose,

Honorable Latrice M. Walker, Esq, Chairwoman, NYSABPRHAL, Inc.
Chair