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Ensuring Rights and Representation for All South Africans Less than five years after the passage of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986, the world witnessed the dismantling of apartheid laws and the release of political prisoners such as Nelson Mandela. It was not until April of 1994 that South Africa’s first all-race elections were held. […]

Forty years later the memory remains strong. April 4, 2008 marks the 40th Anniversary of the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In Memphis, Tennessee to participate in a march of striking Memphis sanitation workers as part of his Poor People’s Campaign, Dr. King was shot as he stood on a […]

Last March Avoice commemorated Women’s History Month with the launch of a new exhibit honoring the women of the Congressional Black Caucus and their involvement in health care legislation. Since then we have lost two celebrated women of the CBC to battles with cancer. Representative Juanita Millender-McDonald of California, the first African American woman to […]

Avoice virtual library presents biographies of 19th century black Congressmen In celebration of Black History Month, Avoice is pleased to honor the men who blazed the trail for blacks in Congress by serving as the United States’ first African American Senators and Representatives during the 19th century. The heroic efforts of these 22 black leaders […]

The Washington Informer Thursday, January 17, 2008 By Carlton R. Van Lowe, WI Contributing Writer At the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, an astute panel discussed the making of the Martin Luther King Holiday Monday evening. The panel emphasized that the holiday is important for the soul and honesty of the United States of […]

Advocate for Poor and Disadvantaged Remembered as Pioneer From Indiana WASHINGTON – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation today celebrates the life and legacy of U.S. Rep. Julia Carson of Indiana, who died at her Indianapolis home on Dec. 15 after a battle with lung cancer. She was 69. As the only African-American and only woman […]

A co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, the legendary former California lawmaker mentored a generation of African-American politicians WASHINGTON – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation celebrates the life and legacy of former U.S. Rep. Augustus Freeman “Gus” Hawkins, the California businessman who spent more than half a century in public service, who died yesterday at […]

Acclaimed Avoice virtual library presents reflections and perspectives from several surviving founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus WASHINGTON – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) announced today that its acclaimed virtual library – Avoice: African American Voices in Congress – has launched video interviews of several of the surviving founding members of the Congressional […]

Co-founder of Congressional Black Caucus and retired legendary California lawmaker Augustus “Gus” Hawkins reaches milestone and remains oldest living former member of Congress By Muriel Cooper, CBCF WASHINGTON – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation extends its sincere best wishes to retired U.S. Rep. Augustus Freeman “Gus” Hawkins, the California businessman who spent more than half […]

Historic footage and radio interviews are now available at Avoice. Watch Barbara Jordan as she speaks out against President Nixon during his impeachment in 1974 and see her give the keynote address at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. Hear the 1973 interview with Shirley Chisholm. View a video tribute to Parren Mitchell, featuring Elijah Cummings […]