From the voices of Howard University’s choir to the resonating sound of drums, African culture encompassed the Capitol on Tuesday as the Congressional Black Caucus commemorated the 400th anniversary of the first recorded forced arrival of enslaved African people in the United States. “We celebrate certain parts of our history and the ideals that are the foundation of our country but we have been reluctant to examine and embrace all of our history,” California Congresswoman Karen Bass said. Bass...
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In Deborah Simmons’ recent column “CBC is not black America’s BFF,” the author oddly blames the plight of black America on labor unions and the Democratic Party. Predictably rather than thoughtful analysis and an honest accounting of why black America must fight — especially in the Trump-era — the author relies on baseless rhetoric conservatives have used for generations to suggest the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) does not fight for our communities. Yet the author offers no solutions or acco...
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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee made the case for reparations for the descendants of slaves in part because of President Trump's behavior. Under the Texas Democrat's proposal, a commission would be created to determine who would receive the payments and how much. "Tragically, 250 years of slavery in the United States for those enslaved Africans did not receive workman’s comp, salary, 401(k), or anything, and literally built the wealth of the United States and Europe," Jackson told MSNBC on Tuesday. "I t...
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There’s nothing like going home. As observances of the 400th anniversary of Africans landing in colonial America continue, members of Congress are among those making pilgrimages to the motherland. This summer, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi traveled on official business to Ghana. At least a dozen CBC members journeyed to the West African nation. They included CBC Chair Karen Bass and Democratic leadership such as Majority Whip Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. Barbara...
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A case headed to the U.S. Supreme Court that could have a tremendously negative impact on the Black community’s civil rights as it pertains to fair play in contracting and other measures is beginning to capture attention. Nearly a week after the Justice Department filed an amicus brief in regard to the lawsuit between Entertainment Studios chairman and CEO Byron Allen and Comcast Corp., at least one group has reacted, blasting the Trump administration as the case moves forward. Allen is suing Co...
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Today, President Trump doubled down on his racist attacks against Congressman Cummings and flat-out lied about the African American community being “thankful” for his recent remarks. The President also took this time to highlight what he has done for the African American community during his Presidency. Congresswoman Karen Bass, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement in response to the latest set of lies coming from President Trump: “Since taking office, Donald Tr...
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Today, the Congressional Black Caucus will launch a new taskforce that will focus on the upcoming 2020 Census and the legacy of under counting the African American community. Members of the CBC will meet with stakeholders and leading professionals to discuss the current state of play. The Caucus will also discuss the tools required for effective outreach to hard to count communities across the United States. The taskforce will be led by Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV). Below, Chairwoman Bass ...
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Call it better living through politicking. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus emphasized the importance of political power as the key to positive change locally, statewide and nationally Saturday afternoon at the State of Black America Town Hall. The town hall, which drew hundreds of people, was part of the Arthur Ashe Boulevard renaming celebration and hosted by 4th District Congressman A. Donald McEachin of Richmond. As people flooded the exhibits in the Virginia Museum of History & Cul...
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Today is the sixth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision. Congresswoman Bass, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Marica Fudge, Chair of the Committee on House Administration Subcommittee on Elections, and Congresswoman Terri Sewell issued the following statement to highlight the current state of voting rights in America and the need for additional protections. “Today marks the sixth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decis...
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Thousands of people spilled into the newly re-christened Arthur Ashe Boulevard here on Saturday for a celebration that also marked the unveiling of an exhibit at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture on the struggle for black equality and to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first captive Africans to English North America. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus joined Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and other elected officials on the steps of t...
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