The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) held their yearly event to celebrate the importance of Black Heritage & Black Excellence across the Commonwealth.
BOSTON – On February 27, 2026 the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) celebrated the heritage of Black History Month in February with pride, commemorating the countless contributions of the Massachusetts Black community. The Black Excellence on the Hill award celebrates black culture, excellence, and achievement in the Commonwealth, honoring the unsung heroes that make our communities thrive.
LaRose Jerkins of East Boston, a longtime employee of the House of Representatives, was nominated for the award by Representative Adrian C. Madaro.
LaRose is one of the longest tenured individuals in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, with over 57 years of dedicated service to the institution. Born in Alabama, LaRose moved with her family to Boston in the 1950s, settling on Charles St. in the West End with her mother and grandmother. Growing up, she always had a view of the State House, giving her a fondness for the West End and Beacon Hill neighborhoods and inspiring her to seek employment under the Golden Dome. Starting out as a stenographer with the Transportation Committee, LaRose would eventually elevate to the position of Administrative Aide, assisting in several offices, including a period with the organization then known as the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus. During her tenure, LaRose oversaw a variety of research and administrative projects, interfaced with constituents and community groups, and more. Today, she is a warm presence in the building, welcoming staff and visitors alike to the House, as well as serving as an inspiring and encouraging role model for future generations of legislative staff.
“You might not see her on a State House tour, but LaRose Jerkins has been an institution in the House of Representatives since I first started working here as a staffer, and long before that,” said Representative Adrian Madaro. “She is an incredibly kind person who always greets new staff with a warm smile and helpful encouragement. It was a inspiring to learn more about her history in the building as an aide who’s worked with generations of lawmakers. It’s an incredible pleasure to be able to share her story with our neighbors here in East Boston, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to recognize LaRose with the Black Excellence on the Hill Award celebrating her many decades of service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts”.
The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) was created in 1973, with the intent to be a leading voice on Beacon Hill for communities of color across Massachusetts. We also seek to empower constituents to gain a deeper sense of political awareness on issues concerning them and their greater communities. The MBLLC’s fourteen legislators remain dedicated to serving communities of color throughout the Commonwealth through legislative, budgetary, and community endeavors
