Black Lawmakers Gain Leadership Roles Ahead Of 116th Congress

Nearly one month after the November midterm elections, Black lawmakers on Capitol Hill have gained major leadership roles that will boost their collective power when the 116th Congress commences in January 2019. For the first time, two African American lawmakers will make history by holding top leadership positions in Congress at the same time. That’s not all: African American women will play key leadership roles as the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) expands its ranks. Last week, Democrats in the House of Representatives gave speeches and held internal elections conducted by secret ballot. Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-SC) was elected Majority Whip of the Democratic Caucus, the number three leadership position. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was elected chair of the Caucus, the number five spot. In a separate election, members of the CBC voted Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA) their new chairwoman for the incoming Congress. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Brenda Lawrence (D- MI) were elected Vice Chair and 2nd Vice Chair, respectively. Additionally, Reps. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and Barbara Lee (D-CA) are among the CBC members who will chair or co-chair at least five House Committees and more than two dozen House Subcommittees.