The passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 marked a turning point in American democracy and laid the groundwork for a resurgence of Black political leadership in South Carolina. This landmark legislation outlawed discriminatory voting practices and enabled African Americans—long disenfranchised since the early 1900s—to vote in meaningful numbers across the state.

By 1970, increased Black voter participation led to the election of the first African Americans to the South Carolina General Assembly since 1902: Herbert Fielding, James Felder, and I.S. Leevy Johnson. Although representation remained limited due to countywide voting districts, a 1974 federal lawsuit under the Voting Rights Act required the state to adopt single-member districts, which allowed for greater Black electoral representation. That same year, the number of Black legislators rose from 3 to 13.

In 1975, the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus (SCLBC) was officially established, comprising 13 House members—the most significant number of Black legislators since Reconstruction. Ernest A. Finney, Jr., a Sumter attorney elected in 1972, served as the first chair. The Caucus, operated with member-contributed funds, held a clear mission to raise the political consciousness of African Americans and influence legislation that addressed their needs.

Working in coalition with the Congressional Black Caucus, the SCLBC played a vital role in lobbying for the extension of the Voting Rights Act in 1975. Their advocacy also led to symbolic wins, such as:

In 1983, the SCLBC expanded into the Senate with the election of Rev. I. DeQuincey Newman. By the mid-1980s, the Caucus had grown to 21 members (17 in the House, 4 in the Senate) and helped pass key legislation, including:

By 1994, the Caucus expanded to 25 members, pushing for "minority-majority districts" to strengthen Black representation. Following successful redistricting, the 1994 elections increased membership to 30, and by 1996, the SCLBC reached a peak of 34 members (26 in the House, 8 in the Senate).

Redistricting unintentionally aided Republicans in gaining a majority in the House for the first time since the Reconstruction era. Amid this shift, the SCLBC remained influential. In 1998, Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter became the first Black woman to serve as Democratic Minority Leader in the South Carolina House of Representatives.

In response to Republican leadership ignoring their policy goals, SCLBC members coordinated cross-chamber efforts to block legislation important to the majority party. Their legislative strategies became a defining move of the late '90s.

Following Governor Jim Hodges' election in 1998—heavily supported by Black voters—the Caucus withheld votes for his budget until commitments were made to support rural economic development and make MLK Day a permanent state holiday.

In 2000, Rep. Joseph Neal took over as Chair of the Caucus, voicing disappointment in Governor Hodges for not prioritizing the Caucus agenda, despite strong Black voter support in the 1998 election.

That same year, the Confederate Flag controversy dominated headlines. While members held varying views on its ultimate fate, they unanimously demanded its removal from the Statehouse dome, which was achieved by relocating it to a nearby monument, seen as only a partial victory.

During this decade, Representative Leon Howard, Representative John King, Representative Jerry Govan, Representative Patricia Henegan, and Representative Ivery Thigpen served as Chairs of the SCLBC. Under their leadership, the Caucus continued addressing issues of economic development, educational equity, and criminal justice reform, reaffirming its legacy as a legislative voice for South Carolina's underserved communities.

In January 2025, Representative Annie E McDaniel (House District 41) was sworn in as the 27th Chair of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. Representing Chester, Fairfield, and Richland counties (a portion of Blythewood), McDaniel emphasized community accountability, equitable resource distribution, and transparent governance in her inaugural remarks. She also committed to closely monitoring legislation affecting SC, including high-profile issues such as the Jenkinsville nuclear plant.
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Under her leadership, the SCLBC remains a driving force for:

With 35 members (8 in the Senate and 27 in the House), the SCLBC stands as one of the most influential and active Black caucuses in South Carolina's history, continuing to shape policy, champion justice, and serve the state's people.