Congressional Black Caucus

WASHINGTON - Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement:

“Since the formal inception of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971, the thirteen founders introduced and sponsored legislation on a range of issues, including voting rights, employment, education, health care, and foreign policy. Making their legislative agenda known to the White House and in Congress, the members of the Congressional Black Caucus have been able to advance black political interests in the United States for forty years. There is no time more relevant to commemorate their advancement than the month that celebrates the meaningful roles African Americans have played and continue to play in shaping our great history as a nation—Black History Month.

Our Members have reached the ranks of Committee Chairs, Caucus Chair, Ranking Members, Subcommittee Chairs, Majority Whips to the President of the United States. The CBC continues to serve as the “Conscience of the Congress” by breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and providing a voice to the voiceless on issues most important to all Americans. While we have come far as a Caucus and nation, too many African Americans still face obstacles that hinder our ability to close the opportunity gap. As we strive to make the promise of America the practice of America, we must continue to do all in our power to get our citizens back to work by creating jobs and opportunities for all. While others work to defund, we work to defend healthcare reform. We are also working to build and create better schools to equip our children with the foundation they need to compete on a global scale.

As President Obama stated in the State of the Union, it’s in our hands to “win the future” for our children, and the Congressional Black Caucus is determined to win the future for allof our children. No child’s future is secure if another child’s hangs in the balance. As we reflect, celebrate, and honor Black History Month as a nation, we must keep in mind that we have miles to go and cannot rest until every child has equal access to pursue the American Dream.”