Congressional Black Caucus

The Congressional Black Caucus is an organization representing African American members of the Congress of the United States. Its chair in the 109th Congress is Representative Mel Watt of North Carolina.

History

The Caucus was founded in January 1969, 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. Blacks had begun to enter the House in increasing numbers during the 1960s, and the formation of the Caucus reflected their need for a formal organization. Originally called a "Democratic Select Committee," it was named the Congressional Black Caucus in February 1971 on the motion of Charles B. Rangel of New York.

Related Topics:
1969 - House of Representatives - Shirley Chisholm - New York - Louis Stokes - Ohio - William L. Clay - Missouri - 1971 - Charles B. Rangel

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