Black Caucus, Congressional, is an organization of African American members of the Congress of the United States. The caucus promotes the interests of Black Americans and other groups who it believes have been the victims of discrimination.
The Black Caucus pursues its goals largely by trying to influence legislation in Congress. The caucus has been especially influential in the House of Representatives. At times, its members have held important House leadership positions, particularly on House committees and subcommittees.
The group was founded as the Democratic Select Committee by African American members of the House in 1969. It was renamed the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971. Since then, almost all Black members of Congress have belonged to the organization. The caucus’s membership has consisted almost entirely of Democrats. Traditionally, the caucus has elected from among its members a chairperson, who serves one 2-year term.
In 1995, the Republican-controlled House eliminated government funding of 28 congressional caucuses, including that of the Black Caucus. Government funding had covered much of the caucus’s budget. To continue operating, the caucus had to begin relying on the staffs of its members and on the work of volunteers.
See also Rangel, Charles Bernard.
