Despite a turbulent political climate and an active government shutdown, there have still been some inspiration-worthy happenings swirling about within the legislative branch of the U.S. government.
As the 116th Congress was sworn into their respective offices on Thursday, so was the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). This year, however, the Congressional Black Caucus swore in 55 people, the highest number since the Caucus was created in 1971. The historical event also marked much-needed diversity in a government that has seen increased racial turmoil since Trump’s 2016 election.
“[This] marks the beginning of a course correction [needed to] correct the daily trauma we have suffered over the last two years,” said Rep. Karen Bass, chair of the CBC.
The historic ceremony followed other firsts in the 2018 midterm elections. Ayanna Pressley became the first Black congresswoman of Massachusetts while Ilhan Omar became the first Somali-American person in Congress, as well as one of the first two Muslim women in the body. Omar even wore a hijab on the House floor. But the diversity didn't stop there. The first Native America congresswomen—Reps. Deb Haaland and Sharice Davids—were also sworn in on Thursday.
But as always, with diversification comes bigotry-fueled hateration.
“Instead of a celebration, the reaction from some has essentially unleashed a dragon, a dragon that is gasping its last breath and so he is dangerous as he lashes out,” Bass said. “The dragon is hate. The dragon is white supremacy, and they have a leader.”
Of course, the largest Congressional Black Caucus is not backing down. The members are ready to lead and are prepared for battle.
“At this moment in history, we are equipped to lead like never before, we are equipped to govern, we are equipped to resist when and where it’s needed,” declared Bass.
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