March 26, 2019

Missouri’s oldest and largest African American religious group advocates for criminal justice reform, voter protection legislation

Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Chairperson, State Representative Steven Roberts, Jr. (District 77) is serving as the host for the MSBCM Advocacy Day. He (Roberts) and his staff have worked jointly with the religious leaders in identifying legislation, contacting political party leaders, and setting up meetings with key government officials.

The group will focus their lobby efforts on the following bills: HB284 (Absentee Ballots) sponsored by Representative Bruce Franks, Jr; HB731 (Automatic Voter Registration) sponsored by Representative Ashley Bland Manlove; HB298 (Criminal Justice Reform Tax Credits) and HB666 (Money Bail Reform Act of 2019) both sponsored by Representative Roberts.

The MSBCM Advocacy Day will also consist of a Prayer Service (1:00 pm), place to be determine; and a Press Conference (1:30 pm), which will be held in the House Lounge.

This historic effort is spearheaded by the organization’s Social Justice Commission, which is tasked will the responsibility – to engage Missouri’s African American Baptist churches to address relevant social and political issues; analysis and make recommendations related to public policy; coordinate voter registration, education, and mobilization; and provide support for community outreach initiatives.