Jan 6, 2025 Story by: Editor
For the first time, Democrats Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware will serve together in the U.S. Senate, making them the first Black women to do so.
The caucus also celebrated the election of two Black U.S. House members from Alabama, marking another historical achievement. Rep. Terri Sewell, who has served in Congress for years, has been joined by Shomari Figures, who was elected in November to represent the newly drawn 2nd Congressional District. The creation of this district followed a federal court ruling in 2022, which came after a lawsuit demanding the state provide Black voters with a fair opportunity to select their preferred candidate. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld this decision in 2023.
Rep. Sewell, a Democrat, recalled the CBC’s humble beginnings in 1971 with just 13 members—12 men and one woman. Today, the caucus boasts 67 Black lawmakers, the largest contingent ever in Congress.
However, five Republican Black lawmakers, who are vocal supporters of President-elect Donald Trump, did not attend the ceremony. These members—Sen. Tim Scott (South Carolina) and Reps. Byron Donalds (Florida), Wesley Hunt (Texas), John James (Michigan), and Burgess Owens (Utah)—are not part of the CBC. Despite their party affiliation, the Democratic members of the CBC remain committed to challenging legislation they believe will harm Black Americans.
“We are renewing our commitment to fight racism in all forms and eliminate inequalities in healthcare, criminal justice, education, and voting rights,” said Rep. Sewell, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “As the CBC, we are ready for the work ahead.”
Rep. Glenn Ivey, a Maryland Democrat, expressed concern about potential misuse of the U.S. Justice Department under the Trump administration. “The Department of Justice must protect the rule of law, not serve as a tool for retaliation,” Ivey emphasized.
Looking ahead, Ivey also discussed the importance of the 2026 midterm elections. Reflecting on past political shifts, he remarked, “When Republicans controlled the White House, Senate, and House, we saw how quickly things can change. A setback is just a setup for a comeback, and we are ready to return to power.”
The event, held at The Anthem, was attended by hundreds of family members, friends, and supporters, including Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League.
In an interview, Morial reiterated that the CBC’s advocacy will continue despite Trump’s presidency. “We are open to working with the president on critical issues like voting rights and poverty elimination,” Morial stated. “But if his focus is solely on his MAGA base, we will lead the resistance.”
This swearing-in ceremony not only symbolizes progress but underscores the CBC’s commitment to fighting for the rights of Black Americans, regardless of the political landscape. Source: Arkansas Advocate
