Page 18 - BHM Program 2021

CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS

In February 1971, the newly formed Congressional Black Caucus got to
work as the “Conscience of Congress,” preparing a list of 61
recommendations for President Richard Nixon that included police reform

and stronger voting rights protection. The 13 founding members of the
caucus—just 2.5% of the Congress but up until then the greatest-ever voice

in federal government for Black Americans—knew they represented people
far beyond their home districts.

“Even though we think first of those we were directly elected to serve, we
cannot in good conscience think only of them,” the group wrote. “For what
affects one Black Community, one poor community, one urban community,

affects all.”