Where Our Communities Speak—and Our Legislators Listen
Across this country, Black communities are bearing the weight of policy failure and political neglect. As the federal government steps back, the burden shifts to the states—and the question becomes: Who will fight for us?
The Black Legislative Leaders Network (BLLN) is answering that call.
Through the State of the People POWER Legislative Field Hearings, BLLN is bringing government back to the people. In cities across the country, we are gathering testimony—not from lobbyists or pundits, but from mothers, educators, workers, students, and community leaders who live the consequences of policy every day.
These aren’t symbolic events. They are real, formal, legislator-led hearings—modeled after congressional field hearings and rooted in the sacred tradition of truth-telling in Black spaces. Every word spoken becomes part of the official record. Every voice raised becomes part of our legislative agenda. Every story shared helps shape The Black Papers—a people-powered policy blueprint for a more just and equitable future.
Because too many of us have been unheard. Overlooked. Silenced.
But no more.
Through these hearings, Black state legislative leaders are:
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Listening with intention
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Legislating with clarity
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Acting with urgency
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Listening with intention
Whether you testify in person or submit your written story online, you are not just being heard—you are being recorded, remembered, and responded to.
This is not politics as usual. This is power in motion. This is policy rooted in people.
Join us. Testify. Witness. Build.
Because our voices are not optional—they are foundational.
[Read Hearing Summaries]
Can’t attend a field hearing in person? Your voice still matters.
The Black Legislative Leaders Network (BLLN) is collecting written testimony from community members, advocates, and organizations across the country to help shape The Black Papers—a national, community-informed policy agenda rooted in the lived experiences of Black people.
As part of our State of the People POWER Legislative Field Hearings, we are providing this platform for individuals who cannot attend in person but want to ensure their stories, insights, and policy concerns are heard by Black state legislative leaders.
What We’re Looking For:
We welcome written testimony (1–2 pages) on issues affecting your community, including but not limited to:
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Health equity and Black maternal health
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Education and curriculum censorship
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Housing access and gentrification
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Economic justice and workforce protections
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Public safety and criminal justice reform
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Voting rights and political representation
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Any area where state-level policy can create real change
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Health equity and Black maternal health
How to Submit:
Use the form below to upload your written testimony or type it directly into the submission field. You may also email your testimony to [email protected] if you prefer.
Deadline: Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis but are encouraged before the final hearing on June 5, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA.
Your testimony may be featured in hearing summaries, quoted in The Black Papers, or shared with lawmakers as part of our broader advocacy efforts. All submissions will be reviewed and archived as part of the official record of this historic initiative.
Your voice is power. Your story is policy. Share it today.