Rep. Jarrells, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Hold Black History Month Press Conference, Discuss State of Black Ohio

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius L. Jarrells (D-Columbus) alongside fellow members of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) Wednesday held a press conference celebrating Black History Month and addressing the caucus’ legislative priorities for the remainder of the 136th General Assembly.

“One hundred years of Black history remind us how far we have come. The next hundred will be defined by what we build, right here in this body. As the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, we intend to build an Ohio where every Black child, every Black family, every Black elder can remain rooted, remain healthy, remain educated, remain safe, and remain hopeful,” said OLBC Treasurer Rep. Jarrells.

Rep. Jarrells highlighted key pieces of legislation that directly confront institutional injustice and push Ohio toward liberation and equity. That legislation includes:

• House Bill 33 (Jarrells, Johnson): Requires health benefit plans to provide coverage of preventative prostate cancer screenings for certain men at high risk. Prohibits health plans from imposing required cost-sharing on covered screenings. HB 33 was introduced to the House Insurance Committee and received its third hearing on November 18, 2025.
• House Bill 34 (Jarrells, Mohamed): Increases the state minimum wage. HB 34 was introduced in the House and referred to the House Commerce and Labor Committee on February 5, 2025.
• House Bill 306 (Jarrells, Williams): Enacts the Hate Crime Act, to prohibit hate crimes and to create a civil remedy for a person who is terrorized by another because of specific characteristics or beliefs. HB 306 was introduced in the House on May 27, 2025, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The Hate Crime Act received its first hearing on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
• House Joint Resolution 5 - The End Slavery in Ohio Act (Jarrells, Sims): Removes the language “except as punishment for a crime” from Ohio’s Constitution, ensuring that no form of slavery is permissible under state law and affirming Ohio’s full commitment to human dignity. HJR 5 was introduced in the House on June 23, 2025, and referred to the House General Government Committee.
• House Concurrent Resolution 11 (Jarrells): Acknowledges, condemns, and apologizes for the wrongful displacement of the Randolph Freedpeople. HCR 11 was introduced in the House on April 30, 2025, and referred to the House General Government Committee.

“This moment is about more than remembrance; it’s about responsibility,” continued OLBC Treasurer Rep. Jarrells. “For one hundred years, we have paused to celebrate Black history. We have told the stories of brilliance and resistance. And yet, history alone does not close wealth gaps. Celebration alone does not lower maternal mortality. Reflection alone does not stabilize housing, raise wages, or fund classrooms.”

The OLBC was founded in 1967, a time in our country's history when the voices of Black legislators were often ignored and overlooked by other legislator’s even within the same political caucus.

Today, the OLBC is a well-respected valued organization consisting of seventeen members between the Ohio House and Senate. Currently other caucuses and key stakeholder consult with and seek the support of OLBC before moving forward with policies that may impact the marginalized communities.

The press conference in its entirety can be viewed here.