1971 March 30

Congressional Black Caucus Organized

 

Founded by 13 members, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), representing African-American members of the House of Representatives, was organized on this day. It originated with the Democratic Select Committee in 1969, led by Rep. Charles C. Diggs (D–Michigan). By 2013, there were 43 members of the CBC.

One of the founding members of the CBC was Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress (November 5, 1968), and the first African American woman to campaign for the presidential nomination of one of the two major political parties (January 25, 1972).

The first civil rights caucus in Congress was organized on November 17, 1955, led by Representative Adam Clayton Powell, who represented the Harlem District in New York City. Powell played a major role in blocking federal aid to schools in the 1950s because of his opposition to any aid to segregated schools. See the “Powell Amendment” on February 16, 1956.

Go to the CBC web site: http://thecongressionalblackcaucus.com/

Learn more at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation: http://www.cbcfinc.org/

Learn more about the history of the CBC: http://www.blackpast.org/aah/congressional-black-caucus-1971

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