Honoring Our Legacy and Shaping Our Future: Women’s History Month and the BEO Priority Summit
- Marla Matime
- Mar 1
- 6 min read
As we enter the month of March, the Black Elected Officials of California (BEO) pauses to recognize a sacred truth: the history of California is inseparable from the brilliance, labor, and leadership of Black women. Women’s History Month is not merely a scheduled observation; it is a profound reckoning with our past and a strategic launching pad for our future.
In 2026, as we face shifting political tides and systemic challenges that seek to undermine our progress, we find ourselves standing at a critical juncture. It is a time to honor the matriarchs of our movement and, simultaneously, to sharpen our policy pens for the work ahead. This year, BEO is proud to anchor our efforts in two monumental events: the screening of the documentary "Respect My Crown: The Rise of African American Women in Politics" and our upcoming BEO Priority Summit & Policy Forum.
Together, these events represent the full spectrum of our mission, honoring the legacy that brought us here and crafting the policy that will carry us forward.
Respect My Crown: A 170-Year Journey of Power
History is often written by those who seek to diminish the contributions of Black women, relegating our triumphs to the footnotes of the American story. But the truth is far more vibrant and far more powerful. For over 170 years, African American women in California have been the architects of change, the guardians of the vote, and the uncompromising voices for justice in the halls of power.
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, BEO invites you to witness this history firsthand. We are hosting a special documentary screening of "Respect My Crown: The Rise of African American Women in Politics." This film is a definitive exploration of the Black women who have navigated the treacherous waters of California politics to emerge as leaders, pioneers, and icons.
Event Details: Save the Date
What: "Respect My Crown" Documentary Screening & Moderated Panel Discussion
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: San Bernardino Valley College Auditorium, 701 S Mt Vernon Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92410
Cost: Free to the public
RSVP:Register Here
This screening is more than a movie night; it is a community gathering. Following the film, we will transition into a moderated panel discussion featuring current leaders and trailblazers who are living the history the documentary portrays. We will discuss the specific hurdles Black women face in the political arena, from the "double bind" of race and gender to the financial barriers that often disrupt the path to office.
Why San Bernardino? Because our strength is rooted in our communities. By gathering at San Bernardino Valley College, we are bringing this vital conversation to the heart of the Inland Empire, ensuring that our local leaders and students see themselves reflected in the narrative of political power.
Why Representation Matters Now More Than Ever
When we talk about "Respecting the Crown," we are talking about the inherent dignity and authority of Black women in leadership. But we must also acknowledge the environment in which this leadership operates. We have seen, time and again, how Black women in positions of power are targeted with a specific kind of vitriol.
Whether it is the unconscionable federal overreach we see in our communities or the racist and physical attacks directed toward our local officials, the threats are real. Celebrating Women’s History Month means acknowledging the trauma of these attacks while celebrating the resilience that allows our sisters to keep standing.
The documentary reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of giants. From the early activists who fought for basic civil rights in the 1850s to the modern-day legislators who are currently drafting the bills that protect our environment, our education, and our health, the lineage of Black female leadership is unbroken.
Shifting from Celebration to Strategy: The BEO Priority Summit
While March is a time for reflection, April is a time for action. On Friday, April 24, 2026, BEO will convene the Priority Summit & Policy Forum.
This summit is the heartbeat of our organization’s advocacy work. It is where Black elected officials from across the state, from school boards and city councils to the State Legislature, gather to align on a unified Black Policy Agenda. In a state as large and diverse as California, our power lies in our ability to speak with one voice on the issues that matter most to our constituents.
Building the 2026 Black Policy Agenda
The Priority Summit is not just another conference; it is a working laboratory for justice. Our agenda for the 2026 forum includes deep dives into:
Economic Empowerment: Addressing the wealth gap and ensuring Black-owned businesses have the resources they need to thrive.
Educational Equity: We continue to stand against the elimination of vital educational resources and advocate for curricula that reflect our true history.
Criminal Justice Reform: Pushing for accountability and transparency in policing and the legal system.
Health Access: Tackling the disparities in healthcare that disproportionately affect Black women and families.
As Black elected officials, we are the first line of defense against policies that seek to disenfranchise our people. The Summit provides the space to strategize, share best practices, and build the coalitions necessary to pass transformative legislation.
A Call to Our Community Leaders
To our community leaders, stakeholders, and partners: we need you in the room. The BEO Priority Summit is where community grassroots energy meets legislative expertise. We cannot craft effective policy in a vacuum. We need the voices of those who are on the ground, dealing with the realities of housing instability, environmental racism, and economic barriers.
What kind of government do we want to see in California? We want a government that respects the lived experiences of all its citizens. We want a government that doesn't just promise equity but delivers it through measurable, funded, and sustainable policy.
This summit is our chance to demand that the "California Dream" is accessible to every Black resident in this state. It is about moving from being "at the table" to actually "setting the menu."
Honoring Our Founding Principles
As we look forward to the Summit, we also look back at the foundation of the Black Elected Officials of California. Our mission has always been to provide a platform for advocacy, education, and political empowerment. We are proud to honor our founding members and rising legends who understood that collective action is the only way to dismantle systemic racism.
Every policy we debate and every documentary we screen is a tribute to their vision. We invite you to explore our events page to stay updated on the location of the Summit and other regional meetings throughout the year.
How You Can Get Involved
The work of BEO is fueled by the engagement of our members and the support of our community. Here is how you can join us this season:
Attend the Screening: Bring your family, your students, and your neighbors to San Bernardino Valley College on March 7. Let’s fill the auditorium and show that we value our history. RSVP here.
Join the Conversation: Follow us on social media and share your stories of the Black women who have influenced your political journey.
Sponsor the Summit: We are looking for partners who are committed to the advancement of the Black community. Reach out to our executive team through our website to learn about sponsorship opportunities for the April 24 Priority Summit.
Support our Mission: Visit our online store to purchase BEO gear and help fund our advocacy efforts across the state.
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead
The journey of the Black elected official is rarely easy. It is a path marked by both incredible breakthroughs and frustrating setbacks. But as we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are reminded that we come from a long line of people who refused to take "no" for an answer.
From the suffragettes who fought for a vote they weren't even sure they'd be allowed to use, to the women today who are leading some of California's largest cities, our legacy is one of unyielding resilience.
We look forward to seeing you in San Bernardino on March 7 and in the strategy rooms on April 24. Together, we will continue to honor our legacy, protect our crown, and shape a future that belongs to all of us.
In Solidarity,
Marla Matime Executive Director Black Elected Officials of California (BEO) www.blackelecteds.org
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