Washington, D.C.- Alternative energy sources, the use of technology, and implementation of a national constituent outreach network are among the targeted issues the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) will address in the 110th Congress, said U.S. Representative Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-MI) in remarks made during a ceremony where she was sworn in as the 20th Chair of the CBC. The ceremony took place this morning at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
U.S. Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Danny Davis (D-IL), and Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) were also sworn-in as the new officers and CBC leadership team.
"During the next two years, the CBC will continue to build upon the theme from the 36th Annual Legislative Conference: Changing Course, Confronting Crisis, Continuing the Legacy,” Chairwoman Kilpatrick noted. “Members will work together to create new ways to address the challenges facing our community so that we can ensure future generations have access to power and prosperity in America."
"I congratulate Carolyn and each member of the Caucus' new leadership team,” said U.S. Representative Melvin L. Watt (D-NC), CBC immediate past Chair. “Each will bring a tremendous energy and dedication to the Caucus and no doubt will continue to lead the work of the CBC in reaching the goals of the founding members - closing disparities that persist between African Americans and other Americans."
As part of the CBC Agenda for the 110th Congress, Chairwoman Kilpatrick said the Caucus will continue to focus on Hurricane Katrina next steps, an end to the genocide in Darfur and support of stem cell research and HIV/AIDS initiatives that can restore hope and health to African American communities.
She also noted that a special emphasis will be placed on the use of newsletters, podcasts and blogs to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the African American community.
Additionally, she promised that CBC members will continue to travel across the country to talk about issues like jobs, education, healthcare and prescription drugs that impact the ability of African Americans to survive and achieve success in America.
"Together, we can build stronger families and a stronger America, one in which everyone can achieve their full potential," Chairwoman Kilpatrick concluded. By working together, we can ensure that achieving the American Dream becomes a promise instead of a possibility for future generations."
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Fannie Mae Chief Executive Officer Daniel H. Mudd, and radio talk-show host and author Michael Eric Dyson were among the notable guests attending the ceremony.