Press Releases

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) released the following statement regarding the death of former Congressional Black Caucus founding member Louis Stokes:

“Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our founding members Louis Stokes. 

“As the first African American to represent Ohio, Mr. Stokes was a pioneer in public service, breaking numerous barriers for African Americans and for all people of color during his extraordinary career as an elected official on the local, state and federal levels. 

“Mr. Stokes was first elected to Congress in 1969 and served 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.  He was the first African American to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and was the founder of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, which remains active today in protecting health equity and reducing health disparities in communities across the country.

“Mr. Stokes was the embodiment of a public servant.  He selflessly used his elected positions to increase opportunities for millions of African Americans.  We will miss our dear friend, Louis Stokes, but the impact of his legacy of service and commitment to his constituents and the African American community will be remembered for generations to come.  

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Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns.  For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.  To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace L. Randle at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Randle@mail.house.gov