Black Americans fundamental rights under siege — CBC alleges

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has raised serious concerns about the rights of Black Americans, alleging that they are under attack, with Republicans being accused of leading these assaults.

At a press event called the State of Black America, CBC Chairman and Representative Steven Horsford declared that they refuse to be victims and silenced.

He emphasized that their fundamental rights are under siege, and they won’t passively stand by while these actions take place.

The CBC’s worries have been intensified by recent events in GOP-led state legislatures.

“We refuse to be victims, and we will not be silenced,” declared CBC Chairman and Representative Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) during a State of Black America press event held at the Capitol.

“Our fundamental rights are under siege, and our history is being denied. But we will not passively witness these actions. Too many people count on us to fight for them.”

In Alabama and Louisiana, despite a Supreme Court order, the legislatures refused to create an additional district with a majority of Black residents.

In Florida, the State Board of Education approved new education guidelines that downplay the harsh history of slavery and emphasize perceived benefits from the skills of enslaved people.

Rep. Maxwell Frost from Florida expressed frustration with these guidelines, stating that they aim to erase and indoctrinate this generation with white supremacy, but he also warned that Black America’s determination to organize and resist should not be underestimated.

Statements made by GOP counterparts at the Capitol have deeply disturbed members of the CBC. Rep. Eli Crane from Arizona made an offensive comment during a House floor debate, referring to Black people as “colored people,” while Sen. Tommy Tuberville from Alabama defended a controversial statement denying the racism of white nationalists.

Acknowledging that expectations from Republican leaders are low, Horsford demanded that the party’s leaders take a stand against bigotry. The CBC issued a list of demands, calling on the Department of Justice and the Department of Education to investigate education policies.

They met with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to discuss Black history policies and sent formal letters to Cardona and Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging for a “strong legal strategy.”

Horsford emphasized that Black people did not benefit from slavery; instead, they built the foundation of the nation through their toil, sweat, and tears.

Elevating Black America, he stressed, is an elevation for all, and they will not tolerate the assault on their rights.

The CBC is determined to stand together and put an end to such actions that deny their history and fundamental rights.