Why is there a need for a Congressional Black Caucus within the US House of Representatives?

Answer 1

The Congressional Black Caucus was formed in 1971 to "positively [influence] 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."

At the founding of the United States, federal and state laws only granted whites the right to vote. Congress, as an all-white law-making body, enacted hundreds of white supremacist laws and policies until the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. While granting people of color the unfettered right to vote, black lawmakers followed the impulse of African American professionals who created black professional societies to address concerns specific to the black community. From social workers, to journalists, to engineers, these groups emerged between 1966-1975. Foreign policy has also been important to CBC activities. It was a major Congressional Caucus to lobby for democracy in South Africa in the 1970s-1994, when apartheid was finally dismantled there.

Because significant disparities exist among American citizens of different races, the CBC, as policy, seeks to systematically address these gaps. From health care to education, employment and economic security, ensuring justice for all, retirement security for all Americans, increasing welfare funds and increasing equity in foreign policy, the CBC has been active in its charge for over 40 years.