The
Congressional Black Caucus was formally constituted in 1971.
The vision was “of a caucus that would be the primary policymaking vehicle in
the Congress for the interests of African Americans.”
It has been a powerful caucus since. Rangel
explains the factors which have reinforced this. “Its members are more strong willed
than most, because they come from districts that are non-competitive in terms
of national elections…Secure black seats accrue valuable seniority no matter
the fortunes of the national Democrats or Republicans.”
Rangel notes, “The CBC has to be very selective about the formal group
positions it takes. We tend to limit ourselves to stances that each member is
ready and willing to defend when an interviewer or political opponent throws it
in his or her face….Today [2007] we may well be at the long run point of
diminishing returns to ethnic block politics, at least in Congress. Our
districts are increasingly pressed by the faster-growing Hispanic populations,
and we will continue to lose our old, non-competitive seats to Latino challengers.”
A CRS
report notes that “At times, the CBC plays an oppositional role, both within Congress
and the established party structure. “The CBC also issues declarations of its
policy agenda, distinct from either party’s agenda.”
The current Chair is Marcia L Fudge, who represents the 11th district in Ohio.
[1]
RANGEL, C. B. 2007. ...And I Haven't
Had a Bad Day Since, New York NY, Thomas Dunne Books
St Martin's Press. p184
[2]
Ibid.
p184
[3]
Ibid.
p199-200
[4]
Ibid.
p201
[5]
MANNING, J. E. & SHOGAN, C. J. 2010. African American Members of the United States Congress: 1870-2009 (CRS
Report RL30378), Washington DC, Congressional Research Service. p7
