The New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators, Inc. (NYSABPRHAL) recently hosted its 54th Annual Legislative Conference, which was held from Friday, Feb.14, to Sunday, Feb. 16, at the State Government Legislative Office Building and Albany Hilton in Albany, N.Y.
The conference featured a series of legislative workshops, panel discussions, networking receptions, awards ceremonies, and a scholarship gala dinner. It is a forum that gathers policymakers, thought leaders, advocates, and change-makers who are committed to addressing the most pressing issues facing the United States democracy and New Yorkers.
The conference’s major highlight was a thought-provoking discussion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), led by New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Assembly Member Latrice Walker, and State Senator Roxanne Persaud. Letitia James Led this powerful panel by introducing a distinguished panel of experts.
James welcomed Arva Rice, President and CEO of the New York Urban League; Rabia Muqaddam, Special Counsel for Federal Initiatives at the Office of the New York State Attorney General; Jeffrey Lang, Deputy Solicitor of Appeals and Opinions for the Office of the New York State Attorney General, who argues cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and Court of Appeal; and moderator Bianca Wheeler, Chief Diversity Officer at the Office of the New York State Attorney General.
James began the session by expressing gratitude to the panelists, stating, “Please let me recognize and thank our panelists.” The discussion underlined the group’s outstanding dedication to fighting for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Equity, diversity, and inclusion are not dirty words,” said James. “What we want is access to opportunities.”
That statement resonated deeply with the audience as it signaled the importance of DEI as a central issue in contemporary policy today. Moreover, James acknowledged her litigation team’s recent work, stating, “We were in court yesterday seeking a preliminary injunction to stop President Trump, Elon Musk, and the Treasury Department from accessing your personal information such as your social security, tax, and banking details.” This highlighted James’ office’s efforts to protect privacy and promote fairness in the fight for equity.
During the discussion, the attorney general and other panelists provided a detailed explanation of the executive orders that were passed by the President of the United States, which they perceived these orders as targeting DEI programs, including Executive Order 14151, titled Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing; Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity; and Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.
The panelists explained each executive order and discussed its implications for DEI initiatives. Throughout the conversation, the panel opened the floor to the audience, inviting questions and allowing attendees to express their concerns and thoughts regarding the orders.
One attendee took the floor and asked the panel, “What precautions is the Attorney General’s office taking, and what is currently being done at the state, city, and local levels of government to explicitly protect Black people from these attacks?”
In response, Attorney General Letitia James said, “Our primary role right now is to respond to these executive orders, which are an attack on Black people, communities of color and all. Whenever the President issues an executive order, we immediately move to court within 48 to 72 hours to seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) and a preliminary injunction.“ She added that her office has been successful in challenging these executive orders.
“DEI initiatives do more than just prevent discrimination; they foster respect, understanding, and diverse perspectives. For example, in the Attorney General’s office, which serves a diverse population, it is crucial that everyone feels welcomed, supported, and treated fairly. The goal is for our children to succeed and have better opportunities, far beyond what we have today, without limitations on their dreams. Furthermore, diversity doesn’t mean hiring unqualified candidates or lowering standards. DEI is not about race or gender-based preferences; it’s about ensuring access to opportunities for all,“ said James.
Multiple other attendees stepped up to the podium to ask questions on topics such as citizenship, birthright, immigration policies, deportation, abortion rights, and much more. To conclude the discussion, Letitia James encouraged the audience to get involved and make their voices heard. She emphasized, “It doesn’t end here. Make sure your voice is heard.”
Another highlight was the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) workshop and networking reception. These workshops and receptions are aimed to empower minority and women-owned businesses, offer strategic tools, and provide networking opportunities to support their growth and success.
The NYC MWBE (Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) program is a city initiative that promotes the growth and success of businesses owned by minorities and women. The program works to increase opportunities for these businesses to participate in city contracts and procurements. It provides support through certification, resources, and networking opportunities to help MWBEs navigate the public contracting process, access funding, and grow their businesses. The goal is to foster economic inclusion and diversity in New York City’s business landscape, ensuring that these businesses have equal access to contracting opportunities with the city.
Photo by Orlande Fleury
The panelists included Francilia Wilkins Rahim, CEO of R.F. Wilkins Consultants and AYO Labs. Rahim stated, “We are here to discuss the critical need for equitable participation of MWBEs in contracting opportunities across New York State. As we continue to advocate for policies that foster inclusivity, it is imperative that we implement strategic, forward-thinking solutions that remove barriers, create access, and ensure MWBEs can thrive in this evolving economic landscape.”
Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and Senator James Sanders, Jr. chaired the workshop. It featured a distinguished panel of eight New York State and City experts who provided valuable solutions to the challenges faced by minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs).
During the discussion, one attendee took the stand and asked the panel, “With a war being raged on inclusion, how are you going to leverage your initiatives to ensure job creation within our communities? What opportunities are there for diverse firms to participate and receive contracts that further the implementation of this goal?“
Michael J. Garner, NYC Mayor Office of M/WBEs’ chief business diversity officer, responded, “New York City has recently enacted legislation to strengthen its commitment to workforce development and community hiring. The key legal framework supporting these initiatives is outlined in Chapter 79 of the New York City Charter, titled community hiring and workforce development.“
“MWBEs are key financial drivers in our economy. It offered tangible resources for businesses to expand and deepen their impact within their respective companies. While DEI initiatives remain important, MWBE programs are built on robust, performance-based frameworks that continue to secure access to public contracts and drive sustained growth,” said Dr. Teri Coaxum, founder and CEO of Coaxum Connects Host of the Coaxum Report.
The event concluded with the scholarship dinner gala. This ceremony raises funds to provide financial support to New York students pursuing higher education.
Assembly Member Latrice M. Walker, who chaired the NYSABPRHAL conference, also hosted the scholarship gala. “Since I was elected chair of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators in 2017 (NYSABPRHAL), one of my top priorities has been to provide opportunities for students.
“Under my team’s leadership and with the support of donors and sponsors, we have awarded more than $140,000 in scholarships to hundreds of young people. When I reflect on my time working with the Association, I think that is the thing I’m most proud of. The Association has honored this commitment since its inception in 1985. Congratulations to all the winners. I am confident that they will go on to achieve great things in their chosen fields of study and in their careers,” stated Walker during her speech at the scholarship gala dinner held on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at the legislative building in Albany, N.Y.
The NYSABPRHAL’s 54th Annual Legislative Conference was organized by Chairwoman, Assembly Member Latrice Walker, and Executive Director Charlene Gayle, with strong support from the Board of Directors, including Assembly Members Gary Pretlow, Crystal People-Stokes, Brian Cunningham, Eddie Gibbs, and Khaleel Anderson. Together, they ensured that the conference was pivotal for promoting empowerment, diversity, and legislative excellence.
