On behalf of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators Inc., I welcome you to our 51st Annual Legislative Conference, scheduled for April 7th - 10th in Albany.  The Association’s annual event has always been and will continue to serve as an arena to engage dialogue on community advancement. This conference serves as a resource for non-profits, provides networking opportunities for minority entrepreneurs, inspires emerging leaders, educates community members, and empowers first-time participants.

The diverse members of this Association are not only united by their power but also hope to improve the communities they serve. Standing up for justice and equality is more than a weekend theme or cliché phrase for our members. Justice is their demand as we move forward from the recent tumultuous years and national leadership that attempted to erode our civil liberties. The recent years severely impacted our lives and revealed our healthcare deserts, economic disparities, digital division, housing inequities, and food insecurities.  

Last year, the Association celebrated its 50th Golden Anniversary. And although we weren’t together for an in-person conference, the members of this organization knew how imperative it was for our collective minds to meet. Therefore, during February 25th- 28th, 2021, we hosted our first virtual Legislative Conference. 

In fact, in 2021, the Association experienced several historical 1st:

• 1st Virtual Conference
• 1st Virtual Labor Lunch
• 1st Time hiring ALL Minority Vendors for the Conference
• 1st Majestic Mothers Day Grants Award Reception
• 1st Community Health Expos hosted in various boroughs in Downstate

Instead of communities coming into Albany, the Leadership of the Association wanted Albany to go to the community. 

We meet people where they are in the community in their immediate need. Tonight, not only will we celebrate all that we are, but also galvanize, solidify and bring unity for all that we will become.

Charlene Gayle
Executive Director