Congressional Black Caucus Statement on President Biden’s Historic Clemency Action

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus today celebrated President Biden’s historic clemency action.

Today’s clemency announcement follows a December 11th letter from the Congressional Black Caucus which called on President Biden “to prioritize the commutation of sentences for individuals serving disproportionately long prison terms, particularly those who would receive significantly shorter sentences or have access to early release if they were sentenced under current law and practice."

“The Congressional Black Caucus applauds President Biden for this act of clemency in pardoning nearly 2,500 people convicted of nonviolent drug offenses who are serving disproportionately long sentences compared to the sentences they would receive today under current law, policy, and practice.

“As President Biden prepares to leave office, he has now issued more individual pardons and commutations than any president in our nation's history, solidifying a lasting legacy of upholding the values of criminal justice reform and equal protection under the law.

“For years, the CBC has been the leading voice in this fight. During this administration, President Biden has been our partner in this work, standing beside us in our commitment to justice. Following President Biden’s recent commutations of individuals on death row, we laud today’s act to prioritize the reduction of our federal overpopulation crisis, second chances for Americans to rebuild their lives, and the reunification of families.”

REP. YVETTE D. CLARKE LEADS LETTER TO PRESIDENT BIDEN URGING THE EXONERATION OF MARCUS GARVEY

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) led 20 of her colleagues in a letter to President Biden urging the exoneration of Marcus Mosiah Garvey for a 1923 conviction for the fraudulent use of the mail:

“Exactly 101 years ago, Mr. Garvey was convicted of mail fraud in a case that was marred by prosecutorial and governmental misconduct. The evidence paints an abundantly clear narrative that the charges against Mr. Garvey were not only fabricated but also targeted to criminalize, discredit, and silence him as a civil rights leader. In response to this blatant injustice, President Calvin Coolidge commuted Mr. Garvey’s sentence upon eligibility. Efforts to clear Garvey’s name have persisted for decades. In 1987, under Congressman John Conyers’ leadership, the House Judiciary Committee held hearings on Mr. Garvey’s exoneration. In 2004, Congressman Charles Rangel introduced a series of resolutions calling attention to the injustice, followed by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke’s recent efforts to continue these strides. Despite these efforts, Garvey’s name has not yet been cleared,” wrote the Members.

“Exonerating Mr. Garvey would honor his work for the Black community, remove the shadow of an unjust conviction, and further this administration’s promise to advance racial justice. At a time when Black history faces the existential threat of erasure by radical state legislatures, a presidential pardon for Mr. Garvey would correct the historical record and restore the legacy of an American hero. As we approach the conclusion of your administration, this moment provides a chance to leave an indelible mark on history.”

The full text of the letter is available here.

Congressional Black Caucus Elects Executive Committee for the 119th Congress

Chair-elect Yvette D. Clarke

The Congressional Black Caucus held member elections for the CBC Executive Committee for the 119th Congress. The CBC will begin the 119th Congress on January 3, 2025, with 62 members – the largest membership in the caucus’ history.

Here is the CBC Executive Committee Leadership for the 119th Congress:

Rep. Yvette D. Clarke will serve as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Rep. Clarke represents New York’s 9th district and currently serves as a senior member on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr., will serve as First Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Rep. Carter represents Louisiana’s 2nd district and currently serves on the House Homeland Security Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee. Rep. Carter also serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Rep. Lucy McBath will serve as Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Rep. McBath represents Georgia’s 7th district and currently serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Rep. Marilyn Strickland will serve as Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus. Rep. Strickland represents Washington’s 10th district and currently serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, as well as the House Committee on Armed Services.

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove will serve as Whip of the Congressional Black Caucus. Rep. Kamlager-Dove represents California’s 37th district and currently serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and House Committee on Natural Resources.

Chair-elect Yvette D. Clarke made the following statement after being elected:

“I want to thank my peers for electing me to serve as Chair. In my capacity as Chair, I will ensure that our Caucus' goals are accomplished by focusing on voting rights, education, criminal justice reform, women’s rights, healthcare equity, and economic equality. We must be attentive in completing our purpose of addressing and enacting policy to uplift our community and keep our promises. Since its formation in 1971, the CBC has constantly pursued its mission of supporting and enforcing laws that protect and enrich the Black community. The CBC will have a record 62 members in both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives during the 119th Congress. And for the first time in history, two Black women will serve together in the Senate—elevating our position in Congress to combat blatant racism and policies intentionally overlooking more diverse and minority communities—proving our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power,” said Chairwoman Clarke.

“Make no mistake. In this volatile political landscape, the CBC must stand as the resistance to the extremist ideologies of Project 2025 as the consciousness of Congress to advocate and advance the Black diaspora. The authors of Project 2025 will write America’s story for the next four years, and we must be prepared to use every legislative and communicative tool to oppose their agenda. I am committed to working with my colleagues to call out this extremist agenda and fight like hell for a pathway forward."

Congressional Black Caucus Holds Ceremonial Swearing-in for U.S. Representative Erica Lee Carter

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued a statement following the ceremonial swearing-in of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's daughter Rep. Erica Lee Carter (TX-18):

“The CBC was proud to welcome U.S. Representative Erica Lee Carter to our ranks to continue the legacy of her mother, and our beloved friend and colleague, the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. An advocate for children and community empowerment, Rep. Lee Carter joins our caucus with extensive experience in federal, state, and local government, and the nonprofit sector. We are confident that Rep. Lee Carter will serve the people of Texas and our nation honorably for the remainder of the 118th Congress and beyond.”

Congressional Black Caucus Introduces Resolution to Censure Rep. Clay Higgins on Racist Post About Haitians

Louisiana Republican Rep. Clay Higgins posted to X a comment that invoked racist stereotypes about Haitians. Read his tweet below:

“These Haitians are wild. Eating pets, vudu, nastiest country in the western hemisphere, cults, slapstick gangsters… but damned if they don’t feel all sophisticated now, filing charges against our President and VP,” Higgins wrote. “All these thugs better get their mind right and their ass out of our country before January 20th.”

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement regarding the resolution to censure Rep. Clay Higgins (LA-03):

“Today, Representative Clay Higgins used his official account on X to publicly spew hatred, fear, and intolerance against Haitians and Haitian Americans in an overtly racist post. Referring to Haiti as the “nastiest country in the western hemisphere”, and denigrating Haitians with vile and demeaning terms goes against a foundational principle about our country: that America is a nation of immigrants where all are welcome.

“We can only hope and pray that the misinformation and racist rhetoric spewed by former President Donald Trump, Senator JD Vance, Rep. Higgins, and other right wing MAGA extremists, do not lead to violence in any Haitian or immigrant community.

“Every member of Congress must be clear that we need to eliminate hate in all its forms. It is time to turn the page on this pattern of denigrating and villainizing immigrants for political gain. Today, we have introduced a privileged resolution to censure Rep. Higgins and to make clear that bigotry and racism from a member of Congress is unacceptable.”

At Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Phoenix Awards, President Biden And Vice President Harris Urge Caucus To Advance Their Vision For The Future

The work of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) was honored tonight by President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris – noting that these bodies have helped advance freedoms for all Americans that are now under threat ahead of November's Presidential elections.

As he was honored with the CBC Lifetime Achievement award at the Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner, the flagship event of the CBCF's Annual Legislative Conference, President Biden noted that his administration's achievements were bolstered by the actions of the CBC.

He said, "With the CBC, we went big and we went bold and we are better off today than we were four years ago. I'm being very sincere when I say a big reason why is because Congress boasts the highest number of Black members in American history."

Looking beyond his presidency, President Biden added, "We must show up; we must look to the future. I'm looking to you to help lead the way, to help push us forward and be the country we say we are, a country of freedom, justice and equality and proving that Black history is American history and Black excellence is American excellence."

Vice President Harris called on the CBC to leverage its history as "the conscience of the Congress" to provide a vision for the future of the country.

She said, "As a proud former CBC member I know first-hand America relies on the leaders in this room not only for a conscience but for a vision. The CBC has always had a vision for the future of our nation; a future where we can see what is possible unburdened by what has been, a future where fulfil the promise of America; a promise of freedom opportunity and justice, not just for some but for all. And today that vision is under profound threat."

She concluded, "Each of us has a job to do, and the bottom line is we know what we stand for and that's why we know what we fight for. And when the CBC fights, we win."

The winners of the 2024 Phoenix Awards are:

• President Joseph R. Biden, Congressional Black Caucus Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Governor of Maryland Wes Moore, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference Honorary Co-Chairs' Award
• The late Sheila Jackson-Lee, former U.S. representative for Texas's 18th congressional district, Congressional Black Caucus's Body Award
• The 14th Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Chair's Award
• Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, Mission In Action Award

Speaking at the event, CBCF Board Chair Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) noted that the murder of George Floyd has sparked a renewed commitment to addressing racial inequalities across American society.

She said, "The racial reckoning, brought about by the murder of George Floyd has renewed our energy and our commitment to work for social justice and economic prosperity; and to close the racial gaps that confront all of American society – in education, in income, in home ownership, in environmental justice, in public safety, and so much more."

CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery added that this year's ALC theme, "From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices" acts as a challenge to engage, advocate, and drive change, adding that every voice and action strengthens our unity and determination, essential for achieving victory.

She said, "This year, doing what needs to be done means building the success we've achieved together. It's a long journey, but it's a journey of progress, and, as you've heard, we're closer than ever to moving from Vision to Victory, Amplifying Black Voices. And that theme is a challenge; it's a call to action to you – to all of us – to engage, to advocate, and to drive change. Each and every voice adds to our collective strength; every collective action emphasizes our unity and our determination. And all of those things are necessary to move us from Vision to Victory."

Awardee Quotes

Dr. Carla Hayden, "Some have noted that I am making history as the first woman and the first African American in this post, and that is true. As a descendant of people who were denied the right to read to now have the opportunity to serve and lead the institution that is our national symbol of knowledge is a historic moment, and receiving the Phoenix Award is truly one of the capstones of my career."

Governor Wes Moore said, "I am standing before you as probably the most improbable governor in America. I say that as somebody who had handcuffs on my wrists by the time I was 11, as someone who joined the army when I was 17, and as someone who went to a two-year college, but is now standing in front of you as the 63rd governor of my state and the first Black governor in the history of the state of Maryland. It is an exciting time for our state. It's an exciting time for our country and I'm so grateful to be your partner in the work."

Jaime Harrison said, "As DNC Chair, the third Black person and the first CBCF intern and CBCI bootcamper to ever serve in this role, I have been fortunate enough to use this platform to uplift our voices and fight for our communities but most importantly to give our people hope. My life is a testament that in America the son of a teen mom, the progeny of those who came to this country in chains, forced to pick cotton and clean houses, relegated to the back of the bus, can go on to chair the oldest and most powerful political party on the planet, and pick presidents."

For updates on ALC and CBCF, follow CBCF on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).

About CBCF
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. Established in 1976, CBCF is committed to creating and maintaining an equitable society for all. To learn more, visit cbcfinc.org.

Congressional Black Caucus PAC Statement Endorsing Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris

The Congressional Black Caucus PAC released the following Statement Endorsing Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris:

CBCPAC Statement on Democratic Presidential Nominee: pic.twitter.com/eC7cJHxD5p

— CBCPAC (@CBCPAC) July 21, 2024

Congressional Black Caucus statement on passing of Rep. Donald Payne Jr.

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford of Nevada and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the death of Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.:

“Today, the Congressional Black Caucus mourns the loss of our dear colleague and friend, Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr., and we are holding his family and loved ones in our hearts during this difficult time.

“Representative Payne served the people of New Jersey and our country honorably for six terms in the U.S. Congress. He was an advocate for racial justice, equal rights for all, reproductive freedom, free college tuition, and public transportation. He was also a fierce proponent of improving the lives of working families, expanding voting rights, lowering the costs of prescription drugs, and combating the climate crisis.

“Representative Payne was an effective leader in Congress having served as the ranking member and chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, as well as the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.

“Prior to joining the Congress in 2012, Representative Payne, in the footsteps of his father Rep. Donald Payne Sr., dedicated his life to serving his community as a member of the New Jersey City Council, as a president of the South Ward Young Democrats, as a Garden State Parkway toll collector and for the Essex County Educational Services Commission.

“Representative Payne will be remembered by all those who knew him for his kindness and generosity. He leaves behind a legacy and commitment to service that New Jerseyans and our country will not soon forget.”

Congressional Black Caucus Issues Statement on Florida's Guidelines for Black History

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement regarding the Florida State Board of Education’s new standards for Black history curriculum:

“The Congressional Black Caucus condemns in the strongest language any school curriculum that would suggest that enslaved Africans benefited in any way from slavery. This revisionist telling of American history approved by the Florida State Board of Education is a shameful disservice to Florida’s students and tantamount to gaslighting of the highest order.

“The Florida Board of Education’s attempt to minimize the darkest chapter in our nation's history is an affront to the intelligence of the American people and an overt attempt to maintain white supremacy. The CBC is calling for the Florida State Board of Education to immediately reverse its decision and put an end to the attacks on Black history in the state.

“The CBC will continue to push for the passage of the Black History is American History Act reintroduced by Rep. Joyce Beatty to incentivize schools and educators to teach Black history in the classroom.”

https://www.africanamericanreports.com/2023/07/congressional-black-caucus-issues_25.html

Congressional Black Caucus Issues Statement on Recent Colored People Comment by Rep. Eli Crane

Today, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement in response to Rep. Eli Crane referring to Black service members as “colored people” on the House floor:

“Rep. Eli Crane’s comment was unprofessional, insensitive and unbecoming of a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. It smacks of vestiges of racism, proving that in 2023, we do not live in the color-blind society that Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Clarence Thomas claimed in their majority decision striking down affirmative action.

“Rep. Crane should apologize to Rep. Joyce Beatty, but more importantly, to the servicemen and servicewomen who defend our country with their lives. It may also be prudent for Rep. Crane to contact the diversity office within the House of Representatives, which has valuable resources for Members and staff who wish to learn more about the history of the word.”

Congressional Black Caucus Issues Statement Regarding Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and UNC.

“Since 1978, the Supreme Court has held that race-based admissions policies in colleges and universities can be administered in keeping with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Precedents set decades ago in the landmark Bakke decision have given students – regardless of their race or ethnicity – a better chance at equal admissions to our nation's top schools, and our country has been made better for it. By delivering a decision on affirmative action so radical as to deny young people seeking an education equal opportunity in our education system, the Supreme Court has thrown into question its own legitimacy.

“Unfortunately, we have seen backlash to progress many times throughout our nation’s history. During Reconstruction, we had a mere 12 years of Black achievement in policy, politics, the arts and sciences, and education that were followed by 70 years of state-sanctioned Jim Crow. We didn't stop fighting for equality then and we won’t stop now because too much is at stake to allow extremists to turn back the clock on progress.

“The Congressional Black Caucus is proud to stand alongside our colleagues of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) to fight for equal opportunity in admissions and to push back strongly against attempts to use this as a cultural wedge issue to pit communities of color against one another because our nation's diversity is our greatest strength.”

Congressional Black Caucus swears in its largest caucus ever

The Congressional Black Caucus of the 118th Congress was officially sworn in at a ceremony on Tuesday. The new class is the largest in CBC history.

Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) is replacing outgoing Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) as chairman.

Horsford said the new CBC will have the opportunity to advance the vision of the first CBC from 50 years ago — one that had only 13 members, including Rep. Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.) as the only woman.

“The laws and policies of our nation did not always favor Black Americans, from the earliest slaves brought across the ocean to the Black soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. To those who braved the earliest fights through Jim Crow & Reconstruction, from the Tuskegee Airmen and Henrietta Lacks to the brave front-line workers in the COVID pandemic,” Horsford said. “In the work we do, we honor our history, like the many Black members that served before there was even a Congressional Black Caucus.”

In total, 58 members — nine of them new members — were sworn in, including Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), the first Gen Z member and the only Afro-Cuban in Congress, as well as Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.), the first Black woman elected to the House from Pennsylvania.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Congressman Steven Horsford Elected Chairman of Congressional Black Caucus

The Congressional Black Caucus announced its new leadership for the 118th Congress on Thursday.

Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) was elected as its the new chairman.

Others elected to the Black Caucus Executive Committee were Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) is first vice chair; Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) is second vice chair; Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) is secretary; and Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.) is the caucus’s new whip.

Horsford responded via Twitter on his new leadership position:

I am honored to serve as Chair of @TheBlackCaucus for the 118th Congress. Our work as the “conscience of the Congress” will be as important as ever, as we advocate for economic prosperity, voting rights and protecting our democracy. pic.twitter.com/21rHY4A7ym

— Rep. Steven Horsford (@RepHorsford) December 1, 2022

Rep. Jim Clyburn to support new leadership in Democratic House minority

Rep. Jim Clyburn, the highest-ranking Black American in Congress, has said previously he expects to stay in Congress next year and hopes to remain at the leadership table.

Multiple sources stated that Clyburn also wants to remain in the top tiers of leadership, and that he would run for the assistant leader role. That was the No. 3 spot the last time Democrats were in the minority, but would fall to the No. 4 slot in the next Congress, behind Caucus chair, according to the sources.

Clyburn issued a statement paving the way for a new trio to lead House Democrats following Nancy Pelosi's decision to step down as speaker. saying he looks forward "to doing whatever I can to assist our new generation of Democratic Leaders, which I hope to be Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar."

Read his full statement below:

“Speaker Pelosi has left an indelible mark on Congress and the country, and I look forward to her continued service and doing whatever I can to assist our new generation of Democratic Leaders which I hope to be Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar,” Clyburn said in the statement.

The trio was spotted sitting next to Clyburn and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer during Pelosi's announcement. And Jeffries has been pitching himself to members with Clark and Aguilar as the No. 1, 2 and 3 for the caucus in leadership.

"I'm not going to get involved in making my choice in this public way. But I have said to both of (Hoyer and Jeffries) that I will not pursue the position of leader of our party," Clyburn said on “CNN This Morning” Wednesday.

Congresswoman Nikema Williams Introduces Resolution Commemorating Atlanta Race Massacre

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced a resolution commemorating the Atlanta Race Massacre. On September 22, 1906, a mob of 10,000 white supremacists terrorized Black communities throughout Atlanta. At least 25 Black residents were murdered by the white mob and not a single person was held accountable. 

The resolution has 51 original cosponsors. Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) will introduce companion legislation in the Senate. 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said: 

“As a Black woman from the Deep South who represents Atlanta in Congress, I have an obligation to tell this story. By introducing this resolution, I am honoring the victims of the massacre and reaffirming the commitment of the House of Representatives to condemn white supremacy. My resolution is also a step toward healing for the Black communities that were terrorized by the mob of white supremacists. Atlanta has the widest racial wealth gap in the country and one of the contributing factors is that Black families that were thriving fled the city after the massacre. As we atone and move forward, we must commemorate the truth of our past so that history does not repeat itself.”

Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) said:

“We must remember and acknowledge our history in full, and that includes the 1906 mob violence that targeted the Black community around Atlanta, took dozens of lives, and displaced thousands.”

Ann Hill Bond, Journalist and Preservationist at Ann Hill Bond Consultants in partnership with Fulton County Remembrance Coalition and Atlanta Voice News said: 

“The stories about African American people are vital to this land. What happened in 1906 was a massacre. We need to remember and honor the lives that were lost. Black residents were killed and terrorized, and truth-telling is our way to healing.”

Kendra Cotton, Chief Operating Officer of The New Georgia Project Action Fund said: 

“We applaud Congresswoman Williams for shedding light on this dark day in the history of Georgia – and Atlanta. For too long, the norm has been to gloss over the history of violence and oppression that Black people face and have faced in this country in the name of protecting white supremacy. This resolution speaks to the realities our ancestors faced and calls us to focus on the real impacts that still echo in our communities today.”

Click here for the text of the resolution. 

Congressional Black Caucus statement on the killing of Jayland Walker

Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty released the following statement on the police shooting of Jayland Walker:

"On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jayland Walker. From every account, he was a family man loved by many. He should still be alive today.

The body camera footage is gut-wrenching and leaves us with far more questions than answers. The conduct of the officers and all involved must be investigated without delay.

The Akron Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office must conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and provide regular updates to the community.

Jayland’s family, the Akron community, and all of us deserve to know what happened and what the department will change to ensure routine traffic stops do not lead to more unnecessary deaths.

Far too many Black people in America are killed at the hands of police during alleged traffic violations, and we cannot remain silent. This is not an acceptable outcome, and we can no longer afford to be merely outraged and heartbroken.

While we have seen action on police reform in recent months, it is clear there is more work to do." - Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty.

Congressional Black Caucus Condemns Roe vs Wade Reversal

The Congressional Black Caucus released the following statement on the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs Wade:

“The hands of time have once again been turned back. The extreme right-wing Supreme Court majority’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the law of the land for 49 years that gave a woman the right to choose, will have far-reaching and painful consequences. Moreover, in the midst of a Black maternal mortality crisis, restricting access to abortion care will disproportionately endanger the lives of Black Americans,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty. “Let me be very clear: government-mandated pregnancy is not pro-life, it is pro-policing of women’s bodies. In response to this unacceptable decision, I, along with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, are co-leading a letter to President Biden urging him to swiftly declare this unprecedented attack on abortion rights and access as the public health the national emergency that it is. We have seen what life was like pre-Roe v. Wade, and America cannot afford to go back.”

Rep. Hank Johnson calls on U.S. government to spend more with Black Press

Four years after D.C. Democratic Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton publicly condemned federal agencies after a Government Accountability Office report revealed they spend very little of their advertising dollars with Black-owned media, another member of the Congressional Black Caucus has openly aired the concerns.

“The federal government spends billions of dollars a year in paid advertising. However, the federal government’s process for allocating advertising dollars fails to recognize and value the unique relationship that Black-owned media have with their audiences,” Georgia Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson wrote in a letter to President Joe Biden.

Co-signed by Norton, Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Val Demings (D-Fla.), and 34 other members of Congress, the letter pointed out that the standard process for spending federal advertising dollars consists of giving a prime contract to a large White-owned advertising agency with the stipulation that the agency includes a multicultural agency as a subcontractor.

“However, the prime contractor controls how much money goes to the subcontractor and how that subcontractor spends that money,” Johnson wrote.

“This routinely results in a smaller fraction of federal dollars going to the subcontractors. And, when the subcontractor does get to spend money, it is usually directed to spend that money with Black-targeted media and not with Black-owned media.”

He asserted that “successful Black businesses hire and promote Black Americans at a much higher rate than other businesses. They are, consequently, the key to building successful Black communities.”

In 2018, Norton commissioned a GAO report that revealed that the federal government spent more than $5 billion on advertising over five years. Still, Black-owned businesses received only $51 million, or 1.02 percent of those funds.

“I will work with minority publishers to press [my colleagues] in Congress to demand greater spending on minority-owned outlets to reach minority audiences that most traditional outlets do not,” Norton stated during a 2018 news conference with members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association on Capitol Hill.

“The GAO report showed, as we expected, that the federal government has a long way to go to ensure equal opportunities for minority-owned news outlets,” Norton continued.

“As the nation’s largest advertiser, the federal government has an obligation to provide advertising opportunities to news outlets and media companies owned or published by people of color.”

In April, dozens of federal agencies launched plans for more equity to open federal programs to more people and reduce racial disparities caused by government decisions.

“Advancing equity is not a one-year project. It’s a generational commitment,” Biden stated. “These plans are an important step forward, reflecting the Biden Harris administration’s work to make the promise of America real for every American, and I mean every American.”

In the Johnson-led letter, members of Congress have issued a request for Biden Administration to investigate and report back complex data on “the process by which they grant advertising contracts, and how they oversee those contracts after they are granted.”

“The federal government spends billions of dollars a year in paid advertising. However, the federal government’s process for allocating advertising dollars fails to recognize and value the unique relationship that Black-owned media have with their audiences,” Johnson wrote.

[SOURCE STLAMERICAN]

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS ISSUES STATEMENT ON STUDENT LOAN DEBT CRISIS

Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the call for student loan debt cancellation:

"The $1.7 trillion student loan debt crisis is a racial and economic justice issue disproportionately impacting Black communities across the nation. We are calling on the Biden Administration to implement broad-based student loan debt cancellation by executive action. We are committed to working with the Administration to explore all options and we are requesting to meet with the President,” said Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Joyce Beatty. “This is a crisis created through policy decisions, and we have a responsibility to address it head-on. Canceling student loan debt is one of the most impactful ways to address ongoing economic and racial inequities plaguing our nation. As representatives of more than 17 million Black Americans and 80 million Americans, the urgency of this moment requires we move with intention. In order to reduce the racial wealth gap and advance a just and equitable economic recovery for all, we must alleviate the burden of student debt. Nothing is off the table, except inaction.”

Congressional Black Caucus Responds to Pres. Bidens's State of the Union Address

The Congressional Black Caucus has responded to President Joe Biden's State of the Union Speech.

Rep. Colin Allred spoke about the CBC’s support of Ukraine, praised the president for creating jobs but acknowledged that unemployment for Black America is lagging. He urged for the passage of voting rights legislation.

Watch his response below: