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[[Image - Logo of CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS]]

98th Congress

Oct. 1 - Oct. 4, 1986
Washington Hilton Hotel

[[Image - Alan Wheat]]
Alan Wheat
Secretary

[[Image - Edolphus Towns]]
Edolphus Towns
Vice Chairman

[[Image - Mickey Leland]]
Mickey Leland
Chairman

[[Image - Cardiss Collins]]
Cardiss Collins
Treasurer

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Congressional Black Caucus was formed in 1970 when the 13 Black Members of the U.S. House of Representatives joined together to strengthen their efforts to address the legislative concerns of Black and minority citizens. Black Representatives had increased in number from six in 1966 to nine following the 1968 elections. Those Members believed that a Black Caucus in Congress, speaking with a single voice would provide political influence and visibility far beyond their numbers.

The Caucus received its first national recognition when its Members met with former President Richard Nixon in March 1971 and presented to him a list of 60 recommendations for governmental action on domestic and foreign policy issues. The President's response, considered inadequate by the Caucus, further strengthened their efforts to work together in Congress.

Today there are 20 Black Members of Congress. One woman and nineteen men represent some of the largest urban centers in this country. These Members, now as in the past, have been called upon to represent the national Black community — developing a broader constituency — as well as addressing the concerns of their own particular districts.

The visions and goals of the original 13 Members, "to promote the public welfare through legislation designed to meet the needs of millions of neglected citizens" have been reaffirmed through the legislative and political successes of the Caucus. The CBC is involved in legislative initiatives ranging from full employment to voting rights, from minority business development to equal educational opportunity. Most noteworthy is the CBC Constructive Alternative Budget which the Caucus has produced for the past five years. Historically, the CBC budget differs from the President's budget because it seeks to preserve or to restore our national commitment to fair treatment for urban and rural America, the elderly, students, small businessmen and women, middle income wage earners and the economically disadvantaged. Because the Caucus' 1986 fiscal year budget sought to be fair and equitable to all Americans, it came to be known as "the compassionate alternative budget."

Over the past fifteen years, Caucus Members have been successful in rising to strategic positions on House Committees to affect needed changes in domestic policies. For the first time in history, five Blacks chair full House Committees, two chair Select Committees, and 15 Members chair Subcommittees. A list of our accomplishments is provided for your information.

Amelia L. Parker
Executive Director

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