CR279

​1970 Press Photo
Charles Diggs, Shirley Chisholm
Shadow Committee (CBC)

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) was established in 1971 to put forth policy and legislation that ensured equal rights, opportunity, and access to Black Americans and other marginalized communities. It is a non-partisan body made up of African American members of Congress. The CBC was created during the high point of the Black Power Movement, when African Americans wanted greater political influence, and were gaining more seats in Congress.
When President Nixon refused to meet with the Caucus after its formation, the CBC boycotted the 1971 State of the Union. Stating that Nixon's refusal to meet with them demonstrated the administration's disregard of African American interests, the boycott resulted in a lot of media attention, and Richard Nixon met with members on March 25, 1971. At the meeting, the CBC presented Nixon with sixty-one recommendations to eradicate racism, provide quality housing, and promote engagement of African Americans in government. The records at the National Archives regarding the CBC include Legislative minutes, videos, and photographs of members meeting with US presidents, other members of Congress, and their constituents.

Founding Members of the Congressional Black Caucus

Shirley Chisholm
Ron Dellums
Ralph Metcalfe
Charles Rangel
Bill Clay
Charles Diggs
Parren Mitchell
Louis Stokes
George W. Collins
Walter Fauntroy
Robert N.C. Nix, Sr.
John Conyers
Augustus F. Hawkins