From the Chairman

Dear Friend:

On behalf of the 43 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, I welcome you to our website. As we celebrate forty years of service to our nation, I am humbled and honored that my colleagues have chosen me to serve as Chair during these critical times.

Throughout our 40-year history, the Congressional Black Caucus has worked tirelessly to ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, color or creed have the chance to pursue and achieve the American dream.

Leading our communities and country with passion and commitment, the Congressional Black Caucus continuously strives to be a voice for the voiceless, earning the moniker “the conscience of the Congress.”

Not only have we grown in number, but our members have also maintained key leadership positions. In the 112th Congress, Caucus member Jim Clyburn will serve as Assistant Democratic Leader. In addition, John Conyers, Elijah Cummings, Bennie G. Thompson, and Eddie Bernice Johnson will be the Ranking Members on the House Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, Homeland Security, and Science, Space, and Technology Committees, respectively.

We are at a critical point in our nation’s history where all we have accomplished is being threatened. It is up to us to defend and guard the change we have worked so diligently to implement.

The Congressional Black Caucus will not compromise when it comes to the welfare of our constituents and communities.

This Congress our top priority is getting America back to work by creating economic opportunity. Education is also critical, so we will work diligently to ensure our children have the ability to learn from pre-school to college. While many attempt to de-fund and destroy Health Care reform, the CBC remains steadfast and committed to defending and ensuring equal access to healthcare for all Americans.

I urge you to remain connected to the CBC by visiting our website, so you can be an active participant in “Standing with the CBC” as we reclaim the American Dream for all of our great citizens. Also, please be sure to follow us on Twitter @OfficialCBC and our Congressional Black Caucus Facebook page.

The time is now to stand with the Congressional Black Caucus. We strive to make the promise of this great nation, the practice.

Sincerely,

Emanuel Cleaver, II