Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick Elected Chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus for the 110th Congress

Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (Michigan, 13th District) was elected Chairperson of the 43-member Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for the 110th Congress (2007-2008) during the CBC's regular weekly meeting. As the 20th Chairperson of the CBC, Congresswoman Kilpatrick will be the fifth woman to serve as Chairperson and the first woman to lead the organization during a Presidential election since 1980.

Congresswoman Kilpatrick issued the following statement after the election:
"It is an honor and privilege to be elected to serve as Chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus for the 110th Congress. This 35-year old organization has a long and distinguished reputation as the Conscience of the Congress and for representing the underserved and the disenfranchised. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue that tradition.

The CBC represents more than 40 million Americans of different racial and ethnic backgrounds. We will use our influence to serve the interests of African Americans and other minorities and people across the globe. We will continue working to address the needs of people impacted by Hurricane Katrina, to increase awareness about and funding for HIV/AIDS, and to bring peace to the troubled region of Darfur.

As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, I will work to secure maximum participation from CBC members and strengthen black and appointed elected officials. I will implement new initiatives:
Technology: The CBC will enhance its national Internet presence through the use of newsletters, blogs, and podcasts. This will allow us to communicate and mobilize for instant action.

Youth Leadership: We will motivate, mentor, and mobilize young leaders between the ages of 18 and 40 so that they have greater access to information and the political process. They will be encouraged and empowered to work with us and set the agenda for their community.

Outreach: CBC Members will continue to travel around the country to interact with, educate, and talk to citizens. We will establish ongoing dialogue about issues such as education, jobs, alternative energy, and prescription drugs that impact our families.

Alternative Energy: The CBC will take the lead in two areas that are vital to America's position as a world leader: agriculture and energy. We will work with black farmers to help identify and produce crops such as beans and corn that can be used to produce alternative sources of energy and generate revenue.

Americans across the country voted in record numbers because they want a New Direction for America. We must invest in America's families and in our nation's future. The Congressional Black Caucus is a source of hope and help for many. I am excited about working with leaders across the country to move America forward."

Congresswoman Kilpatrick will be officially sworn in as Chairperson during a ceremony at the Library of Congress on Thursday, January 4, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. A special reception will take place immediately following the swearing-in ceremony.

For more information about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit www.congressionalblackcaucus.net.