Read essays that provide historical context about four distinct generations of African Americans in Congress.
Essay Snippets with Links to more info
Images of the 174 Black Congressmembers with links to their bios
The first African-American Congresswoman, Shirley Anita Chisholm represented a newly reapportioned U.S. House district centered in Brooklyn, New York. Elected in 1968 with deep roots in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, Chisholm was catapulted into the national limelight by virtue of her race, gender, and outspoken personality. In 1972, in a largely symbolic undertaking, she campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination.
CLYBURN, James Enos, A Representative from South Carolina; born in Sumter, Sumter County, S.C., July 21, 1940 (some people would argue that he was singularly responsible for saving Joe Biden's presidential candidacy.
