Washington, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee was sworn in as the new Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) during their ceremonial Swearing-In event. Additionally, Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver II (D-MO) will serve as the First Vice Chair, Congresswoman Donna Christensen  (D-VI) as Second Vice Chair, Congressman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) as Secretary, and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY) as Whip.

Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, President Emeritus of Bennett College served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the program which featured remarks from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, CBC Foundation Chairman Kendrick Meek and Martin Luther King, III. Musical selections were be performed by Mary Millben and Lady Tramaine Hawkins.

“I want to thank my distinguished colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus for this awesome honor to serve as your chair for ‘such a time as this,’” said Rep. Barbara Lee. “The Congressional Black Caucus leads this congress on each and every issue with intelligence, commitment and power, yet continues to be the conscience of the Congress and the voice of the voiceless. I thank the new officers for agreeing to be a part of my leadership team and all of our prior chairs for visionary leadership of this caucus.”

“I am honored to be selected by my colleagues to assist the new Chair, Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Our Caucus has always been one of historic firsts, and in the next Congress we break new ground again as one of our members will be sworn in as President of the United States. I believe I bring a slightly different perspective to the Caucus because I do not represent what might be called a typical CBC district. My election to this new post is recognition that the challenges facing America affect us all regardless of race and it is more important than ever to reach beyond our historic voting blocs and work together to find solutions,” said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II.

“It is a special time to be in the Congress and even more so to be a member of the Congressional Black Caucus,” said Rep. Donna M. Christensen. “I am honored to be able to work with current and former CBC members and the historic incoming president Barack Obama. Serving under the leadership of the indomitable Barbara Lee as we carry on the work and legacy of our past Chairman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick and all of the other leaders of the CBC and the African American community on whose shoulders we stand, is truly an honor and a privilege.”

“The CBC has the tremendous responsibility to expose and confront the disparities that hurt our community,” said Rep. G. K. Butterfield. “With a solid Democratic majority and a powerful ally occupying The White House, the African-American community can expect us to be relentless in our effort to empower our community. “

“As the youngest Black woman serving in Congress, I’m honored that my colleagues have elected me as Whip of the Congressional Black Caucus,” said Rep. Yvette D. Clarke.   “It is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of such pioneering members like Shirley Chisholm. I look forward to continuing the legacy of leadership and service with our newly-elected Chairwoman Barbara Lee and my colleagues as we address the challenges facing people of color and the disadvantaged throughout the United States and the global community.”

Currently, there are 41 Members of the Congressional Black Caucus including 4 Full Committee Chairs, 15 Subcommittee Chairs and one member serving as part of the Democratic Leadership.

In January of 1969, newly-elected African American representatives of the 77th Congress joined six incumbents to form the Democratic Select Committee. The committee was renamed the Congressional Black Caucus, and the CBC was born in 1971. Founding members of the CBC included Reps. Shirley Chisholm, William Clay, George Collins, John Conyers, Ronald Dellums, Charles Diggs, Augustus Hawkins, Ralph Metcalfe, Parren Mitchell, Robert Nix, Charles Rangel, Louis Stokes, and D.C. Delegate Walter Fauntroy.