By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City) was elected in a special election in April 2022 to represent California’s 11th Assembly District, which includes all of Solano County and portions of Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties.

In August of 2022, Wilson was elected Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC). Her tenure ended this month.

In the Assembly — and as CLBC Chair — Wilson says she has prioritized bringing state services directly to individuals, local businesses, veterans, non-profits, and local governments.

A native Californian raised on the west side of Fresno, Wilson is married to her high school sweetheart, Chavares Wilson, a retired Air Force Reserve Technical Sergeant. They have been blessed with two sons, Tyler and Kiren, a daughter-in-law, Brittney, and a grandson, Weston.

California Black Media (CBM) spoke with Wilson about her accomplishments, challenges and lessons she learned over the last year.

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Looking back at 2024, what stands out to you as your most important achievement as Chair of the CLBC and why? 

The End of Slavery Act — getting that across the finish line and to voters as Prop 6.  It was a central piece of our reparations legislative package.  It failed last year at the very end. I was so disappointed.

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How did your leadership contribute to improving the lives of Black Californians? 

Well, I think, for sure, there are so many of us; we’re disproportionately impacted by the carceral system, and so if we can get this language changed, I think it will make an impact to ensuring that Black Californians in the system have dignity as well as truly get an opportunity to rehabilitate.

On the education bond, I was instrumental in getting the add-on language for resources like school kitchen facilities to have more access to produce and farmers markets.

On the climate bond, I was instrumental in getting the agriculture section in there with a substantial number of investments.

What frustrated you the most over the last year?

My greatest frustration is centered around misinformation and the weaponization of people. Stakeholders in the community who are lobbying directly on bills when they’re not getting their way, or something happens, they go to the community with soundbites and try to weaponize the community against something that might be beneficial.

What inspired you the most over the last year?

Always people.

What is one lesson you learned in 2024 that will inform your decision-making next year?

Behind my nameplate, there was a card there since 2015. Somebody wrote down a quote from Jerry Brown. It says, “the challenge is to build for the future, not steal from it.” That is such a profound statement.

In one word, what is the biggest challenge Black Californians face?

Familiarity. People are so familiar with our struggle that they minimize it. Other people struggle, but ours is so just so familiar that you have to remind people how terrible it is. You have to remind people what racism looks like.

What is the goal you want to achieve most in 2025?

Increasing the quality of life of people in California.

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