By Kojo
Washington, D.C. — On January 3, 2025, United States Consultant Yvette D. Clarke presided over the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Ceremonial Swearing-In for the 119th Congress at The Anthem on The Wharf. As the brand new chair of the CBC, Clarke, a Caribbean American Democratic Congresswoman, assumed management of the largest-ever class of Black legislators in Congress.
“I’m immensely honored to grow to be the tenth lady to function chair of the Congressional Black Caucus throughout its largest-ever class within the 119th Congress,” stated Clarke, who represents Brooklyn’s predominantly Caribbean ninth Congressional District. The daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Clarke expressed gratitude to those that paved the way in which, together with her mom, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, the primary Caribbean-born lady elected to New York Metropolis Council, and Shirley Chisholm, the primary Black lady elected to america Congress.
Reflecting on the legacy of Chisholm, Clarke acknowledged, “This historic Caucus is actually a manifestation of our ancestors’ energy, braveness, tenacity, and perseverance. As a result of they have been, we’re. As a result of they prevailed, so should we.” Clarke emphasised the significance of the CBC in addressing challenges forward and expressed confidence in her colleagues’ help.
The CBC begins the 119th Congress with 62 members, the biggest in its historical past. For the primary time, two Black ladies will serve concurrently in america Senate, additional elevating the illustration of Black People in Congress. “Our variety is our energy, and our unity is our energy,” Clarke stated.
Elected as chair in December 2024, Clarke highlighted key areas of focus for the caucus, together with voting rights, schooling, felony justice reform, ladies’s rights, healthcare fairness, and financial equality. “We have to be attentive in finishing our goal of addressing and enacting coverage to uplift our group and hold our guarantees,” she stated.
Clarke additionally pledged to help Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries, stating, “We should stand behind his imaginative and prescient and belief his management to barter one of the best outcomes for our communities.” She warned in opposition to extremist ideologies, particularly focusing on Mission 2025, a conservative Republican agenda. “On this unstable political panorama, the CBC should stand because the resistance to extremist ideologies and the conscience of Congress to advocate and advance the Black Diaspora,” Clarke stated.
Outgoing chair Steven Horsford, who represents Nevada’s 4th Congressional District, congratulated Clarke on her new function. “It has been the consideration of a lifetime to function chair of the Congressional Black Caucus throughout such a pivotal time in our nation. Collectively, we now have faithfully served because the conscience of our Congress, centering problems with justice and fairness for all People,” Horsford stated.
Horsford praised Clarke as the fitting chief to tackle the challenges dealing with Black People. “I couldn’t be prouder to go the baton to the gentlelady from New York, Consultant Yvette Clarke,” he stated, expressing confidence in her means to uphold the CBC’s legacy.
Different members elected to the CBC Govt Committee for the 119th Congress embrace Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr. of Louisiana’s 2nd District as first vice chair, Rep. Lucy McBath of Georgia’s seventh District as second vice chair, Rep. Marilyn Strickland of Washington’s tenth District as secretary, and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California’s thirty seventh District as whip.
Carter serves on the Home Homeland Safety Committee, the place he’s the rating member of the Emergency Administration and Know-how Subcommittee, in addition to on the Home Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. McBath, who serves on the Home Judiciary Committee and the Home Committee on Schooling and the Workforce, will tackle the function of second vice chair.
Strickland, who serves on the Home Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Home Armed Providers Committee, will assume the function of secretary. Kamlager-Dove, representing California’s thirty seventh District, will function whip, with committee assignments on the Home Overseas Affairs and Pure Assets Committees.
Since its formation in 1971, the CBC has been on the forefront of legislative efforts to guard and uplift Black communities throughout america. Clarke reiterated the caucus’ dedication to advocating for insurance policies that tackle racial disparities and promote fairness.
“I’m sure that, collectively, we’ll guarantee this Caucus’ legacy as Black People’ most outstanding, most succesful, strongest political device will persist, and that we are going to make our forebears proud,” Clarke stated. “Now, let’s get to work.”
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