The chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA), sent a letter to colleagues on Thursday requesting that an African-American lawmaker be given one of the top two leadership spots should Democrats take the House next week.
Referencing the work that the Black Caucus and black voters have done to bring about the Democrats’ potential takeover of the House, Richmond wrote — in the letter obtained by Politico — “it’s time” for Congress to have an African American in one of the top two leadership positions.
“After 229 years as a Congress, we have never had an African American in either of the top two leadership positions,” he wrote. “It’s time we walk our talk and provide the transformational change our constituents are calling for.”
Both House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) have already made their intentions to return as speaker and majority leader in election night goes as planned. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC), the highest ranking black Democrat, told Politico he has no interest in challenging Hoyer or Pelosi for the top posts.
Read the Richmond letter below:
A perfect opportunity for the Democratic Party to distinguish itself from the Trumpian Racist Party by clearly demonstrating that they do not take African American support for granted. This will be very interesting to watch.
Hells yes.
If it were left to white people, we’d be out of hope in this country.
This isn’t a gift, dammit. African-Americans have earned leadership positions. Every single seat that dems take away from repugs this year will be won by black voters - especially black female voters.
So let’s put Barbara Lee in leadership. Maxine Waters. Sheila Jackson-Lee. Frederica Wilson. Gwen Moore. Marcia Fudge.
Ya Gotta Dance with the Ones That Brung Ya. And from now on, Democratic victories will be brought by black women.
Go for it; racial representation is the backbone of the Democratic party.
I think it’s a fantastic idea. Here’s a thought. Can we stick a pin in this and discuss it, oh, I don’t know. Maybe next Wednesday.
After the freakin’ election!!!
PS - I’m truly not trying to be snarky. But, geez, did we not learn anything about chickens, eggs and the whole counting thing just a couple years back?