��������app

While music lovers know The Anthem at the D.C. Wharf as a site to attend live concerts, today the venue played host to the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) swearing-in ceremony, where barrier-breaker Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland’s first Black senator, joined the ranks of African American federal legislators.

Alsobrooks, also the first woman to serve as the county executive for Prince George’s, was officially sworn into the Senate by Vice President Kamala Harris later in the morning. However, the CBC swearing-in offered a warm welcome to her entree into Senate leadership, receiving a roaring applause by attendees of the swearing-in and congressional members alike when introduced.

“I am honored to serve the people of Maryland and am ready to get to work to lower costs, fight for our families, and protect our values,” Alsobrooks via social media. 

The incoming CBC class will be the largest in the organization’s 53-year history with 62 members, including nine new legislators as a result of the 2024 elections. 

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation President Nicole Austin-Hillery told The Informer 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.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the first African-American to head a major political party, expressed gratitude for the work of the CBC and offered encouragement for the necessary efforts ahead.

“Thank you, Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.); we are thankful for your calm, cool, and courageous leadership of the CBC during hard times,” said Jeffries, acknowledging the outgoing CBC chair, before later expressing gratitude to past generations of Black congressional leadership, including fellow New York Democrats Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Shirley Chisholm . 

Jeffries went on to celebrate the new CBC Chair Rep. Yvette Clark (D-N.Y.), who he described as his “sister from Brooklyn.” He thanked her for stepping up to lead the CBC during the upcoming session of Congress. 

“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.”

The Ceremony ‘Renew That Pledge to Root Out Racism’ 

White House correspondent April Ryan, who served as mistress of ceremonies, offered opening remarks for the 8:30 a.m. event, emphasizing the necessary work ahead.

 “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 that two Black women were simultaneously elected to the United States Senate. 

“At the same time,” Ryan said,” and they look good too!”

The new members sworn in on Jan. 3 were:

• Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.)
• Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.)
• Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.)
• Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-Ore.)
• Rep. Herb Conaway (D-N.J.)
• Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Ala.)
• Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.)
• Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas)

Further, Delaware Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, who was first elected in 2016 and already a member of the CBC, was elevated to the Senate. Louisiana Rep. Cleo Fields, who was first elected to Congress in 1992 from Baton Rouge, was sworn into Congress for the second time. 

FedEx corporate officer Lance Mangum, whose company served as the title sponsor of the swearing-in, also addressed the African American congressional leaders, before New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) gave the ceremonial oath of office and installed the new members. 

In addition, the Brooklyn-based Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet performed behind a rendition of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech

The CBC Foundation Board of Directors Chair Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) said she looks forward to the swearing-in ceremony and the work of the organization.

“It is my pleasure to welcome and thank you for being here. Every two years, we come together to swear an oath to this Constitution,” Sewell said. 

The Alabama congresswoman reminded her colleagues about the necessary efforts ahead. 

“Today, we renew that pledge to root out racism and inequities in health care, the economy, and more,” Sewell said. “We stand ready for the task ahead, and we stand united.” 

Notably absent from the ceremony were the five Black Republican members of Congress —Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and Reps. Byron Donalds of Florida, Wesley Hunt of Texas, John James of Michigan and Burgess Owens of Utah. 

As supporters of President-elect Donald Trump, they have pledged allegiance to his future policies, diverging from the CBC’s priorities.

Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey (D) expressed concerns about potential abuses of power under the incoming administration, particularly within the Department of Justice. 

“Protecting the rule of law is what we’ve got to make sure happens now and going forward,” he said. 

Ivey also voiced optimism about future elections, declaring, “A setback is a setup for a comeback.”

Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, spoke fervently about the CBC’s advocacy despite a hostile political climate the upcoming administration has wrought. “If your plan is to administer solely to your MAGA base, we will lead the resistance,” he said.

Remembering the Mission of the CBC 

The swearing-in also emphasized the history and mission of the CBC since its inception.

In the program was a quote from former Michigan Rep. Charles Diggs Jr., who co-founded the CBC alongside 11 other representatives, including Congresswoman Chisholm and former Maryland Rep. Parren Mitchell (D). 

“Our people are no longer asking for equality as a rhetorical promise,” read the quote from Diggs. “They are demanding from the National administration, and from elected officials without regard to party affiliation, the only kind of equality that ultimately has any real meaning — equality of results.”

Austin-Hillery emphasized there’s still much work to do.

“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 said.

Ivey, who serves on the CBC’s Business Advisory Board, encouraged 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 to fruition the seeds of the civil rights movement,” Ivey told The Informer. “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, in business and the federal contracting space.”

Ivey said he’s looking forward to the future of the CBC.

“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.”

Watch the full ceremony . Read more about The Informer’s Congressional Black Caucus updates here.