The Congressional Black Caucus Swears In Its Largest Class In History

Photo via: Tom Perez 

In a historic first, the Congressional Black Caucus swore in its largest number of members since being established in 1971. 

Its newest class includes 55 lawmakers who took the oath of office on this afternoon. Among them were Ilhan Omar, Jahana Hayes, Ayanna Pressley and Lauren Underwood. All of whom made history when they won their respective congressional races last November. 

Omar is now officially the first Somali-American congresswoman. Hayes is the first Black woman to represent Connecticut in Congress. Pressley is the first Black woman to represent Massachusetts in Congress. Underwood is the first woman and African American to represent Illinois’ 114th Congressional District. She is also the youngest Black woman to be sworn into Congress. 

In addition to being a part of the largest class of the Congressional Black Caucus, the ladies are also among the record number of women sworn in to the U.S. Congress. Of the 126 women, 43 are women of color.

Photo: Boston Globe

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