Recently, CBC Member Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) was elected chair of
the Democratic Caucus, and Assistant Democratic Leader James
E. Clyburn (D-SC-06) was elected Majority Whip, making it
the first time in history that two African Americans will
hold top leadership positions in Congress at the same time.
In response to these elections, the chairman of the
Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Cedric L. Richmond
(D-LA-02), released the following statement:
“When the Congressional Black Caucus was founded in 1971, I know
our 13 founding members dreamed of the day when we would
have more than one member in our ranks competing for top
leadership positions in Congress. Today was that day, and I
know they are proud.
“When Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
articulated to our colleagues why they were the best
candidate for Democratic Caucus chair, it was one of the
best displays of black brilliance that I have seen in a long
time. The unfortunate part of their race against each other
was that one of them had to lose.
“I congratulate Congressman Jeffries on being elected Democratic
Caucus chair; he has more than demonstrated during his time
in Congress that he is ready to lead in this position.
“I also congratulate Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn
on being elected Majority Whip. There are few Democrats who
have done more than Assistant Democratic Leader Clyburn to
mentor young members of Congress and make sure that
Democrats win elections.
“When former congressman George Henry White, the last
African-American congressman to leave Congress before the
Jim Crow Era, left office in 1901, he said in his famous
farewell address, ‘This is perhaps the Negroes’ temporary
farewell to the American Congress, but let me say,
Phoenix-like he will rise up some day and come again.’
“Next Congress, the CBC will have 55 members, including two who
will be in top leadership positions and five who will chair
full House committees – former congressman George Henry
White was right, and the Phoenix has risen.”
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