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 became the first American of Puerto Rican heritage to be elected to the State Assembly. 

From those small victories, the numbers slowly grew: two became three, three became four, and four became many. Following the successes of the 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. It was established as a non-political, 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 and social and general welfare of the people of the community; foster and maintain an interest in racial tolerance worldwide; encourage community development; and promote economic growth.  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.