The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is making history as it reaches an unprecedented membership of 62 Black lawmakers, marking an important milestone for African American representation in U.S. politics. This milestone includes a number of significant “firsts,” including two Black women senators and two Black representatives from Alabama, underscoring a pivotal shift in the political landscape.
On Friday, January 3, 2025, members of the Congressional Black Caucus gathered for a ceremonial swearing-in, which took place in Washington, D.C. The swearing-in was led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who took the oath of office alongside the incoming members of the 119th U.S. Congress. The event marked a significant moment for the CBC, which was founded in 1971 with just 13 members—12 men and one woman.
This year’s swearing-in ceremony was filled with a sense of pride and history. Among the new members were two Black women senators from different states—Angela Alsobrooks from Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware—who will serve together in the U.S. Senate for the first time in history. Their election to the Senate is seen as a major achievement for the CBC and for Black women in American politics.
A New Era of Representation: Alabama’s Two Black Congress Members
One of the most significant changes this year comes from the state of Alabama. For the first time, two Black representatives will serve in Congress simultaneously from Alabama—Rep. Terri Sewell and the newly elected Shomari Figures. This historic development follows a legal battle and a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023 that required Alabama to redraw district lines to create a second majority-Black district. Sewell, a long-time Democratic representative, was joined by Figures, who won the newly created 2nd Congressional District in November.
Alabama’s new representation signals a shift in a state that has historically struggled with racial disparities in political representation. Sewell recalled the early days of the Congressional Black Caucus, emphasizing how far it has come since its inception over five decades ago.
The CBC’s Commitment to Fighting for Equity
Despite the diversity of political opinions within Congress, the CBC continues to stand as a unified voice for Black Americans. Members of the Caucus, especially those within the Democratic Party, have committed to challenging any legislation they feel will harm the Black community or deepen existing racial inequalities.
Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland expressed his concern about the role the U.S. Department of Justice could play under the influence of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, particularly regarding the potential politicization of the department. He emphasized that the primary goal of the Justice Department should be to protect the rule of law, not to settle political scores.
Furthermore, the CBC leadership reiterated its commitment to challenging systemic racism, advancing healthcare reforms, and protecting voting rights. “We renew our pledge to fight racism where it exists,” said Rep. Sewell, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “We’re ready for the task ahead.” The Caucus remains steadfast in its mission to address inequities in healthcare, the criminal justice system, education, and voting access.
Republicans and the Congressional Black Caucus: A Divergence of Ideologies
While the Congressional Black Caucus is primarily made up of Democrats, five Black Republican lawmakers—Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Reps. Byron Donalds, Wesley Hunt, John James, and Burgess Owens—were not in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony. Despite sharing racial background, these Republican members have voiced strong support for President-elect Donald Trump and have aligned themselves with his controversial policies. Their absence highlighted the ideological divide between the CBC’s vision for Black Americans and the direction some Republican members are taking.
While the CBC has always maintained its independence from any political party, its members are united in their commitment to addressing issues that disproportionately affect Black Americans, regardless of the political climate. As the nation enters a new political era under a Republican-led Congress and a Democratic White House, the CBC will continue to be a powerful force advocating for racial justice and social equity.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Midterm Elections and Beyond
The current political landscape may pose challenges for the CBC, especially as the GOP solidifies its grip on both the Senate and House. However, Rep. Ivey is optimistic that the next few years will offer opportunities for the Democrats to reclaim control in the 2026 midterm elections. “A setback is a set up for a comeback,” Ivey stated after the ceremony. “We’re ready to come back.”
The CBC’s resilience in the face of adversity and its ongoing efforts to push for more equitable policies show that, despite the challenges ahead, the group’s commitment to serving the Black community will remain unwavering. As the political battles continue, the Congressional Black Caucus stands poised to lead the charge in advocating for equality and justice in America.
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