By Ashlee BanksSpecial to the AFRO
On the 2025 Democratic Points Convention in Leesburg, Virginia, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) held a press convention to handle important points affecting Black communities and the nation at giant. The CBC, referred to as the “Conscience of the Congress,” continues its legacy of advocating for justice, fairness and legislative options that uplift marginalized communities.
On March 13, CBC Chairwoman Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.-9) and different caucus members held a press briefing throughout which they criticized the Trump administration and Republican lawmakers for pushing laws that disproportionately harms susceptible communities.
“We have now gathered [here] to debate the state of Venture 2025, America, and the impression that Donald Trump’s tariffs, taxes and terminations are having on Black communities throughout our nation,” Clarke instructed reporters.
“As an alternative of working to offer larger entry to financial alternative and decrease the price of dwelling on day one as promised, President Trump’s govt orders and financial insurance policies are persevering with to boost the price of dwelling, and our communities are disproportionately bearing the unfavorable impacts,” the congresswoman added.
U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.-4) slammed Trump, tech billionaire Elon Musk and Home Republicans for prioritizing the rich on the expense of on a regular basis People, particularly the Black neighborhood.
“Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Home Republicans have one goal–to screw America, and Black America is on the prime of that listing,” Horsford instructed reporters.
“[Trump has cut] $2 trillion on the backs of American individuals by slicing our well being care, defunding Social Safety and hurting our veterans, all to present a tax break to large enterprise, to tech tycoons and billionaires,” the previous chairman added.
The CBC vehemently condemned the current assaults on range, fairness and inclusion (DEI) packages. They underscored the significance of DEI initiatives in selling equal alternatives and addressing systemic inequalities in varied sectors, together with schooling, employment and the federal workforce. The caucus known as for a united entrance to defend these packages, asserting that dismantling DEI efforts would reverse many years of progress in civil rights.
U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.-43) instructed reporters that she is worried that Trump is on the verge of scary a civil conflict.
Credit score: AP Photograph/Rod Lamkey, Jr. (AP Photograph/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)
“This president is placing us ready the place hungry individuals are going to be on the road, the place nonprofits who’re ready for his or her checks, seniors who’re ready for his or her Social Safety verify is not going to get it, the place poor households with kids is not going to get what they imagine the federal government has agreed to do,” stated Waters.
“So, when that occurs, what does Trump count on? Oh, I imagine he expects confrontation,” she added.
Nevertheless, the congresswoman stated CBC members plan to comply with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolent strategy and use of protest to push again in opposition to the Trump administration. By channeling Dr. King’s legacy of peaceable resistance, the CBC goals to not solely problem the administration’s insurance policies but in addition drive significant change, significantly within the combat for financial justice.
In the course of the press convention, they launched the Black Wealth Agenda, a complete plan geared toward closing the racial wealth hole. This agenda contains insurance policies to advertise Black homeownership, assist Black-owned companies, and guarantee equitable entry to capital. The CBC burdened that financial empowerment is essential for the general development of Black communities and the nation’s financial well being.
The integrity of the democratic course of was one other important subject addressed by the CBC. They highlighted ongoing efforts to suppress votes in Black and minority communities, calling for sturdy laws to guard voting rights. The caucus reiterated its dedication to making sure that each citizen has unfettered entry to the poll field, viewing it as elementary to democracy.
Felony justice reform stays a urgent difficulty for the CBC. On the press convention, they mentioned methods to handle systemic biases within the justice system, together with police reform and sentencing disparities. The caucus advocates for insurance policies that promote accountability and equity, aiming to construct a justice system that really serves all residents equitably.
