Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

05/07/2026

Members of the PLBC are sadden by the news that Senator Shirley M. Kitchen has transitioned.

She dedicated nearly two decades to public service. She first served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 181st District.

In 1996, she was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate, where she represented the 3rd Senatorial District until her retirement in 2016.

During her Senate career, Kitchen became the second African American woman to serve in the Pennsylvania Senate and, at the time of her retirement, was its only African American woman member. She chaired the Senate Minority Public Health and Welfare Committee and served on committees focused on transportation, urban affairs and housing, and agricultural and rural affairs.

She championed policies related to public health, human services, education, neighborhood development, and support for underserved communities, earning recognition as a dedicated advocate for Philadelphia residents and vulnerable Pennsylvanians.

Rest in power and peace. 🙏🕊️

08/05/2026

It was a privilege delivering the opening remarks at the 5th annual K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action. Today and everyday, we highlight the contributions of Black lawmakers and advocates across the state. Let us also take a moment to honor the life and legacy of PA's first African American Speaker of the House, K. Leroy Irvis. Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

08/05/2026

It was a privilege to deliver the opening prayer to begin the 5th annual K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action. Today we recognize and honor the contributions and legacy of Pennsylvania’s first African American Speaker of the House.

08/05/2026

I'm proud to represent the district that Speaker K. Leroy Irvis represented decades ago. I'm also proud to help kick off this year's Irvis Days of Action. Together we can bring positive change for Black and brown people across the commonwealth. Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

Thank you to everyone that attended the 5th Annual Speaker K. Leroy Irvis Conference May 6-7.

This conference is an opportunity to educate, empower and build meaningful connections throughout the Commonwealth.

Congratulations to the honorees of the 2026 James R. Roebuck Scholarship!!! You are the reason and we are inspired by your scholastic achievements!!

06/05/2026

We are excited to see you today and tomorrow!!!

25/02/2026

Congratulations to our Executive Director, April V. Ashe, for being honored as City and State PA Black Trailblazer!

April has been with the PLBC for 4 years, and with the Caucus for 18 years. She has been instrumental in pushing legislation and has curated many important conversations regarding historically disadvantaged businesses, health and wellness, civic education and empowering the next generation. She organizes our annual K. Leroy Irvis Conference and Scholarship program.

We are excited to celebrate her tonight and wish her much continued success.