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Avoice Remembers Early CBC Efforts for National Recognition

Nixon Denies Fledgling CBC’s Recommendations for Governmental Action – May 18, 1971

On May 18, 1971 President Richard Nixon sent a letter to Rep. Charles C. Diggs, Jr. (D-MI), then chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, in response to the CBC’s 60 recommendations for governmental action on both domestic and foreign issues. The response outlined in Nixon’s letter and accompanying report was considered inadequate by CBC members as it outlined Nixon’s past achievements in civil rights, but failed to address ways to move forward with the significant change demanded by the CBC. Instead of quelling the CBC’s momentum, this exchange strengthened their efforts to work together in Congress and helped shape the goals and role of the Caucus today.

To read more about the CBC during its formative years visit www.avoiceonline.org.

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