Sen. Raumesh Akbari elected President-Elect of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators

Rep. Harold Love will rise to president of NBCSL

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tennessee Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis) has been elected President-Elect of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), succeeding her current role as Vice President.

Sen. Akbari assumes the position being vacated by Tennessee Rep. Harold Love, Jr. (D-Nashville), who will ascend to the role of President of NBCSL.

This historic transition marks the first time two Tennessee legislators will lead NBCSL simultaneously, showcasing the state’s leadership in advancing equity and justice through public policy.

The election and swearing-in ceremony took place during NBCSL’s 48th Annual Legislative Conference on Dec. 6 in Washington, D.C. Voted into office by their legislative peers, the officers will serve a two-year term from December 2024 through December 2026.

NBCSL, established in 1977, represents more than 700 Black state legislators nationwide. The organization champions legislative solutions to promote equity, improve access to opportunities, and empower underserved communities in critical areas such as education, economic development, healthcare and voting rights.

“I am deeply honored to serve as President-Elect of this esteemed organization,” said Sen. Akbari, who also serves as Senate Minority Leader of the Tennessee General Assembly. “NBCSL has been a powerful voice for equity and justice, and I am committed to carrying forward its mission of transforming communities through legislative leadership.”

Rep. Love, who also serves as Assistant Minority Leader of the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus, reflected on the personal significance of his election.

“It is an incredible honor to be President of an organization that my father, Harold Love, Sr., was proud to be a part of during his time as a legislator,” said. Rep. Love. “NBCSL has a rich history of advancing policies that uplift our communities, and I am committed to building on that legacy alongside Sen. Akbari and our dedicated members.”

As President and President-Elect, Rep. Love and Sen. Akbari shape NBCSL’s agenda and advocacy efforts, ensuring that the voices of Black state legislators remain at the forefront of policy discussions nationwide.

For more information about the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, visit NBCSL.org.