Our History

1970

African American lawmakers hold their first Annual Legislative Conference.

Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is established by 13 members of the 92nd United States Congress.

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) founded as a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research and educational institute.

CBC members and their communities led the movement to make the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. a federal holiday.

CBCF launches its Internship Program to give future Black leaders an opportunity to work in public service.

CBCF’s Scholarship Program begins providing financial assistance to gifted motivated students in CBC districts.

Annual Mervyn L. & Stephanie Tubbs Jones Memorial Scholarship Classic is first held to raise money for the burgeoning Scholarship Program.

CBCF purchases its four-story building on Washington, D.C.’s Embassy Row.

CBCF’s Katrina Relief Fund donates more than $250,000 to rebuild Louisiana and Mississippi communities.

The Avoice Virtual Library Project launched.

Sen. Barack Obama becomes the first CBC member elected to the White House as President of the United States.

Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI) is launched to educate the public on social justice issues related to HIV.

The Spirit of Health Living initiative begins supporting faith-based education on Type-2 diabetes prevention and care.

$4 million invested in African American owned banks to spur economic development in Black communities.

China Study Abroad Program is created to provide international exploration to CBC students in member districts.

Center for Analysis and Research (CPAR) is created to identify, analyze and disseminate policy-related information.

CBCF launches Emerge 535 to place 535 African American interns on Capitol Hill.

CBCF launches Policy Now, a virtual community engaged in public policy issues that impact Black communities.

Executive Economic Summit Series created to address access to capital for African American-owned firms and other Minority Business Enterprises.

CPAR launches environmental sustainability initiatives to analyze best practices and policy solutions that affect African Americans.

CBCF releases first-ever multidisciplinary journal, the Journal of the Center for Policy Analysis and Research.

Sen. Kamala Harris becomes the second CBC member elected to the White House as Vice-President of the United States.

Swearing-in of the largest CBC membership in history with 57 members.