As the new chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Caribbean American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke swore in members of the Black legislative body in the 119th Congress on Friday, Jan. 3.
“I am immensely honored to become the 10th woman to serve as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus during its largest-ever class in the 119th Congress,” Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the predominantly Caribbean 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, told Caribbean Life immediately after the swearing-in ceremony.
“As the successor of countless extraordinary Black women from Brooklyn, including my mother, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke, and my predecessor in Congress, Shirley Chisholm, I cannot help but reflect with pride and humility on the work of all those incredible individuals whose efforts paved the path to today,” added Clarke, who mother was the first Caribbean-born woman to be ever elected to New York City Council.
The late Chisholm, the daughter of Jamaican and Guyanese immigrants, was the first woman to seek the Democratic Party’s nomination for President of the United States.
“This historic Caucus is truly a manifestation of our ancestors’ power, courage, tenacity, and perseverance,” said the younger Clarke. “Because they were, we are. Because they prevailed, so must we.
“As our nation readies for whatever challenges the years ahead may bring, I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the Congressional Black Caucus through this pivotal moment in its long history, grateful for the support of my colleagues and chair-emeritus Steven Horsford, and grateful to the ancestors for the strength and resilience of all our people. I am so very proud of the action my CBC,” added Clarke, who succeeded Horsford, a Nevada U.S. Rep., whose mother is a Trinidadian immigrant.
Clarke, who was elected to lead CBC in early December during the member elections for the CBC Executive Committee for the 119th Congress, said she was gratified by the actions her colleagues have taken “thus far to protect the communities closest to our hearts and advance an agenda that puts their futures at the forefront.
“I am certain that, together, we will ensure this Caucus’ legacy as Black Americans’ most prominent, most capable, most powerful political tool will persist and that we will make our forebears proud,” she said. “Now, let’s get to work!”
The CBC said it begins the 119th Congress with 62 members – the largest membership in the caucus’ history.
“I want to thank my peers for electing me to serve as chair,” said Clarke, who previously served as first vice chair during the 118th Congress. “In my capacity as chair, I will ensure that our caucus’ goals are accomplished by focusing on voting rights, education, criminal justice reform, women’s rights, healthcare equity, and economic equality.
“We must be attentive in completing our purpose of addressing and enacting policy to uplift our community and keep our promises,” added Clarke, a senior member of the House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Since its formation in 1971, Clarke said the CBC has “constantly pursued its mission of supporting and enforcing laws that protect and enrich the Black community.
“The CBC will have a record 62 members in both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives during the 119th Congress. And for the first time in history, two Black women will serve together in the Senate—elevating our position in Congress to combat blatant racism and policies intentionally overlooking more diverse and minority communities—proving our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power,” Clarke said.
“In our pursuit to push legislation and funding — seeking bipartisanship in issue areas that would benefit African Americans — we must become more aggressive in our attempt to support Rep. Hakeem Jeffries as Minority Leader of the House,” she added. “We must stand behind his vision and trust his leadership to negotiate the best outcomes for our communities.
“Make no mistake, in this volatile political landscape, the CBC must stand as the resistance to the extremist ideologies of Project 2025, as the consciousness of Congress to advocate and advance the Black Diaspora,” continued Clarke, stating that the authors of Project 2025, the Republicans Conservative’s agenda, “will write America’s story for the next four years, and we must be prepared to use every legislative and communicative tool to oppose their agenda.”
She said she is “committed to working with my colleagues to call out this extremist agenda and fight like hell for a pathway forward.”
Horsford, who represents Nevada’s 4th Congressional District, congratulated the members of the 119th Congress’s Executive Committee.
“Fifty-three years after our caucus’ founding, our work to improve the lives and conditions of Black people in America is more important than ever before,” he said. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus during such a pivotal time in our country. Together, we have faithfully served as the conscience of our Congress, centering issues of justice and equity for all Americans.
“I remain deeply honored to serve as a member of the House of Representatives and especially a member of this storied caucus,” he added. “As we look toward the future, our caucus will enter the 119th Congress with the largest membership in our history — a record 62 members in the House and Senate.
“To lead this historic membership will be a colleague and friend of immense capabilities and the right leader to take on the challenges that will confront the American people in the years to come,” Horsford continued. “I could not be prouder to pass the baton to the gentlelady from New York, Representative Yvette Clarke.”
He said Clarke would carry on the CBC’s legacy “and ensure we push back against the erosion of our fundamental rights and build a future where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
Other members elected to the CBC Executive Committee Leadership for the 119th Congress comprise Rep. Troy A. Carter, Sr.; Rep. Lucy McBath; Rep. Marilyn Strickland; and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove.
Carter, who will serve as first vice chair, represents Louisiana’s 2nd district and currently serves on the House Homeland Security Committee, where he is the Ranking Member of the Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee. Rep. Carter also serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
McBath, who will serve as second vice chair, represents Georgia’s 7th district and currently serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Strickland, who will serve as secretary, represents Washington’s 10th district and currently serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Committee on Armed Services.
Kamlager-Dove, who will serve as Whip, represents California’s 37th district and currently serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and House Committee on Natural Resources.
