(BALTIMORE – January 6, 2025) – The Anthem on Wharf Street hosted this year’s swearing-in of Congressional Black Caucus members on the morning of Jan. 3, including history maker Angela Alsobrooks, the first Black Senator elected from Maryland. Alsobrooks was given roaring applause by attendees of the swearing-in and congressional members alike when introduced, showing the broad support she cultivated among national Democrats during her successful campaign against former Governor Larry Hogan.
The incoming CBC class will be the largest in the organization’s 53-year history, with 62 members, including nine new members added to the CBC during the 2024 elections.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the first African-American to head a major political party, served as one of the key speakers during the ceremony.
“Thank you, Representative Horsford; we are thankful for your calm, cool, and courageous leadership of the CBC during hard times,” said Congressman Jeffries. “We are called upon to rise to the occasion; we must, and we will rise to the occasion. Together, under the leadership of Congresswoman Clark, we will continue America’s long, necessary, and majestic march towards a more perfect union.”
He further thanked Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who he described as his “sister from Brooklyn,” for stepping up to lead the CBC during the upcoming session of Congress. He admired the accomplishments and tenacity of past generations of CBC leadership.
White House correspondent April Ryan, who served as the Mistress of Ceremonies, gave the opening remarks to begin the ceremony. During her speech, cheers and applause were heard from New Yorkers who came down to support the new CBC Chair, Congresswoman Yvette Clark (D).
“It’s an honor to be with you this morning. It’s early, but we got work to do,” she said. “This is about the work of the people. It’s a privilege to stand before such an accomplished group of leaders who have fought against racism and for education, health care, and more.”
Ryan also noted that this election was the first time two Black women were elected to the United States Senate.
“At the same time,” she said. “And they look good too!”
The new members being sworn in were:
- Maryland Senator-Elect Angela Alsobrooks (D)
- New Jersey Representative LaMonica McIver (D)
- Missouri Representative Wesley Bell (D)
- Oregon Representative Janelle Bynum (D)
- New Jersey Representative Herb Conaway (D)
- Alabama Representative Shomari Figures (D)
- California Representative Lateefah Simon (D)
- Texas Representative Sylvester Turner (D)
Delaware Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, who was first elected in 2016 and is already a member of the CBC, was elevated to the Senate. Louisiana Congressman Cleo Fields, who was first elected to Congress in 1992 from Baton Rouge, was sworn back in.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you and thank you for being here. Every two years, we come together to swear an oath to this Constitution,” said Black Caucus Foundation Board of Directors Chair Terri Sewell, an Alabama Representative.
“Today, we renew that pledge to root out racism and inequities in health care, the economy, and more. We stand ready for the task ahead, and we stand united.”
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation President Nicole Austin-Hillery stated in an interview that the largest CBC in history will “equip the entire Congressional Black Caucus with an unprecedented collective strength” to drive transformative change.
“This historic representation amplifies their ability to advocate for justice, equity, and the protection of marginalized communities. The CBC is uniquely positioned to address these challenges head-on, and we stand committed to supporting their efforts in meaningful and enduring ways,” said Austin-Hillery.
“It is our mission here to advance the global Black community by developing leaders and implementing policy. These efforts are paying off. We are proud of everything we have done in the past half-century, but we are making sure we are ready for both expected and unexpected challenges ahead.”
She was followed by FedEx corporate officer Lance Mangum, whose company was the title sponsor of the swearing-in.
New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) gave the ceremonial oath of office and installed the new members. The Brooklyn-based Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet performed behind a rendition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s “I Have a Dream” speech.
“Our people are no longer asking for equality as a rhetorical promise,” read a quote from Michigan Congressman Charles Diggs Jr. in the booklet for the swearing-in. Diggs founded the CBC alongside 11 other Members of Congress in 1971, including Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Congressman Parren Mitchell. “They are demanding from the National Administration and elected officials without regard to party affiliation, the only equality that ultimately has any real meaning- equality of results.”
Congressman Glenn Ivey, who serves on the CBC’s Business Advisory Board, advises new members of Congress to keep setting higher goals and not to take anything for granted.
“This 119th Congress features the largest class in the Congressional Black Caucus history. We’ve come a long way, but we have a lot more work to do to bring the seeds of the civil rights movement to fruition. Economic rights are civil rights. Our numbers on Capitol Hill are impressive, but we must use those powerful positions to improve our economic lot as our communities face attacks on DEI and Affirmative Action in higher education, business, and the federal contracting space,” said Congressman Ivey. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the CBC to leverage our knowledge, experience, and voting power to help black and brown people and those experiencing hardships moving forward.”
To watch the entire ceremony, please view it here.
