Since 1971,
the Congressional Black Caucus has considered itself to be the
“conscience of the Congress.” Thirteen Black lawmakers who represented
large cities founded the group to work collectively on African-American
issues. It has since grown to include 43 members from rural and urban
districts. Despite losses in the 2010 midterm election cycle that
returned Democrats to the minority party, several CBC members have
maintained key leadership positions, including Rep. James Clyburn, who
serves as Assistant Democratic Leader.
