Press Releases

Today, the Congressional Black Caucus in conjunction with the House Democratic Caucus held the 2015 African American Leaders Roundtable to focus national attention on issues impacting the African American community.  CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield released the following statement after today’s discussion:

“The American Dream as we know it is out of reach for many minority communities, especially the African American community.  In alarming rates, African Americans face inequities in education, income and wealth accumulation, employment, and health care.  The numbers are staggering and it’s time for an all-hands-on–deck approach to finding solutions to this crisis. 

“Today’s African American Leaders Roundtable was an opportunity for members of the Congressional Black Caucus, along with House Democratic Leadership and the House Democratic Caucus to engage in a robust conversation with African American leaders from around the country.  We had a substantive and frank discussion that addressed urgent issues such as pervasive poverty, criminal justice reform, employment, voting rights and disenfranchisement.  And, we discussed ways to work together to create better opportunities for all Americans.  The Congressional Black Caucus is committed to continuing to address these and other issues until all Americans have equal access and an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream for themselves and for their families.” 

The 2015 African American Leaders Roundtable was held in the U.S. Capitol with nearly 50 African American leaders from around the country.  The roundtable discussion was moderated by House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra.  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro and U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx were special guests.  House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer also delivered remarks.

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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 Randle Person at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Randle@mail.house.gov