Since its establishment in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has been committed to using the full Constitutional power, statutory authority, and financial resources of the federal government to ensure that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
As our nation mourns the loss of John Lewis, we’re also grappling with how to address the removal of statues commemorating historically racist figures. But our thoughts must turn to our country’s foundational documents. These governing documents are so tied to who we are as Americans that we have often been blind to the systemic racism that is embedded within them. It’s something… Read more »
Today the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act (S.2163/H.R. 1636), introduced by Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, to establish a 19-member commission examining the social disparities that disproportionately affect black males in America. Led by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), the Senate unanimously passed a companion… Read more »
The role of the CBC at this historic moment is to identify, fight for, and win the best legislative change and the maximum level of resources possible to help the Black community not just survive the pandemic, but prepare to thrive in the aftermath. In order to develop the best legislation possible, we need to make sure we are as close as possible to the pulse of our people around the… Read more »
On Monday, July 20th, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) sent a letter to Secretary Mike Pompeo to address the lack of diversity and inclusion among the State Department's foreign service and civil service personnel. During this movement for change, we must look within our institutions to ensure that they reflect a multicultural America.
There is a prevalent and persistent… Read more »
Yet again, we have witnessed the use of excessive force, specifically the chokehold, by a police officer in our country. Over the weekend, an officer from the Allentown Police Department was caught on camera placing his knee on the neck of a man, in an attempt to arrest him after the officers noticed the man was vomiting and staggering along the street. In this instance the unarmed man… Read more »
The Congressional Black Caucus released the following statement on the passing of House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee Chairman and Congressional Black Caucus Member, Congressman John R. Lewis (GA-05):
The world has lost a legend; the civil rights movement has lost an icon, the City of Atlanta has lost one of its most fearless leaders, and the Congressional Black Caucus has lost… Read more »
The Congressional Black Caucus released the following statement on President Trump's announcement to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO):
"The move to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) in the midst of a pandemic highlights this administration’s gross mismanagement of this global health emergency and a complete abdication of international responsibility and… Read more »
Today, Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice; and John Crawford, Jr., father of John Crawford III, released the following joint statement in support of the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act, legislation to hold police accountable, change the culture of law enforcement and build trust between law enforcement and our communities:
“The unjust… Read more »
In recent months negotiations have stalled and there has been an escalation of tensions on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that impacts, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) encourages the continued cooperation and peaceful negotiations of all stakeholders in the construction of the GERD. These negotiations should be based on mutual benefit,… Read more »
Representative Karen Bass, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the eve of the Senate’s procedural vote on Senator Tim Scott’s Justice Act:
“We have reached a critical juncture in our history where the steps we take can change a generation. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act championed by the Congressional Black Caucus is the first ever… Read more »
