New York Black Librarians’ Caucus
State of the Caucus
June 2013
Greetings,
When I first took office of President, the Executive Committee and I asked for your
thoughts on how to make The New York Black Librarians’ Caucus (NYBLC) a more
responsive and professional organization. One of the immediate goals was to get all
members and committees back on board and become more active. I believe you answered
by making a commitment to The Caucus as evidenced by the many accomplishments The
Caucus has made in the year and a half I have held the office of President. The Caucus
responded to your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions and in turn members have become
involved. The activities and collaborations of The Caucus has excited the library
community at large. You have made a difference in our profession and the Greater New
York library community.
Another primary goal was to invite inactive members to become active again. The
Executive Committee and I needed to know what caused them to become inactive. We
reached out to them, one on one, to discuss their inactivity and what it will take for them
to renew their commitment. I want to say thanks for listening to the vision, and returning
to The Caucus.
Ergo, I am pleased to report that the NYBLC is a thriving, viable organization in the
library community. Our membership hails from Eastern Long Island, Northern New
Jersey and Upstate New York, as well as from the Greater New York metropolitan area.
Membership is composed of Library Directors, Trustees, Doctors, Teachers, and Friends
of the Library, Managers; Movers and Shakers. Our talented members have volunteered
in a variety of areas. They have conducted story hours, served breakfasts to
underprivileged youth, received awards for exemplary community service, and facilitated
programs. They have participated in panel discussions, authored essays and articles,
contributed to edited and noted literary and scholarly works, and some have excelled and
been promoted in their jobs. The Caucus has reached out to fellow ethnic organizations
for collaboration on various projects and initiatives. I would like to thank the Executive
Committee members, Mrs. Shauntee Burns (Vice President-President elect), Mr. Enyi
Okezi (Treasurer), Mrs. Linda Bannerman-Martin (Assistant Treasurer/Co-Recording
Secretary), Simone Yearwood (corresponding Secretary) and Mrs. Tracy Crawford (CoRecording Secretary). Through their tireless work, support and dedication, the following
milestones have been achieved by the New York Black Librarians’ Caucus:
“I believe you answered by making a commitment to our Caucus. This commitment is
profoundly evident in the many accomplishments we have made in the year and a half I
have held the office of President.”
2012
 Donna Hoke Scholarship Award of 2012, for $1000.00, awarded to recipient
Ms. Cheryl Branch.
 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status regained.
 Outreach to fellow colleagues and library organizations on Long Island. This
resulted in the Caucus’ first meeting on Long Island, resulting in successful
recruitment of new members, from Nassau and Suffolk Counties
 Collaboration with Queens Library for booth and display material at the Harlem
Book Fair. (July 2012)
 The first Regional Reception for the Eastern Affiliates of the Black Caucus
American Library Association (BCALA) was held. Eight (8) affiliate
organizations sent representatives, and several library dignitaries attended.
Thanks to Andrew P. Jackson for initiating this successful endeavor.
 Over 100 books donated to the Macon Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, in
support of Mrs. Tanyea Gathers’ (Manager) Black History month celebration
program.
 Co-sponsorship of an Author talk/program at the East Elmhurst Community
Library/Queens Library, coordinated by Ms. Margaret Gibson, Assistant
Community Library Manager.
 Press Release in support of, The Resolution: Voter Suppression in America.,
sponsored by Herb and Mary Biblo.
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2013
Revision of Mission Statement of the New York Black Librarians’ Caucus.
Affiliate organization of Black Caucus American Library Association.
Obtained New York State Incorporation status.
Obtained New York State Charitable organization Status.
Obtain organizational domain name and website, Retained web master, Fantasia
Thorne, Librarian at Syracuse Public Library
Professional Development Workshop/ facilitated by Sandra Echoles.
Black History Month essay contest/ Milton L. Olive Middle School, Wyandanch,
LI.
Black History Month Program/ Milton L. Olive Middle School of Wyandanch, LI.
Donated books to The Brooklyn Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Donated books the Brooklyn Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Breakfast Story Hour and book distribution - NYBLC collaboration with Delta.
Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and LitercacyNation Inc.
Book donation, Long Island Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
 I met with Mr. Jeremy Johannesen, Executive Director of New York Library
Association (NYLA).We discussed a greater role and presence for African
Americans within NYLA administration, NYBLC being recognized on NYLA
web page as an affiliate, NYLA Promoting caucus programs and the formation of
a NYBLC Roundtable with in NYLA.
 We participated in the Urban Librarians Unite, 24 hour read for the advocacy of
libraries, held at the Brooklyn Public Library main branch.
“We have accomplished much but much more is needed to be done!”
The NYBLC has a plethora of talented individuals and the Caucus has thrived and grown
as we build on each other's professional expertise.
What’s next for the Caucus?
In the coming months the Caucus will endeavor to continue to serve the library
community and our members with the following programs and initiatives:
 Book Donations to the Langston Hughes Library and Cultural Center.
 Harlem Book Fair Panel Discussion. ”Why Do Black
Boys Fail; How Do We Help Them to Succeed”. (July, 2013)
 Book Donations to the Bronx Library Center/NYPL ( July, 2013
 Donna Hoke Scholarship Luncheon, New York Black Librarians’ Caucus Special
Session. (October 11, 2013)
 NYBLC Christmas Party. ( December, 2013)
 NYBLC Black History Program. (February, 2014)
 NYBLC Black History Essay Contest. (February, 2014)
 NYBLC Members Only Book Club. (2014)
 Miniature Golf @ the Library. ( TBA)
 The Librarians’ Ball.& Regional Reception (October11, 2014)
We have made great strides in the past 18 months, and we have much more to
accomplish. Although we have members from new regions of the greater New York area,
we need our current and past members to renew their memberships. We need you to get
involved on varies committees.
We operate solely on the financial generosity and dues of our members! Remember, All
Donations and Dues are Tax Deductible!
The New York Black Librarians’ Caucus needs YOU!
Respectfully Submitted
Richard E. Ashby Jr.
President, New York Black Librarians’ Caucus
[email protected] Cell 646-731138