Congressional_Black_Caucus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Congressional Black Caucus Congressional Black Caucus bodies, with a history of positive activism unparalleled in our nation’s history. Whether the issue is popular or unpopular, simple or complex, the CBC has fought for thirty years to protect the fundamentals of democracy. Its impact is recognized throughout the world. The Congressional Black Caucus is probably the closest group of legislators on the Hill. We work together almost incessantly, we are friends and, more importantly, a family of freedom fighters. Our diversity makes us stronger, and the expertise of all of our members has helped us be effective beyond our numbers." Mark Anthony Neal, a professor of AfricanAmerican studies and popular culture at Duke University, wrote a column in late 2008 regarding the relevancy of the Congressional Black Caucus and other organizations such as the NAACP in the wake of Barack Obama being elected to the United States presidency. Neal wrote that he believes the Congressional Black Caucus and other AfricanAmerican-centered organizations are still needed, but they must adapt to a changing political atmosphere and take advantage of "the political will that Obama’s campaign has generated."[3] The 13 founding members of the CBC. Standing L-R: Parren Mitchell (MD), Charles Rangel (NY), Bill Clay, Sr. (MO), Ron Dellums (CA), George Collins (IL), Louis Stokes (OH), Ralph Metcalfe (IL), John Conyers (MI), and Walter Fauntroy (DC). Seated L-R: Robert Nix, Sr. (PA), Charles Diggs (MI), Shirley Chisholm (NY), and Gus Hawkins (CA). The Congressional Black Caucus is an organization representing the African American members of the United States Congress. Membership is exclusive to African Americans,[1] and its chair in the 111th Congress is Representative Barbara Lee of California. Aims The Caucus describes its goals as "positively influencing the course of events pertinent to African-Americans and others of similar experience and situation," and "achieving greater equity for persons of African descent in the design and content of domestic and international programs and services." The CBC encapsulates these goals in the following priorities: Closing the achievement and opportunity gaps in education, assuring quality health care for every American, focusing on employment and economic security, ensuring justice for all, retirement security for all Americans, increasing welfare funds and increasing equity in foreign policy.[2] Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, DTx., has said: "The Congressional Black Caucus is one of the world’s most esteemed Membership The Caucus is officially non-partisan, but in practice it has been closely identified with the Democratic Party, and tends to function as a lobbying group within the wider Democratic Party. Only four black Republicans have been elected to Congress since the Caucus was founded: Senator Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts, Representative Gary Franks of Connecticut, Delegate Melvin H. Evans of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Representative J. C. Watts of Oklahoma, who became the first black member of Congress who elected not to join the group because of its closely Democratic affiliation and goals.[4] Watts said of his refusal to join the caucus, 1 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Congressional Black Caucus should remain "exclusively black." Rep. William Lacy Clay, Jr., D-Mo., the son of Rep. William Lacy Clay Sr., D-Mo., a co-founder of the caucus, is quoted as saying, "Mr. Cohen asked for admission, and he got his answer. He’s white and the Caucus is black. It’s time to move on. We have racial policies to pursue and we are pursuing them, as Mr. Cohen has learned. It’s an unwritten rule. It’s understood." In response to the decision, Rep. Cohen stated, "It’s their caucus and they do things their way. You don’t force your way in." Clay issued an official statement from his office: "Quite simply, Rep. Cohen will have to accept what the rest of the country will have to accept - there has been an unofficial Congressional White Caucus for over 200 years, and now it’s our turn to say who can join ’the club.’ He does not, and cannot, meet the membership criteria, unless he can change his skin color. Primarily, we are concerned with the needs and concerns of the black population, and we will not allow white America to infringe on those objectives." On January 25, 2007, Representative Tom Tancredo, R-Co., spoke out against the continued existence of the CBC as well as the Democratic Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Republican Congressional Hispanic Conference saying, "It is utterly hypocritical for Congress to extol the virtues of a colorblind society while officially sanctioning caucuses that are based solely on race. If we are serious about achieving the goal of a colorblind society, Congress should lead by example and end these divisive, race-based caucuses."[6] Current Chair, Barbara Lee "...they said that I had sold out and Uncle Tom. And I said well, they deserve to have that view. But I have my thoughts. And I think they’re race-hustling poverty pimps." White members of Congress have never been welcomed into the caucus. The Caucus has grown steadily as more black members have been elected. In 1969 the Caucus had nine members. As of 2008, it had 43 members, including two who are nonvoting members of the House, representing the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. White membership Over the years, the question has arisen, "Does the Caucus allow only black members?" Pete Stark, D-Ca., who is white, tried and failed to join in 1975. The caucus does have dozens of honorary members who are white, Hispanic, and Jewish. In January 2007, it was reported that white members of Congress were not welcome to join the CBC.[5] Freshman Representative Steve Cohen, DTn., who is white, pledged to apply for membership during his election campaign to represent his constituents, who were 60% black. It was reported that although the bylaws of the caucus do not make race a prerequisite for membership, former and current members of the Caucus agreed that the group Senate members Prior to his November 16 resignation to assume the presidency, Obama was the only black member of the United States Senate. In January 2009 at the commencement of the 111th Congress, the 41 members of the CBC voted unanimously to urge the Senate to seat Roland Burris, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s appointed replacement for Obama; Burris is the only black member of the US Senate.[7] Burris’s appointment was 2 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia mired in controversy after Blagojevich allegedly tried to sell Obama’s vacated Senate seat, and Senate Democrats had vowed not to seat anyone appointed by Blagojevich.[7] Burris, nonetheless, was seated within two weeks of the start of the 111th Congress. Congressional Black Caucus members’ constituents. Nader accused Congressman Mel Watt of twice uttering an "obscene racial epithet" towards Nader; he alleged that Watt said: "You’re just another arrogant white man - telling us what we can do - it’s all about your ego - another f--king arrogant white man." Watt never offered an apology.[10] Nader wrote to the Caucus afterwards: "Instead, exclamations at the meeting... end[ed] with the obscene racist epithet repeated twice by Yale Law School alumnus Congressman Melvin Watt of North Carolina. One member of your Caucus called to apologize for the crudity of some of the members. I had expected an expression of regret or apology from Congressman Watt in the subsequent days after he had cooled down. After all there was absolutely no vocal or verbal provocation from me or from my associates, including Peter Miguel Camejo, to warrant such an outburst. In all my years of struggling for justice, especially for the deprived and downtrodden, has any legislator--white or black--used such language? I do not like double standards, especially since our premise for interactions must be equality of respect that has no room, as I responded to Mr. Watt, for playing the race card. Therefore, just as African-Americans demanded an apology from Agriculture Secretary Earl Butz and Senator Trent Lott-prior to their resignation and demotion respectively--for their racist remarks, I expect that you and others in the Caucus will exert your moral persuasion and request an apology from Congressman Watt. Please consider this also my request for such an expression--a copy of which is being forwarded directly to Mr. Watt’s office."[11] Ralph Nader is, in fact, of Lebenese descent. History Founding The Caucus was founded in by a group of black members of the House of Representatives, including Shirley Chisholm of New York, Louis Stokes of Ohio and William L. Clay of Missouri. Black representatives had begun to enter the House in increasing numbers during the 1960s, and the formation of the Caucus reflected their desire for a formal organization. Originally a "Democratic Select Committee", which was formed in January 1969,[8] it was named the Congressional Black Caucus in February 1971 on the motion of Charles B. Rangel of New York. Founding members were Shirley Chisholm, William L. Clay Sr., George W. Collins, John Conyers, Ronald Dellums, Augustus F. Hawkins, Ralph Metcalfe, Parren Mitchell, Robert Nix, Charles Rangel, Louis Stokes, and Washington D.C. Delegate Walter Fauntroy. The first chairman Charles Diggs, from 1969 to 1971, landed on the master list of Nixon political opponents for his chairmanship. 1969[8] Threats to cut funding In late 1994, after Republicans attained a majority in the House, they announced plans to rescind funding for 28 "legislative service organizations" which received taxpayer funding and occupied offices at the Capitol, including the CBC. Then-chairman Kweisi Mfume protested the decision, which never went through.[9] Ralph Nader incident In 2004, independent presidential candidate and consumer activist Ralph Nader attended a meeting with the Caucus which turned into a shouting exchange. The caucus urged Nader to give up his presidential run, fearing that it could hurt John Kerry, the Democratic Party’s nominee. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) called the upcoming election "a life or death matter" for the Caucus Events The caucus is sometimes invited to the White House to meet with the president.[12] It requests such a meeting at the beginning of each Congress.[12] 3 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Congressional Black Caucus [11] "In a letter to the Congressional Black Caucus: Nader asks for an apology for "obscene racist epithet" made at CBC meeting.". Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. http://web.archive.org/web/ 20070927005632/ http://www.votenader.org/why_ralph/ index.php?cid=93. Retrieved on 2009-04-19. [12] ^ Josephine Hearn (February 13, 2007). "White House Press Room to reopen". The Politico. http://www.politico.com/ news/stories/0207/2738.html. Members of the caucus during the 111th Congress See also • Congressional Black Caucus Foundation • Congressional caucus • African Americans in the United States Congress References [1] Hearn (2007-01-23). "Black Caucus: Whites Not Allowed". Politico.com. • Congressional Black Caucus 2008 http://www.politico.com/news/stories/ Braintrust on Internet Safety 0107/2389.html. Retrieved on • Congressional Black Caucus website 2007-01-23. • Congressional Black Caucus Political [2] Priorities detailed Education & Leadership Institute [3] Jackson, Camille (January 2009). "Hitting • Congressional Black Caucus Foundation the Ground Running". Duke University • Avoice: African American Voices in This Month at Duke. Congress (Congressional Black Caucus [4] Doherty, Carroll J. (March 22, 1998). online archive) "GOP Initiatives Hamper Efforts To • Congressional Black Caucus Holds Reach Out To Minority Groups". CNN. Hearings On Police Brutality in Los http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/ Angeles 03/24/cq/racial.html?eref=sitesearch. • Counterpunch Article: Corporate Black Retrieved on 2007-07-22. Caucus? [5] Hearn, Josephine (January 23, 2007). • Black Commentator: How to Fix the "Black Caucus: Whites Not Allowed". fractured Black Caucus Politico.com. http://www.politico.com/ • Black Caucus Meets with Raul Castro news/stories/0107/2389.html. Retrieved CNN Video Report, April 8, 2009 on 2007-01-23. [6] "Tancredo: Abolish black, Hispanic caucuses". MSNBC. 2007-01-25. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/ 16812597/. Retrieved on 2009-04-19. [7] ^ Zeleny, Jeff (January 7, 2009). "Congressional Black Caucus wants Burris seated". Yahoo News. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090107/ ap_on_go_co/ burris_black_caucus;_ylt=AgNCF8hjYQPTa_lfQP5R6VayFz4D. Retrieved on 2009-01-09. [8] ^ Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc [9] "G.O.P. to Cut Caucus Funds". Time Magazine. December 19, 1994. [10] Barrett, Ted (2004-06-23). "Black Democrats hold heated meeting with Nader". CNN. http://edition.cnn.com/ 2004/ALLPOLITICS/06/22/nader.caucus/ index.html. Retrieved on 2009-04-19. External links 4 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Senate Senator Roland Burris House of Representatives Representative Sanford Bishop Corrine Brown G. K. Butterfield - Secretary Andre Carson Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen - 2nd Vice Chair Yvette Clarke - Whip William Lacy Clay, Jr. Emanuel Cleaver - 1st Vice Chair Jim Clyburn John Conyers, Jr. - Dean Elijah Cummings Artur Davis Danny K. Davis Donna Edwards Keith Ellison Chaka Fattah Marcia Fudge Al Green Alcee Hastings Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. Eddie Bernice Johnson Hank Johnson Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick Barbara Lee - Chair Sheila Jackson Lee John Lewis Kendrick Meek - Foundation Chairman Gregory Meeks Gwen Moore Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton Party Party Congressional Black Caucus State Democratic Illinois State - Congressional District Democratic Georgia - 2nd Democratic Florida - 3rd Democratic North Carolina - 1st Democratic Indiana - 7th Democratic U.S. Virgin Islands - At-large (non voting congressional delegate) Democratic New York - 11th Democratic Missouri - 1st Democratic Missouri - 5th Democratic South Carolina - 6th Democratic Michigan - 14th Democratic Maryland - 7th Democratic Alabama - 7th Democratic Illinois - 7th Democratic Maryland - 4th Democratic Minnesota - 5th Democratic Pennsylvania - 2nd Democratic Ohio - 11th Democratic Texas - 9th Democratic Florida - 23rd Democratic Illinois - 2nd Democratic Texas - 30th Democratic Georgia - 4th Democratic Michigan - 13th Democratic California - 9th Democratic Texas - 18th Democratic Georgia - 5th Democratic Florida - 17th Democratic New York - 6th Democratic Wisconsin - 4th Democratic District of Columbia - At-large (non voting congressional delegate) Democratic New Jersey - 10th Democratic New York - 15th Donald M. Payne Charles B. Rangel 5 From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Laura Richardson Bobby Rush Bobby Scott David Scott Bennie Thompson Edolphus Towns Maxine Waters Diane Watson Mel Watt Congressional Black Caucus Democratic California - 37th Democratic Illinois - 1st Democratic Virginia - 3rd Democratic Georgia - 13th Democratic Mississippi - 2nd Democratic New York - 10th Democratic California - 35th Democratic California - 33rd Democratic North Carolina - 12th Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Black_Caucus" Categories: 1969 establishments, African American members of the United States House of Representatives, African American history, Caucuses of the United States Congress This page was last modified on 17 May 2009, at 15:34 (UTC). All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. (See Copyrights for details.) 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