Press Releases

Today, CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield released the following statement on the unanimous House passage of the "400 Years of African American History Act," recognizing the resilience and significant contributions that African Americans have made in the United States since 1619.

"Passage of the 400 Years of African American History Act is a tremendous achievement in our efforts to commemorate the countless contributions that African Americans have made throughout our country since 1619,” said Chairman Butterfield. “I commend Congressman Bobby Scott for introducing such legislation that allows us to reflect on the painful impact of slavery in our country and further help us address the racial discrimination and oppression that continues to plague our society today.” 

The bill will establish a commission to plan and implement programs and activities across the country in 2019 to recognize the arrival and influence of Africans in America and the significant contributions that African Americans continue to have in shaping the diversity and diverse heritage of our nation.

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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.Person@mail.house.gov