Briefs

Clarke elected to chair Congressional Black Caucus

December 5, 2024 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke. Photo courtesy of Office of Rep. Clarke

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CAPITOL HILL — BROOKLYN CONGRESSMEMBER YVETTE D. CLARKE (D-09) was elected to serve as the 29th chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Clarke, who will be sworn in as chair when the new session of Congress begins in January, was elected to a two-year term, enabling her to serve throughout the 119th Congress. Clarke recently served as first vice chair during the 118th Congress, focusing on laws targeting disparities harming underserved communities by working alongside caucus members on democracy and civic participation, education, environmental justice, the future of work, healthcare, housing and public safety.

After her election, Clarke said, “Since its formation in 1971, the CBC has constantly pursued its mission of supporting and enforcing laws that protect and enrich the Black community. The CBC will have a record 62 members in both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives during the 119th Congress. And for the first time in history, two Black women will serve together in the Senate, elevating our position in Congress to combat blatant racism and policies intentionally overlooking more diverse and minority communities.”

Clarke is the daughter of former City Councilmember Una S.T. Clarke, who represented the 40th Council District and was the first Caribbean-born woman elected to the city’s legislature. According to biographical websites on Clarke, she marked her 90th birthday on Monday, Dec. 2.

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