Order Code RL30378
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Black Members of the
United States Congress:
1789-2001
Updated July 12, 2001
Mildred L. Amer
Specialist in American National Government
Government and Finance Division
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

Black Members of the United States Congress: 1789-
2001
Summary
Thirty-nine black Members serve in the 107th Congress, all in the House of
Representatives. In 210 years of congressional history, there have been 107 black
Members of Congress: 103 elected to the House and four to the Senate.
The first black Member of Congress was Hiram Rhodes Revels (R-MS) who
served in the Senate in the 41st Congress (1870). The first black Member of the
House was Joseph H. Rainey (R-SC). He also served in the 41st Congress. Shirley
Chisholm (D-NY), elected to the 91st through 97th Congresses (1969-1983), was the
first black woman in Congress. Since that time, 20 other black women have been
elected, including Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL, 1993-1999), who was the first
black woman, as well as first black Democrat, elected to the Senate.
The majority of the black Members have been Democrats. There have been 80
black Democrats and 27 black Republicans.
The black Members of Congress have served on all major committees. Sixteen
have served as committee chairmen, 15 in the House and one in the Senate.

Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Alphabetical Listing of Black Members, Selected Biographical Information,
and Committee Assignments During Their Tenure in Office . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
List of Tables
Table 1. Black Members of Congress—Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Table 2. Black Members of Congress— House of Representatives . . . . . . . . . 36
Table 3. Number and Names of Black Members of Congress By Congress . . . 41
Table 4. Number and Names of Black Members of Congress By State . . . . . . 50
Table 5. Number of Black Members in the U.S. Congress,
41st-107th Congresses (1870-2001) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Black Members of the United States
Congress: 1789-2001
Introduction
In 210 years of congressional history, 107 black Americans have been elected to
the U.S. Congress: 103 to the House and four to the Senate.1 Of these, 21 have been
women. Thirty-nine black Members serve in the 107th Congress, all in the House of
Representatives. There were 39 black Members of the 106th Congress, all in the
House; 40 in the 105th Congress, 39 in the House and one in the Senate; and a record
number of 41 in the 104th Congress: 40 in the House and one in the Senate.2
The largest number of black Members elected as freshmen was 17 in the 103rd
Congress. Sixteen were elected to the House and one, Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL,
1993-1999), was elected to the Senate. Senator Moseley-Braun was also the first
black woman and black Democrat to serve in the Senate.
The first black Member of Congress was Hiram Rhodes Revels (R-MS) who
served in the Senate in the 41st Congress (1870). He also has the distinction of being
the first black Member of the Senate and the first black Member of Congress from
Mississippi. Joseph H. Rainey (R-SC) was the first black Member of the House of
Representatives. He also served in the 41st Congress. Shirley Chisholm (D-NY),
elected to the 91st through the 97th Congresses (1969-83), was the first black woman
to serve in Congress. Edward Brooke (R-MA) was the first black person elected to
the Senate after the passage of the Twelfth Amendment which provided for the direct
election of Senators. He served in the 90th through the 95th Congresses (1967-1979).
The majority of the black Members of Congress have been Democrats. There
have been 80 black Democrats and 27 black Republicans. All of the black Democrats
have been elected in the 20th Century. There have been five black Republicans elected
to Congress in this century, four in the House and one in the Senate.
1Includes three Delegates from the U.S. Virgin Islands and two from the District of Columbia.
2A record number of 43 black Members was elected to the House of Representatives in the
104th Congress. Only 40, however, actually served at any one time. Representative Mel
Reynolds (D-IL) resigned in October 1995, and was replaced by Representative Jesse Jackson,
Jr. (D-IL); Representative Walter Tucker (D-CA) resigned in December 1995 and was
replaced by Representative Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA); and Representative Kweisi
Mfume (D-MD) resigned in February 1996 and was replaced by Representative Elijah
Cummings (D-MD).

CRS-2
John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) holds the record for longevity of service by a black
Member (36 years). He was first elected to the 89th Congress and has served since
January 3, 1965.
A record number of 15 black women serve in the House in the 107th Congress.
A total of 22 black women have served in Congress. The first was Representative
Shirley Chisholm (D-NY, 1969-1983). Senator Carol Moseley-Braun (D-IL, 1993-
1999) is only black woman to have served in the Senate. The black female Members
of the 107th Congress include Representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA), Eleanor
Holmes Norton (D-DC), Carrie Meek (D-FL), Corinne Brown (D-FL), Cynthia
McKinney (D-FL), Eva Clayton (D-NC), Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Sheila
Jackson Lee (D-TX), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA),
Julia Carson (D-IN), Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI), Donna Christian-
Christiensen (D-VI), Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH), and Diane Watson (D-CA).
Other black women Members were Cardiss Collins (D-IL, 1973-1997), Barbara-Rose
Collins (D-MI, 1991-1997), Yvonne Brathwaite Burke (D-CA, 1973-1979), Katie
Hall (D-IN, 1982-1985), and Barbara Jordan (D-TX, 1973-1979).
Two incumbent black Members are the sons of former Members: Representative
Harold Ford, Jr. (D-TN, 1997- ), the son of former Representative Harold Ford Sr.
(D-TN, 1975-1997), and Representative Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO, 2001- ), the son of
Representative William L. Clay, Sr. (D-MO, 1969-2001). One former black Member,
Representative Cardiss Collins (D-IL, 1973-1997) was elected to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of her husband, Representative George Collins (D-IL, 1970-
1972). Representative George White (R-NC, 1897-1901) was the brother-in-law of
Representative Henry Cheatham (R-NC, 1889-1893).
In addition to Cardiss Collins, 17 other black Members were first elected to fill
vacancies in the House. These include Representatives George Collins (D-IL), Eva
Clayton (NC), Katie Hall (D-IN), Robert Nix, Sr. (D-PA); Charles Hayes (D-IL),
Bennett Stewart (D-IL), George W. Crockett, Jr. (D-MI), Lucien Blackwell (D-PA),
Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), Elijah Cummings (D-MD),
Barbara Lee (D-CA), Craig Washington (D-TX), Bennie Thompson (D-MS), Alton
Waldon, Jr. (D-NY), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-CA),
and Diane Watson (D-CA). All but Representatives Stewart, Walden, and Watson
have been subsequently elected to additional terms.3
The black Members of the Congress have served on all major committees.
Fifteen, all Representatives, have chaired congressional committees. These include
Representatives Yvonne B. Burke (D-CA, 1973-1979), William L. Clay (D-MO,
1969-2001 ), John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI, 1965- ), William L. Dawson (D-IL, 1943-
1970), Ronald V. Dellums (D-CA, 1971-1998), Charles C. Diggs, Jr. (D-MI, 1955-
1980), Julian Dixon (D-CA, 1979- ), William H. Gray, III (D-PA, 1979-1991),
Augustus F. Hawkins (D-CA, 1963-1991), George T. (Mickey) Leland (D-TX, 1979-
1989), Parren J. Mitchell (D-MD, 1971-1987), Robert N.C. Nix, Sr. (D-PA, 1958-
1979), Adam Clayton Powell (D-NY, 1945-1967, 1969-1971), Charles B. Rangel (D-
NY, 1971- ), and Louis Stokes (D-OH, 1969-1999).
3Rep. Watson was sworn in on June 7, 2001, and has not yet stood for reelection.

CRS-3
This report provides information on black Members of Congress including the
dates they were first elected, the Congresses in which they served, the committees on
which they served, and, where relevant, an indication of the committees they have
chaired. In addition, four tables summarize information about black Members. Tables
1 and 2 list selected data about each black Member. Table 3 presents the number and
names of black Members by Congress. Table 4 presents the same information by
state. Table 5 shows the changing number of black Members serving in Congress
since 1870, when the first black Member was elected.
Most of the data presented are from the Biographical Directory of the American
Congress, 1774-1996 [http://bioguide.congress.gov]; various editions of the
Congressional Directory; a broad range of Congressional Quarterly publications; and
the Congressional Yellowbook, Winter 2001, published by Leadership Directories,
Inc. Information on the committee assignments of the black Members in the 107th
Congress was obtained from various editions of the Congressional Record; calls to
some Members’ offices; and List of Standing Committees and Select Committees and
Their Subcommittees of the House of Representatives Together with the Joint
Committees of the Congress with an Alphabetical List of Members and Their
Committee Assignments, One Hundred Seventh Congress,
prepared under the
direction of Jeff Trandahl, Clerk of the House of Representatives, April 30, 2001
[http://clerkweb.house.gov/107/oal/.php3mbrcmtee/mbrcmtee/htm]. House committee
assignments for the 107th Congress reflect the name change of two Committees. The
Banking and Financial Services Committee was renamed the Financial Services
Committee, and the Commerce Committee was renamed the Energy and Commerce
Committee. House committee assignments for the 106th Congress reflect the name
change of the Committee on House Oversight back to the Committee on House
Administration, the Committee on National Security back to the Committee on Armed
Services, and the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight to the Committee
on Government Reform.

CRS-4
Alphabetical Listing of Black Members, Selected
Biographical Information, and Committee
Assignments During Their Tenure in Office
BISHOP, SANFORD D., a Representative from Georgia. Born on Feb. 4, 1947.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Agriculture
103rd-107th
H. Post Office and Civil Service
103rd
H. Veterans’ Affairs
103rd-104th
H. Select Intelligence
105th-107th
BLACKWELL, LUCIEN E., a Representative from Pennsylvania. Born on Aug. 1,
1931. Elected as a Democrat to the 102nd Congress to fill the vacancy caused
by the resignation of Rep. William Gray; reelected to the 103rd Congress; served
from Nov. 11, 1991, to Jan. 3, 1995.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Merchant Marine and Fisheries
102nd
H. Public Works and Transportation
102nd-103rd
H. Budget
103rd
BROOKE, EDWARD W., a Senator from Massachusetts. Born on Oct. 26, 1919.
Elected as a Republican in 1966 and served in the 90th through 95th Congresses;
served from Jan. 3, 1967, to Jan. 3, 1979. First black Member of Congress from
Massachusetts.
Committee Assignments
Congress
S. Aeronautical and Space Sciences
90th
S. Banking and Currency
90th-91st
S. Government Operations
90th
S. Armed Services
91st
S. Select Equal Education Opportunity
91st-92nd
S. Appropriations
92nd-95th
S. Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
92nd-95th
S. Special Aging
92nd-95th
S. Select Standards and Conduct
93rd-94th
Jt. Bicentennial Arrangements
94th
Jt. Defense Production
94th-95th

CRS-5
BROWN, CORRINE, a Representative from Florida. Born on Nov. 11, 1946.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Government Operations
103rd
H. Public Works and Transportation
103rd
H. Veterans’ Affairs
103rd-107th
H. Transportation and Infrastructure
104th-107th
BRUCE, BLANCHE K., a Senator from Mississippi. Born on March 1, 1841, died
on March 17, 1898. Elected as a Republican in 1874 and served in the 44th
through 46th Congresses; served from March 4, 1875, to March 3, 1881.
Committee Assignments
Congress
S. Manufactures
44th
S. Pensions
44th-45th
S. Education and Labor
44th-46th
S. Select Mississippi River
45th-46th
BURKE, YVONNE B., a Representative from California. Born on Oct. 5, 1932.
Elected as a Democrat to the 93rd through 95th Congresses; served from Jan. 3,
1973, to Jan. 3, 1979. First woman chair of the Congressional Black Caucus,
94th Congress (1976).
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Interior and Insular Affairs
93rd
H. Public Works
93rd
H. Appropriations
94th-95th
H. Select Assassinations
94th-95th
H. Select Beauty Shop
94th-95th
(Committee Chair, 94th-95th)
CAIN, RICHARD H., a Representative from South Carolina. Born on April 12,
1825, died on Jan. 18, 1887. Elected as a Republican to the 43rd and 45th
Congresses; served from March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1875, and from March 4,
1877, to March 3, 1879.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Agriculture
43rd
H. Private Land Claims
45th

CRS-6
CARSON, JULIA, a Representative from Indiana. Born on July 8, 1938. Elected as
a Democrat to the 105th through 106th Congresses, reelected to the 107th
Congress; has served since January 9, 1997.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking and Financial Services
105th-107th
H. Veterans’ Affairs
105th-107th
CHEATHAM, HENRY P., a Representative from North Carolina. Born on Dec. 27,
1857, died on Nov. 29, 1935. Elected as a Republican to the 51st and 52nd
Congresses; served from March 4, 1889, to March 3, 1893.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Expenditures on Public Buildings
51st-52nd
H. Education
51st-52nd
H. Agriculture
52nd
CHISHOLM, SHIRLEY A., a Representative from New York. Born on Nov. 30,
1924. Elected as a Democrat to the 91st through 97th Congresses; served from
Jan. 3, 1969, to Jan. 3, 1983. First black woman elected to Congress and first
black female presidential candidate (1972). Secretary of the Democratic Caucus
in the 96th Congress (1977-1979).
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Veterans' Affairs
91st-92nd
H. Education and Labor
92nd-94th
H. Rules
95th-97th
CHRISTIAN-CHRISTENSEN, DONNA M., a Delegate from the Virgin Islands.
Born on September 19, 1945. Elected as a Democrat to the 105th Congress
through 106th Congresses, reelected to the 107th Congress; has served since Jan.
7, 1997. First woman elected from the Virgin Islands and first woman doctor
in Congress.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Resources
105th-107th
H. Small Business
106th -107th
CHRISTIAN-GREEN, DONNA. See CHRISTIAN-CHRISTENSEN, DONNA.
CLAY, WILLIAM L., a Representative from Missouri. Born on April 30, 1931.
Elected as a Democrat to the 91st through 106th Congresses, served from Jan. 3,
1969, to Jan. 3, 2001. First black Member of Congress from Missouri.

CRS-7
CLAY, WILLIAM L.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
91st-103rd
H. Education and the Workforce
105th-106th
H. Economic and Educational Opportunities
104th
H. Post Office and Civil Service
93rd-103rd
(Committee Chair, 102nd-103rd)
H. Select to Study the Committee System
96th
H. House Administration
99th-103rd
H. Jt. Library
101st
CLAY, WM. Lacy, Jr., a Representative from Missouri. Born on July 27, 1956;
succeeded his father, William Clay. Elected as a Democrat to the 107th
Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 2001.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Financial Services
107th
H. Government Reform
107th
CLAYTON, EVA M., a Representative from North Carolina. Born on Sept. 16,
1934. Elected as a Democrat to the 102nd Congress to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of Walter Jones, reelected to the 103rd through 107th Congresses;
has served since Nov. 5, 1992. Co-chair of the House Democratic Policy
Committee in the 104th Congress.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Agriculture
103rd-107th
H. Small Business
103rd
H. Budget
105th-107th
CLYBURN, JAMES E., a Representative from South Carolina. Born on July 21,
1940. Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected
to the 107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Public Works and Transportation
103rd
H. Veterans’ Affairs
103rd-105th
H. Transportation and Infrastructure
104th-105th
H. Small Business
104th
H. Appropriations
106th-107th

CRS-8
COLLINS, BARBARA-ROSE, a Representative from Michigan. Born on April 13,
1939. Elected as a Democrat to the 102nd through 104th Congresses; served
from Jan. 3, 1991, to Jan. 3, 1997.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Public Works and Transportation
102nd-103rd
H. Transportation and Infrastructure
104th
H. Government Operations
103rd
H. Government Reform and Oversight
104th
H. Post Office and Civil Service
102nd-103rd
H. Science, Space, and Technology
102nd
H. Select Children, Youth, and Families
102nd
COLLINS, CARDISS, a Representative from Illinois. Born on September 24, 1931.
Elected as a Democrat to the 93rd through 104th Congresses, served from June
7, 1973, to Jan. 3, 1997. She was first elected to succeed her husband, Rep.
George Collins. Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus during the 96th
Congress, 1979-1980.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Government Operations
93rd-103rd
H. Government Reform and Oversight
104th
H. Public Works
93rd
H. International Relations
94th-95th
H. Foreign Affairs
96th
H. District of Columbia
95th
H. Energy and Commerce
97th-103rd
H. Commerce
104th
H. Select Population
95th
H. Select Narcotics Abuse and Control
96th-102nd
COLLINS, GEORGE W., a Representative from Illinois. Born on March 5, 1926,
died on Dec. 8, 1972. Elected as a Democrat to the 91st Congress to fill the
vacancy by the death of Rep. Daniel Ronan, reelected to the 92nd and 93rd
Congresses; served from Nov. 16, 1970, to Dec. 8, 1972. He was succeeded by
his wife, Cardiss Collins.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Government Operations
91st-92nd
H. Public Works
92nd

CRS-9
CONYERS, JOHN Jr., a Representative from Michigan. Born on May 16, 1929.
Elected as a Democrat to the 89th through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1965.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Judiciary
89th-107th
H. Government Operations
92nd-103rd,
(Committee Chair, 101st-103rd)
H. Small Business
100th-103rd
CROCKETT, GEORGE W., a Representative from Michigan. Born on Aug. 10,
1909. Elected as a Democrat to the 96th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by
the resignation of Rep. Charles Diggs, reelected to the 97th through 101st
Congresses; served from Nov. 12, 1980, to Jan 3, 1991.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Foreign Affairs
96th-101st
H. Judiciary
97th-101st
H. Small Business
97th
H. Select Aging
97th-101st
CUMMINGS, ELIJAH E., a Representative from Maryland. Born on Jan. 18, 1951.
Elected as a Democrat to the 104th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of Rep. Kweisi Mfume; reelected to the 105th through 107th
Congresses; has served since April 25, 1996.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Government Reform and Oversight
104th-105th
H. Transportation and Infrastructure
104th-107th
H. Government Reform
106th-107th
DAVIS, DANNY K., a Representative from Illinois. Born on Sept. 6, 1941. Elected
as a Democrat to the 105th-106th Congresses, reelected to the 107th Congress;
has served since Jan. 7, 1997.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Government Reform and Oversight
105th
H. Small Business
105th- 107th
H. Government Reform
106th-107th

CRS-10
DAWSON, WILLIAM L., a Representative from Illinois. Born on April 26, 1886,
died on Nov. 9, 1970. Elected as a Democrat to the 78th through 91st
Congresses; served from Jan. 3, 1943, to Nov. 9, 1970.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Expenditures in the Executive
78th-82nd
Departments
(Committee Chair, 81st, 82nd )
H. Government Operations
83rd-91st
(Committee Chair, 84th-91st)
H. Coinage, Weights, and Measures
78th-79th
H. Invalid Pensions
78th-79th
H. Insular Affairs
78th-79th
H. Irrigation and Reclamation
78th-79th
H. Interior and Insular Affairs
82nd
H. District of Columbia
84th-91st
DeLARGE, ROBERT C., a Representative from South Carolina. Born on March 15,
1842, died on Feb. 14, 1874. Elected as a Republican to the 42nd Congress;
served from March 4, 1871, until Jan. 24, 1873, when his seat was declared
vacant after his election was successfully contested.
Committee Assignment
Congress
H. Manufactures
42nd
DELLUMS, RONALD V., a Representative from California. Born on Nov. 25,
1935. Elected as a Democrat to the 92nd through 105th Congresses, served from
Jan. 3, 1971, until Feb. 6, 1998, when he resigned from the House. Served as
chair of the Congressional Black Caucus during the 101st Congress, 1989-1990.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. District of Columbia
92nd-103rd
(Committee Chair, 96th-102nd)
H. Foreign Affairs
92nd
H. Armed Services
93rd-103rd
(Committee Chair, 103rd)
H. National Security
104th-105th
H. Post Office and Civil Service
97th-98th
H. Select Intelligence
94th-102nd

CRS-11
DePRIEST, OSCAR S., a Representative from Illinois. Born on March 9, 1871, died
on May 12, 1951. Elected as a Republican to the 71st through 73rd Congresses;
served from March 4, 1929, to March 3, 1935. First black Member of Congress
from Illinois.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Enrolled Bills
71st-73rd
H. Invalid Pensions
71st-73rd
H. Indian Affairs
71st-73rd
H. Post Office and Post Roads
73rd
DIGGS, CHARLES C., Jr., a Representative from Michigan. Born on Dec. 2, 1922,
died on Aug. 24 1998. Elected as a Democrat to the 84th through 96th
Congresses; served from Jan. 3, 1955, until his resignation on June 3, 1980.
First black Member of Congress from Michigan and first chair of the
Congressional Black Caucus, 92nd Congress, 1971-1972.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Interior and Insular Affairs
84th-85th
H. Veterans’ Affairs
84th-85th
H. Foreign Affairs
86th-93rd
H. International Relations
94th-96th
H. District of Columbia,
88th-96th
(Committee Chair, 93rd-95th)
DIXON, JULIAN C., a Representative from California. Born on Aug. 8, 1934; died
on Dec. 8, 2000. Elected as a Democrat to the 96th through 106th Congresses,
reelected to the 107th Congress, but died before the commencement of the 107th
Congress; served since Jan. 3, 1979, until his death. Served as chair of the
Congressional Black Caucus during the 98th Congress, 1983-1984.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Appropriations
96th-106th
H. Standards of Official Conduct
98th-101st
(Committee Chair, 99th-101st)
H. Select Intelligence
103rd-106th
DYMALLY, MERVYN M., a Representative from California. Born on May 12,
1926. Elected as a Democrat to the 97th through 102nd Congresses, served from
Jan. 3, 1981, to Jan. 3, 1993. Served as chair of the Congressional Black
Caucus during the 100th Congress, 1987-1988.

CRS-12
DYMALLY, MERVYN M.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. District of Columbia
97th-102nd
H. Foreign Affairs
97th-102nd
H. Science and Technology
97th-98th
H. Post Office and Civil Service
98th-102nd
H. Education and Labor
99th
ELLIOTT, ROBERT B., a Representative from South Carolina. Born on Aug. 11,
1842, died on Aug. 9, 1884. Elected as a Republican to the 42nd and 43rd
Congresses; served from March 4, 1871, until his resignation Nov. 1, 1874.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
42nd-43rd
H. Militia
43rd
ESPY, ALBERT MICHAEL (MIKE), a Representative from Mississippi. Born on
Nov. 28, 1953. Elected as a Democrat to the 100th through 103rd Congresses.
Served from Jan. 6, 1987, to Jan. 25, 1993, when he resigned to become
Secretary of Agriculture.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Agriculture
100th-102nd
H. Budget
101st-102nd
H. Select Hunger
101st-102nd
Jt. Deficit Reduction
100th
EVANS, MELVYN H., a Delegate from the Virgin Islands. Born on Aug. 7, 1917,
died on Nov. 27, 1984. Elected as a Republican to the 96th Congress; served
from Jan. 3, 1979, to Jan. 3, 1981. First black Member of Congress from the
Virgin Islands and first black physician to serve in Congress.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Armed Services
96th
H. Interior and Insular Affairs
96th
H. Merchant Marine and Fisheries
96th
FATTAH, CHAKA, a Representative from Pennsylvania. Born on Nov. 21, 1956.
Elected as a Democrat to the 104th through 106th Congresses; reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1995.

CRS-13
FATTAH, CHAKA —Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Government Reform and Oversight
104th-105th
H. Economic and Educational Opportunities
104th
H. Education and the Workforce
105th-106th
H. Small Business
104th
H. Standards of Official Conduct
105th-106th
H. Administration
106th-107th
H. Government Reform
106th
Jt. Printing
106th -107th
H. Appropriations
107th
FAUNTROY, WALTER E., a Delegate from the District of Columbia. Born on Feb.
6, 1933. Elected as a Democrat to the 92nd Congress in a special election after
the District of Columbia was authorized to elect a delegate to Congress,
reelected to the 93rd through 101st Congresses; served from April 19, 1971, to
Jan. 3, 1991. First black Member of Congress from the District of Columbia.
Served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus during the 97th Congress,
1981-1982.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. District of Columbia
92nd-101st
H. Banking and Currency
93rd
H. Banking, Currency, and Housing
94th
H. Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs
95th-101st
H. Select Assassinations
94th-95th
H. Select Narcotics Abuse and Control
98th-101st
FIELDS, CLEO, a Representative from Louisiana. Born on Nov. 22, 1962. Elected
as a Democrat to the 103rd and 104th Congresses; served from Jan. 5, 1993, to
Jan. 3, 1997. At 30, he was the youngest Member of the 103rd Congress.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs
103rd
H. Banking and Financial Services
104th
H. Small Business
103rd-104th
FLAKE, FLOYD H., a Representative from New York. Born on Jan. 30, 1945.
Elected as a Democrat to the 100th through 105th Congresses; served from Jan.
6, 1987, to Nov. 15, 1997, when he resigned from the House.

CRS-14
FLAKE, FLOYD H.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs
100th-103rd
H. Banking and Financial Services
104th-105th
H. Small Business
100th-105th
H. Government Operations
103rd
H. Select Children, Youth, and Families
100th
H. Select Hunger
100th-102nd
FORD, HAROLD E., Sr., a Representative from Tennessee. Born on May 20, 1945.
Elected as a Democrat to the 94th through 104th Congresses; served from Jan. 3,
1975, to Jan. 3, 1997. First black Member of Congress from Tennessee.
Succeeded by his son, Harold Ford, Jr.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Veterans' Affairs
94th, 1st
H. Banking, Currency, and Housing
94th, 1st
H. Ways and Means
94th-104th
H. Select Aging
94th-102nd
H. Select Assassinations
94th-95th
FORD, HAROLD E., Jr., a Representative from Tennessee. Born on May 11, 1970.
Elected as a Democrat to the 105th -106th Congresses; reelected to the 107th
Congress, has served since Jan. 7, 1997. At 27, he was the youngest Member
of the 105th Congress. Succeeded his father, Harold E. Ford, Sr.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and the Workforce
105th-107th
H. Government Reform and Oversight
105th
H. Government Reform
106th
H. Financial Services
107th
FRANKS, GARY A., a Representative from Connecticut. Born on Feb. 9, 1953.
Elected as a Republican to the 102nd Congress through 104th Congresses; served
from Jan. 3, 1991, to Jan. 3, 1997. First black Member of Congress from
Connecticut.

CRS-15
FRANKS, GARY A.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Armed Services
102nd
H. Small Business
102nd
H. Energy and Commerce
103rd
H. Commerce
104th
H. Select Committee on Aging
102nd
FRAZER, VICTOR O., a Delegate from the U.S.Virgin Islands. Born on May 24,
1943. Elected as a Democrat to the 104th Congress; served from Jan. 3, 1995,
to Jan. 3, 1997.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. International Relations
104th
GRAY, WILLIAM H., III, a Representative from Pennsylvania. Born on Aug. 20,
1941. Elected as a Democrat to the 96th through 102nd Congresses; served from
Jan. 3, 1979, to Sept. 11, 1991, when he resigned to become president of the
United Negro College Fund. Served as chairman of the House Democratic
Caucus and later as Majority Whip in the 101st Congress.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Budget
96th, 98th-100th
(Committee Chair, 99th-100th)
H. District of Columbia
96th-102nd
H. Foreign Affairs
96th
H. Appropriations
97th-102nd
H. House Administration
102nd
Jt. Deficit Reduction
100th
HALL, KATIE B., a Representative from Indiana. Born on April 3, 1938. Elected
as a Democrat to the 97th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of
Rep. Adam Benjamin, reelected to the 98th Congress; served from Nov. 29,
1982, to Jan. 3, 1985. First black Member of Congress from Indiana.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Post Office and Civil Service
98th
H. Public Works and Transportation
98th

CRS-16
HARALSON, JEREMIAH, a Representative from Alabama. Born on April 1, 1846,
died in 1916. Elected as a Republican to the 44th Congress; served from March
4, 1875, to March 3, 1877.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Public Expenditures
44th
HASTINGS, ALCEE L., a Representative from Florida. Born on Sept. 5, 1936.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Foreign Affairs
103rd
H. International Relations
104th-107th
H. Merchant Marine and Fisheries
103rd
H. Post Office and Civil Service
103rd
H. Science
104th-105th
H. Select Intelligence
106th-107th
H. Rules
107th
HAWKINS, AUGUSTUS F., a Representative from California. Born on Aug. 31,
1907. Elected as a Democrat to the 88th through 101st Congresses; served from
Jan. 3, 1963, to Jan. 3, 1991. First black Member of Congress from California.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
88th-101st
(Committee Chairman, 98th, 2nd
sess. - 101st)
H. House Administration
91st-98th
(Committee Chairman, 97th -
98th, 2nd sess.)
Jt. Committee on Printing
95th-98th
(Committee Chairman, 96th,
98th)
Jt. Committee on the Library
97th-98th
(Committee Chairman, 97th)
Jt. Economic
97th-101st

CRS-17
HAYES, CHARLES A., a Representative from Illinois. Born on Feb. 17, 1918, died
on April 8, 1997. Elected as a Democrat to the 98th Congress to fill the vacancy
caused by the resignation of Rep. Harold Washington, reelected to the 99th
through 102nd Congresses; served from Sept. 12, 1983, to Jan. 3, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
98th-102nd
H. Small Business
98th-101st
H. Post Office and Civil Service
101st-102nd
HILLIARD, EARL F., a Representative from Alabama. Born on April 9, 1942.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Agriculture
103rd-107th
H. Small Business
103rd-104th
H. International Relations
105th-107th
HYMAN, JOHN ADAMS, a Representative from North Carolina. Born on July 23,
1840, died on Sept. 14, 1891. Elected as a Republican to the 44th Congress;
served from March 4, 1875, to March 3, 1877. First black Member of Congress
from North Carolina.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Manufactures
44th
JACKSON, JESSE L., JR., a Representative from Illinois. Born on March 11, 1965.
Elected as a Democrat to the 104th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of Rep. Mel Reynolds, reelected to the 105th through 107th
Congresses; has served since December 14, 1995.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking and Financial Services
104th-105th
H. Small Business
105th
H. Appropriations
106th-107th

CRS-18
JACKSON LEE, SHEILA, a Representative from Texas. Born on Jan. 12, 1950.
Elected as a Democrat to the 104th through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1995.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Judiciary
104th-107th
H. Science
104th-107th
JEFFERSON, WILLIAM J., a Representative from Louisiana. Born on March 14,
1947. Elected as a Democrat to the 102nd through 106th Congresses, reelected
to the 107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1991.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
102nd
H. Merchant Marine and Fisheries
102nd
H. District of Columbia
103rd
H. Ways and Means
103rd, 105th-107th
H. National Security
104th
H. House Oversight
104th
Jt. Printing
104th
JOHNSON, EDDIE BERNICE, a Representative from Texas. Born on Dec. 3, 1935.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993. Chair of the Congressional Black
Caucus in the 107th Congress.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Public Works and Transportation
103rd
H. Transportation and Infrastructure
104th-107th
H. Science, Space and Technology
103rd
H. Science
104th-107th
JONES, STEPHANIE TUBBS, a Representative from Ohio. Born on Sept. 10,
1949. Elected as a Democrat to the 106th Congress, reelected to the 107th
Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1999..
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking and Financial Services
106th
H. Financial Services
107th
H. Small Business
106th
H. Committee on Standards of Official
107th
Conduct

CRS-19
JORDAN, BARBARA C., a Representative from Texas. Born on Feb. 21, 1936,
died on Jan. 17, 1996. Elected as a Democrat to the 93rd through 95th
Congresses; served from Jan. 3, 1973, to Jan. 3, 1979. First black Member of
Congress from Texas.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Judiciary
93rd-95th
H. Government Operations
94th-95th
KILPATRICK, CAROLYN CHEEKS, a Representative from Michigan. Born on
June 25, 1945. Elected as a Democrat to the 105th through 106th Congresses,
reelected to the 107th Congress; has served since Jan. 7, 1997.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking and Financial Services
105th
H. House Oversight
105th
Jt. Committee on the Library
105th
H. Appropriations
106th-107th
LANGSTON, JOHN M., a Representative from Virginia. Born on Dec. 14, 1829,
died on Nov. 15, 1897. Elected as a Republican to the 51st Congress; served
from Sept. 23, 1890, to March 3, 1891, after he successfully contested the
election of Edward Venable. First black Member of Congress from Virginia.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education
51st
LEE, BARBARA, a Representative from California. Born on July 16, 1946. Elected
as a Democrat to the 105th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation
of Ronald Dellums, reelected to the 106th -107th Congresses; has served since
April 20, 1998.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking and Financial Services
105th-106th
H. Financial Services
107th
H. Science
105th
H. International Relations
106th-107th

CRS-20
LELAND, GEORGE T. (MICKEY), a Representative from Texas. Born on Nov.
27, 1944, died on Aug. 7, 1989. Elected as a Democrat to the 96th through 101st
Congresses; served from Jan. 3, 1979, to Aug. 7, 1989. Served as chair of the
Congressional Black Caucus during the 99th Congress, 1985-1986.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. District of Columbia
96th-99th
H. Interstate and Foreign Commerce
96th-101st
H. Post Office and Civil Service
96th-101st
H. Select Hunger
98th-101st
(Committee Chairman, 98th-
101st)
H. Select Children, Youth, and Families
98th
LEWIS, JOHN L., a Representative from Georgia. Born on Feb. 19, 1940. Elected
as a Democrat to the 100th through 106th Congresses; reelected to the 107th
Congress; has served since Jan. 6, 1987. A Democratic chief deputy whip in the
102nd-107th Congresses.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Public Works and Transportation
100th-102nd
H. Interior and Insular Affairs
100th-102nd
H. Select Aging
101st-102nd
H. District of Columbia
103rd
H. Ways and Means
103rd-107th
LONG, JEFFERSON F., a Representative from Georgia. Born on March 3, 1836,
died on Feb. 5, 1900. Elected as a Republican to the 41st Congress after the
House declared that Samuel Gove was not entitled to his seat; served from Jan.
16, 1871, to March 3, 1871. First black Member of Congress from Georgia.
Committee Assignments
Congress
None

LYNCH, JOHN R., a Representative from Mississippi. Born on Sept. 10, 1846, died
on Nov. 2, 1939. Elected as a Republican to the 43rd, 44th, and 47th Congresses;
served from March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1877, and from April 29, 1882, to
March 3, 1883, after he successfully contested the election of Rep. James
Chalmers. At 26, he was the youngest Member of the 43rd Congress. First black
Member of the House of Representatives from Mississippi

CRS-21
LYNCH, JOHN R.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Mines and Mining
43rd-44th
H. Militia
47th
H. Education and Labor
47th
McKINNEY, CYNTHIA A., a Representative from Georgia. Born on March 17,
1955. Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected
to the 107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Agriculture
103rd
H. Foreign Affairs
103rd
H. International Relations
104th-107th
H. Banking and Financial Services
104th-105th
H. National Security
105th
H. Armed Services
106th-107th
MEEK, CARRIE P., a Representative from Florida. Born on April 29, 1926.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Appropriations
103rd, 105th-107th
H. Budget
104th
H. Government Reform and Oversight
104th
MEEKS, GREGORY, a Representative from New York. Born on Sept. 25, 1953.
Elected as a Democrat to the 105th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the
resignation of Floyd Flake, reelected to the 106th-107th Congresses; has served
since Feb. 5, 1998.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking and Financial Services
105th-106th
H. Financial Services
107th
H. International Relations
106th-107th
METCALFE, RALPH H., a Representative from Illinois. Born on May 30, 1910,
died on Oct. 10, 1978. Elected as a Democrat to the 92nd through 95th
Congresses; served from Jan. 3, 1971, to Oct. 10, 1978.

CRS-22
METCALFE, RALPH H.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Interstate and Foreign Commerce
92nd-95th
H. Merchant Marine and Fisheries
92nd-95th
H. Post Office and Civil Service
95th
MFUME, KWEISI, a Representative from Maryland. Born on Oct. 24, 1948.
Elected as a Democrat to the 100th through 104th Congresses; served from Jan.
6, 1987, to Feb. 16, 1996, when he resigned to become Executive Director of
the NAACP. Served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus in the 103rd
Congress, 1993-1994. Served as a co-chair of the Democratic Policy Committee
in the 104th Congress.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs
100th-103rd
H. Banking and Financial Services
104th
H. Small Business
100th-104th
H. Education and Labor
101st
H. Select Narcotics Abuse and Control
101st-102nd
Jt. Economic
102nd-104th
H. Standards of Official Conduct
103rd
H. Select Hunger
100th
MILLENDER-McDONALD, JUANITA, a Representatives from California. Born
on Sept. 7, 1938. Elected as a Democrat to the 104th Congress to fill the vacancy
caused by the resignation of Rep. Walter Tucker; reelected to the 105th through 107th
Congresses; has served since April 16, 1996.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Small Business
104th-107th
H. Transportation and Infrastructure
104th-107th
MILLER, THOMAS E., a Representative from South Carolina. Born on June 17,
1849, died on April 8, 1936. Elected as a Republican to the 51st Congress;
served from Sept. 24, 1890 to March 3, 1891, when he successfully contested
the election of William Elliott.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Library of Congress
51st

CRS-23
MITCHELL, ARTHUR W., a Representative from Illinois. Born on Dec. 22, 1883,
died on May 9, 1968. Elected as a Democrat to the 74th through 77th
Congresses; served from Jan 3, 1935, to Jan. 3, 1943. First black Democrat
elected to Congress.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Post Office and Post Roads
74th-77th
MITCHELL, PARREN J., a Representative from Maryland. Born on April 29, 1922.
Elected as a Democrat to the 92nd through 99th Congresses; served from Jan. 3,
1971, to Jan. 3, 1987. First black Member of Congress from Maryland. Served
as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus during the 95th Congress, 1977-
1978.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking and Currency
92nd-93rd
H. Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs
94th-99th
H. Select Small Business
92nd-93rd
H. Budget
93rd-95th
H. Small Business
94th, 96th-99th
(Committee Chair, 97th-99th)
Jt. Defense Production
94th-95th
Jt. Economic
95th-99th
MOSELEY-BRAUN, CAROL, a Senator from Illinois. Born on Aug. 16, 1947.
Elected as a Democrat in 1992 and served in the 103rd through 105th Congresses
from Jan. 5, 1993, to Jan. 3, 1999. She was the first black woman and black
Democrat to serve in the Senate.
Committee Assignments
Congress
S. Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
103rd-105th
S. Judiciary
103rd
S. Small Business
103rd
S. Finance
104th-105th
S. Special Aging
104th-105th
MURRAY, GEORGE W., a Representative from South Carolina. Born on Sept. 22,
1853, died on April 21, 1926. Elected as a Republican to the 53rd and 54th
Congresses; served from March 4, 1893, to March 3, 1895, and from June 4,
1896, to March 3, 1897 (successfully contested an election).

CRS-24
MURRAY, GEORGE W.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education
53rd-54th
H. Expenditures in the Treasury
54th
Department
NASH, CHARLES E., a Representative from Louisiana. Born on May 23, 1844,
died on June 21, 1913. Elected as a Republican to the 44th Congress; served
from March 4, 1875, to March 3, 1877. First black Member of Congress from
Louisiana.
Committee Assignment
Congress
H. Education and Labor
44th
NIX, ROBERT N.C., Sr., a Representative from Pennsylvania. Born on Aug. 9,
1905, died on June 22, 1987. Elected as a Democrat to the 85th Congress to fill
the vacancy caused by the resignation of Rep. Earl Chudoff, reelected to the 86th
through 95th Congresses; served from June 4, 1958, to Jan. 3, 1979. First black
Member of Congress from Pennsylvania.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Merchant Marine and Fisheries
85th-86th
H. Foreign Affairs
87th-93rd
H. International Relations
94th-95th
H. Veterans’ Affairs
85th-86th
H. Post Office and Civil Service
88th-95th
(Committee Chair, 95th)
H. Select Standards and Conduct
89th
H. Crime
91st
NORTON, ELEANOR HOLMES, a Delegate from the District of Columbia. Born
on June 13, 1937. Elected as a Democrat to the 102nd through 106th Congresses,
reelected to the 107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1991.

CRS-25
NORTON, ELEANOR HOLMES—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. District of Columbia
102nd-103rd
H. Post Office and Civil Service
102nd-103rd
H. Public Works and Transportation
102nd-103rd
H. Transportation and Infrastructure
104th-107th
H. Government Reform and Oversight
104th-105th
H. Small Business
104th
Jt. Committee on the Organization of
102nd-103rd
Congress
H. Government Reform
106th-107th
O’HARA, JAMES E., a Representative from North Carolina. Born on Feb. 26, 1844,
died on Sept. 15, 1905. Elected as a Republican to the 48th and 49th Congresses;
served from March 4, 1883, to March 3, 1887.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Mines and Mining
48th
H. Expenditures on Public Buildings
49th
H. Invalid Pensions
49th
OWENS, MAJOR R., a Representative from New York. Born on June 28, 1936.
Elected as a Democrat to the 98th through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1983.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
98th-103rd
H. Economic and Educational
104th
Opportunities
H. Government Operations
98th-103rd
H. Government Reform and Oversight
104th-105th
H. Education and the Workforce
105th-107th
H. Government Reform
106th-107th
PAYNE, DONALD M., a Representative from New Jersey. Born on July 16, 1934.
Elected as a Democrat to the 101st through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1989. First black Member of Congress
from New Jersey. Served as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus in the
104th Congress.

CRS-26
PAYNE, DONALD M.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
101st-103rd
H. Economic and Educational Opportunities
104th
H. Education and the Workforce
105th-107th
H. Foreign Affairs
101st-103rd
H. Government Operations
101st-103rd
H. International Relations
104th-107th
POWELL, ADAM CLAYTON, a Representative from New York. Born on Nov. 29,
1908, died on April 4, 1972. Elected as a Democrat to the 79th through 90th
Congresses, but was not seated in the 90th Congress (excluded from that
Congress on Mar. 1, 1967). He served from Jan. 3, 1945, to Jan. 3, 1967. In
April 1967, he was reelected in a special election to the seat from which he had
been excluded, but he did not attempt to take the oath of office. He was
reelected to the 91st Congress and served from Jan. 3, 1969, to Jan. 3, 1971.
First black Member of Congress from New York.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Indian Affairs
79th
H. Invalid Pensions
79th
H. Labor
79th
H. Education and Labor
80th-89th, 91st
(Committee Chair, 87th-89th)
H. Interior and Insular Affairs
84th-86th
RAINEY, JOSEPH H., a Representative from South Carolina. Born on June 21,
1832, died on Aug. 2, 1887. Elected as a Republican to the 41st Congress when
the House declared the seat of Benjamin Whittemore vacant, reelected to the
42nd through 45th Congresses; served from Dec. 12, 1870, to March 3, 1879. He
was the first black Member of the House of Representatives as well as the first
black Member of Congress from South Carolina.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Freedmen’s Affairs
41st-42nd
H. Indian Affairs
43rd
H. Invalid Pensions
44th-45th
H. Select Celebration of Proposed
43rd
National Census of 1875

CRS-27
RANGEL, CHARLES B., a Representative from New York. Born on June 11,
1930. Elected as a Democrat to the 92nd through 106th Congresses, reelected to
the 107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1971. Served as chair of the
Congressional Black Caucus during the 94th Congress, 1975.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Public Works
92nd
H. Science and Astronautics
92nd
H. Judiciary
92nd-93rd
H. District of Columbia
93rd
H. Ways and Means
94th-107th
H. Select Crime
92nd-93rd
H. Select Narcotics Abuse and Control
94th-102nd
(Committee Chairman, 98th-
102nd)
Jt. Taxation
104th-105th
RANSIER, ALONZO J., a Representative from South Carolina. Born on Jan. 3,
1834, died on Aug. 17, 1882. Elected as a Republican to the 43rd Congress;
served from March 3, 1873, to March 3, 1875.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Manufactures
43rd
RAPIER, JAMES T., a Representative from Alabama. Born on Nov. 13, 1837, died
on May 31, 1883. Elected as a Republican to the 43rd Congress; served from
March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1875.
Committee Assignment
Congress
H. Education and Labor
43rd
REVELS, HIRAM R., a Senator from Mississippi. Born on Sept. 27, 1827, died on
Jan. 16, 1901. Elected as a Republican in 1870 and served in the 41st Congress
after Mississippi was readmitted to the union; served from Feb. 25, 1870, to
March 3, 1871. He was the first black Member of the U.S. Congress, the first
black Republican elected to Congress, and the first black Member of Congress
from Mississippi.
Committee Assignments
Congress
S. Education and Labor
41st
S. District of Columbia
41st

CRS-28
REYNOLDS, MELVIN J., a Representative from Illinois. Born on Jan. 8, 1952.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd and 104th Congresses; served from Jan. 5,
1993, until his resignation on Oct. 1, 1995.
Committee Assignment
Congress
H. Ways and Means
103rd
H. Economic and Educational
104th
Opportunities
RUSH, BOBBY L., a Representative from Illinois. Born on Nov. 23, 1946. Elected
as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected to the 107th
Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs
103rd
H. Government Operations
103rd
H. Science, Space, and Technology
103rd
H. Commerce
104th-106th
H. Energy and Commerce
107th
SAVAGE, GUS, a Representative from Illinois. Born on Oct. 30, 1925. Elected as
a Democrat to the 97th through 102nd Congresses; served from Jan. 3, 1981, to
Jan. 3, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Post Office and Civil Service
97th
H. Public Works and Transportation
97th-102nd
H. Small Business
97th-102nd
SCOTT, ROBERT C., a Representative from Virginia. Born on April 30, 1947.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
103rd
H. Judiciary
103rd-107th
H. Science, Space, and Technology
103rd
H. Economic and Educational
104th
Opportunities
H. Education and the Workforce
105th-107th
H. U.S. National Security and Military
106th
Commercial Concerns with the People’s
Republic of China

CRS-29
SMALLS, ROBERT, a Representative from South Carolina. Born on April 5, 1839,
died on Feb. 22, 1915. Elected as a Republican to the 44th, 45th, and 47th
through 49th Congresses. He served from March 4, 1875, to Mar. 3, 1879; from
July 19, 1882, to March 3, 1883, after he successfully contested the election of
George Tillman, and from March 18, 1884, to March 3, 1887, after he was
elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Edmund Mackey
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Agriculture
44th, 47th
H. Militia
45th
H. Manufactures
48th
H. War Claims
49th
STEWART, BENNETT M., a Representative from Illinois. Born on Aug. 6, 1912,
died April 26, 1988. Elected as a Democrat to the 96th Congress; served from
Jan. 3, 1979, to Jan. 3, 1981.
Committee Assignment
Congress
H. Appropriations
96th
STOKES, LOUIS, a Representative from Ohio. Born on Feb. 23, 1925. Elected as
a Democrat to the 91st through 105th Congresses; served from Jan. 3, 1969, to
Jan. 3, 1999. First black Member of Congress from Ohio. Served as chair of the
Congressional black Caucus during the 92nd and 93rd Congresses, 1972-1974.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
91st
H. Internal Security
91st
H. Appropriations
92nd-105th
H. Budget
95th-96th
H. Standards of Official Conduct
96th-98th, 102nd
(Committee Chairman, 97th-
98th, 102nd)
H. Select Assassinations
94th-95th
(Committee Chairman, 95th)
H. Select Intelligence
98th-100th
H. Select to Investigate Arms
100th
Transactions to Iran
THOMPSON, BENNIE G., a Representative from Mississippi. Born on Jan. 28,
1948. Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd Congress to fill the vacancy caused
by the resignation of Rep. Mike Espy to become Secretary of Agriculture,
reelected to the 104th through 107th Congresses; has served since April 20, 1993.

CRS-30
THOMPSON, BENNIE G.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Agriculture
103rd-107th
H. Merchant Marine and Fisheries
103rd
H. Small Business
103rd-104th
H. Budget
105th-107th
TOWNS, EDOLPHUS, a Representative from New York. Born on July 21, 1934.
Elected as a Democrat to the 98th through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1983. Served as chair of the
Congressional Black Caucus in the 102nd Congress, 1991-1992.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Government Operations
98th-103rd
H. Government Reform and Oversight
104th-105th
H. Government Reform
106th-107th
H. Public Works and Transportation
98th-104th
H. Energy and Commerce
101st-103rd, 107th
H. Commerce
104th-106th
H. Select Narcotics Abuse and Control
98th-102nd
TUCKER, WALTER R., a Representative from California. Born on May 28, 1957.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd and 104th Congresses; served from Jan. 5,
1993, until his resignation on Dec. 15, 1995.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Public Works and Transportation
103rd
H. Small Business
103rd-104th
H. Transportation and Infrastructure
104th
TURNER, BENJAMIN S., a Representative from Alabama. Born on March 17,
1825, died on March 21, 1894. Elected as a Republican to the 42nd Congress;
served from March 4, 1871, to March 3, 1873. First black Member of Congress
from Alabama.
Committee Assignment
Congress
H. Invalid Pensions
42nd
WALDON, ALTON R., Jr., a Representative from New York. Born on Dec. 21,
1936. Elected as a Democrat to the 99th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by
the death of Rep. Joseph Addabo; served from July 29, 1986, to Jan. 3, 1987.

CRS-31
WALDON, ALTON R., Jr.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
99th
H. Small Business
99th
WALLS, JOSIAH T., a Representative from Florida. Born on Dec. 30, 1842, died
on May 5, 1905. Elected as a Republican to the 42nd through 44th Congresses;
served from March 4, 1871, to Jan. 29, 1873 (when his election was successfully
contested); from March 4, 1873, to March 3, 1875; and
f r o m M a r c h 4 ,
1875, to April 19, 1876 (when his election was successfully contested). First
black Member of Congress from Florida.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Militia
42nd-43rd
H. Mileage
44th
WASHINGTON, CRAIG A., a Representative from Texas. Born on Oct. 12, 1941.
Elected as a Democrat to the 101st Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the
death of Rep. Mickey Leland, reelected to the 102nd and 103rd Congresses;
served from Dec. 9, 1989, to Jan. 3, 1995.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Education and Labor
101st-102nd
H. Judiciary
101st-103rd
H. Energy and Commerce
103rd
H. Government Operations
103rd
H. Select Committee on Narcotics
102nd
Abuse and Control
WASHINGTON, HAROLD D., a Representative from Illinois. Born on April 15,
1922, died on Nov. 25, 1987. Elected as a Democrat to the 97th and 98th
Congresses; served from Jan. 3, 1981, to April 29, 1983, when he resigned to
become Mayor of Chicago, Illinois.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Government Operations
97th
H. Education and Labor
97th-98th
H. Judiciary
97th-98th
WATERS, MAXINE, a Representative from California. Born on Aug. 31, 1938.
Elected as a Democrat to the 102nd through 106th Congresses, reelected to the

CRS-32
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1991. Chair of the Congressional Black
Caucus in the 105th Congress, vice chair of the Democratic Steering Committee
in the 105th-107th Congresses, and a Democratic chief deputy whip in the 106th-
107th Congresses.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs
102nd-103rd
H. Banking and Financial Services
104th-106th
H. Financial Services
107th
H. Veterans Affairs
102nd-104th
H. Small Business
103rd-104th
H. Judiciary
105th-107th

WATSON, DIANE E., a Representative from California. Born on Nov. 12, 1933.
Elected as a Democrat to the 107th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the
death of Representative Julian Dixon; has served since June 7, 2001.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. International Relations
107th
H. Government Reform
107th
WATT, MELVIN L., a Representative from North Carolina. Born on Aug. 26, 1945.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs
103rd
H. Banking and Financial Services
104th-106th
H. Financial Services
107th
H. Post Office and Civil Service
103rd
H. Judiciary
103rd-106th
Jt. Economic
107th
WATTS, J.C., Jr., a Representative from Oklahoma. Born on Nov. 18, 1957.
Elected as a Republican to the 104th through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 3, 1995. First black Member of Congress
from Oklahoma. Chair of the House Republican Conference in the 106th-107th
Congresses.

CRS-33
WATTS, J.C., Jr.—Continued
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking and Financial Services
104th
H. National Security
104th-105th
H. Transportation and Infrastructure
105th-106th
H. Armed Services
106th-107th
WHEAT, ALAN D., a Representative from Missouri. Born on Oct. 16, 1951.
Elected as a Democrat to the 98th through 103rd Congresses; served from Jan.
3, 1983, to Jan. 3, 1995.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. District of Columbia
98th-103rd
H. Rules
98th-103rd
H. Select Children, Youth, and Families
98th-102nd
H. Select Hunger
101st-102nd
WHITE, GEORGE H., a Representative from North Carolina. Born on Dec. 18,
1852, died on Dec. 28, 1918. Elected as a Republican to the 55th and 56th
Congresses; served from March 4, 1897, to March 3, 1901.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Agriculture
55th
H. District of Columbia
55th-56th
WYNN, ALBERT R., a Representative from Maryland. Born on Sept. 10, 1951.
Elected as a Democrat to the 103rd through 106th Congresses, reelected to the
107th Congress; has served since Jan. 5, 1993.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking, Finance, and Urban Affairs
103rd
H. Banking and Financial Services
104th
H. Foreign Affairs
103rd
H. Post Office and Civil Service
103rd
H. International Relations
104th
H. Commerce
105th-106th
H. Energy and Commerce
107th

CRS-34
YOUNG, ANDREW, a Representative from Georgia. Born on March 12, 1932.
Elected as a Democrat to the 93rd through 95th Congresses; served from Jan. 3,
1973, to Jan. 29, 1977, when he resigned to become U.S. Ambassador to the
United Nations. Elected Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, in 1981.
Committee Assignments
Congress
H. Banking, Currency, and Housing
93rd
H. Rules
94th

CRS-35
Table 1. Black Members of Congress—Senate
Name
Congress(es)
Years
State
Party
Brooke, Edward W.
90th-95th
1967-1979
MA
Rep.
Bruce, Blanche K.
44th-46th
1875-1881
MS
Rep.
Moseley-Braun, Carol
103rd-
1993-
IL
Dem.
Revels, Hiram R.a
41st
1870-1871
MS
Rep.
a Seated after Mississippi was readmitted to the Union on February 23, 1870; first black Member
of Congress.

CRS-36
Table 2. Black Members of Congress—
House of Representatives
Name
Congress(es)
Years
State
District*
Party
Bishop, Sanford D.
103rd-
1993-
GA
2nd
Dem.
Blackwell, Lucien E.a
102nd-103rd
1991-1995
PA
2nd
Dem.
Brown, Corrine
103rd-
1993-
FL
3rd
Dem.
Burke, Yvonne B.
93rd-95th
1973-1979
CA
28th
Dem.
Cain, Richard Harvey
43rd
1873-1875
SC
A.L.
Rep.
45th
1877-1879
Carson, Julia
105th-
1997-
IN
10th
Dem.
Cheatham, Henry P.
51st-52nd
1889-1893
NC
2nd
Rep.
Chisholm, Shirley A.b
91st-97th
1969-1983
NY
12th
Dem.
Christian-Christiansen, Donna 105th-
1997-
VI
--
Dem.
Clay, William L., Sr.
91st-
1969-2001
MO
1st
Dem.
Clay, Wm. Lacy
107th
2001-
MO
1st
Dem.
Clayton, Eva M.c
102nd-
1992-
NC
1st
Dem.
Clyburn, James E.
103rd-
1993-
SC
6th
Dem.
Collins, Barbara-Rose
102nd-104th
1991-1997
MI
15th
Dem.
Collins, Cardissd
93rd-104th
1973-1997
IL
7th
Dem.
Collins, George W.e
91st-92nd
1970-1972
IL
6th
Dem.
Conyers, John, Jr.
89th-
1965-
MI
14th
Dem.
Crockett, George W.f
96th-101st
1980-1991
MI
13th
Dem.
Cummings, Elijah E.g
104th-
1996-
MD
7th
Dem.
Davis, Danny K.
105th-
1997-
IL
7th
Dem.
Dawson, William L.h
78th-91st
1943-1970
IL
1st
Dem.
DeLarge, Robert C.i
42nd
1871-1873
SC
2nd
Rep.
Dellums, Ronald V.
92nd-105th
1971-1998
CA
8th
Dem.
DePriest, Oscar S.
71st-73rd
1929-1935
IL
1st
Rep.
Diggs, Charles C., Jr.j
84th-96th
1955-1980
MI
13th
Dem.
Dixon, Julian C.k
96th-106th
1979-2000
CA
32nd
Dem.
Dymally, Mervyn M.
97th-102nd
1981-1993
CA
31st
Dem.

CRS-37
Name
Congress(es)
Years
State
District*
Party
Elliott, Robert B.l
42nd-43rd
1871-1874
SC
3rd
Rep.
Espy, Albert M. (Mike)m
100th-103rd
1987-1993
MS
2nd
Dem.
Evans, Melvin H.
96th
1979-1981
VI
AL
Rep.
Fattah, Chaka
104th-
1995-
PA
2nd
Dem.
Fauntroy, Walter E.n
92nd-101st
1971-1991
DC
AL
Dem.
Fields, Cleo
103rd-104th
1993-1997
LA
4th
Dem.
Flake, Floyd H.
100th-105th
1987-1997
NY
6th
Dem.
Ford, Harold E., Jr.
105th-
1997-
TN
9th
Dem.
Ford, Harold E., Sr.
94th-104th
1975-1997
TN
9th
Dem.
Franks, Gary A.
102nd-104th
1991-1997
CT
5th
Rep.
Frazer, Victor O.
104th
1995
VI
AL
Dem.
Gray, William H. IIIo
96th-102nd
1979-1991
PA
2nd
Dem.
Hall, Katie B.p
97th-98th
1982-1985
IN
1st
Dem.
Haralson, Jeremiah
44th
1875-1877
AL
1st
Rep.
Hastings, Alcee L.
103rd-
1993-
FL
23rd
Dem.
Hawkins, Augustus F.
88th-101st
1963-1991
CA
29th
Dem.
Hayes, Charles A.q
98th-102nd
1983-1993
IL
1st
Dem.
Hilliard, Earl F.
103rd-
1993-
AL
7th
Dem.
Hyman, John Adams
44th
1875-1877
NC
2nd
Rep.
Jackson, Jesse L., Jr.r
104th-
1995-
IL
2nd
Dem.
Jackson Lee, Sheila
104th-
1995-
TX
18th
Dem.
Jefferson, William J.
102nd-
1991-
LA
2nd
Dem.
Johnson, Eddie Bernice
103rd-
1993-
TX
30th
Dem.
Jones, Stephanie Tubbs
106th-
1999-
OH
11th
Dem.
Jordan, Barbara C.
93rd-95th
1973-1979
TX
18th
Dem.
Kilpatrick, Carolyn C.
105th-
1997-
MI
15th
Dem.
Langston, John M.s
51st
1890-1891
VA
4th
Rep.
Lee, Barbarat
105th-
1998-
CA
9th
Dem.
Leland, George T. (Mickey)u
96th-101st
1979-1989
TX
18th
Dem.
Lewis, John R.
100th-
1987-
GA
5th
Dem.

CRS-38
Name
Congress(es)
Years
State
District*
Party
Long, Jefferson F.v
41st
1870-1871
GA
4th
Rep.
Lynch, John R.w
43rd-44th
1873-1877
MS
7th
Rep.
47th
1882-1883
McKinney, Cynthia A.
103rd-
1993-
GA
4th
Dem.
Meek, Carrie P.
103rd-
1993-
FL
17th
Dem.
Meeks, Gregoryx
105th-
1998-
NY
6th
Dem.
Metcalfe, Ralph H.y
92nd-95th
1971-1978
IL
1st
Dem.
Mfume, Kweisiz
100th-104th
1987-1996
MD
7th
Dem.
Millender-McDonald,
104th-
1996-
CA
37th
Dem.
Juanitaaa
Miller, Thomas E.ab
51st
1890-1891
SC
7th
Rep.
Mitchell, Arthur W.
74th-77th
1935-1943
IL
1st
Dem.
Mitchell, Parren J.
92nd-99th
1971-1987
MD
7th
Dem.
Murray, George W.ac
53rd-54th
1893-1895
SC
7th
Rep.
1896-1897
Nash, Charles E.
44th
1875-1877
LA
6th
Rep.
Nix, R.N.C., Sr.ad
85th-95th
1958-1979
PA
2nd
Dem.
Norton, Eleanor Holmes
102nd-
1991-
DC
AL
Dem.
O’Hara, James E.
48th-49th
1883-1887
NC
2nd
Rep.
Owens, Major R.
98th-
1983-
NY
11th
Dem.
Payne, Donald M.
101st-
1989-
NJ
10th
Dem.
Powell, Adam C.ae
79th-89th
1945-1967
NY
18th
Dem.
91st
1969-1971
Rainey, Joseph H.af
41st-45th
1870-1879
SC
1st
Rep.
Rangel, Charles B.
92nd-
1971-
NY
15th
Dem.
Ransier, Alonzo J.
43rd
1873-1875
SC
2nd
Rep.
Rapier, James T.
43rd
1873-1875
AL
2nd
Rep.
Reynolds, Melvin J. (Mel)ag
103rd-104th
1993-1995
IL
2nd
Dem.
Rush, Bobby L.
103rd-
1993-
IL
1st
Dem.
Savage, Gus
97th-102nd
1981-1993
IL
2nd
Dem.
Scott, Robert C.
103rd-
1993-
VA
3rd
Dem.

CRS-39
Name
Congress(es)
Years
State
District*
Party
Smalls, Robertah
44th-45th
1875-1879
SC
5th
Rep.
47th
1882-1883
48th-49th
1884-1887
Stewart, Bennett M.
96th
1979-1981
IL
1st
Dem.
Stokes, Louis
91st-105th
1969-1999
OH
21st
Dem.
Thompson, Bennie G.ai
103rd-
1993-
MS
2nd
Dem.
Towns, Edolphus
98th-
1983-
NY
10th
Dem.
Tucker, Walter R.aj
103rd-104th
1993-1995
CA
37th
Dem.
Turner, Benjamin S.
42nd
1871-1873
AL
1st
Rep.
Waldon, Alton R., Jr.ak
99th
1986-1987
NY
6th
Dem.
Walls, Josiah T.al
42nd
1871-1873
FL
AL
Rep.
43rd
1873-1875
44th
1875-1876
Washington, Craig A.am
101st-103rd
1989-1995
TX
18th
Dem.
Washington, Harold D.an
97th-98th
1981-1983
IL
1st
Dem.
Waters, Maxine
102nd-
1991-
CA
35th
Dem.
Watson, Dianeao
107th -
2001-
CA
32nd
Dem.
Watt, Melvin L.
103rd-
1993-
NC
12th
Dem.
Watts, J.C., Jr.
104th-
1995-
OK
4th
Rep.
Wheat, Alan D.
98th-103rd
1983-1995
MO
5th
Dem.
White, George H.
55th-58th
1897-1901
NC
2nd
Rep.
Wynn, Albert R.
103rd-
1993-
MD
4th
Dem.
Young, Andrew J.ap
93rd-95th
1973-1977
GA
5th
Dem.
* The number noted for a Member's congressional district is that which is now assigned to it or was
assigned to it when he/she was last in Congress.
a Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of William Gray; seated on Nov. 13, 1991.
b First black woman elected to Congress and first black woman presidential candidate (1972).
c Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Walter Jones; took office on Nov. 5, 1992.
d Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of her husband George W. Collins; seated on June
7, 1973.
e Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Daniel J. Ronan; seated on Nov. 16, 1970. He
was subsequently killed in an airplane crash on Dec. 8, 1972.
f Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Charles C. Diggs, Jr., seated Nov. 12, 1980.
g Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Kweisi Mfume; seated on April 25, 1996.
h Died on Nov. 9, 1970.
i Seat declared vacant on Jan. 24, 1873, after DeLarge’s election was successfully contested.
j Resigned from office on June 3, 1980.
k Died on Dec. 8, 2000.

CRS-40
l Resigned from office, effective Nov. 1, 1874.
m Resigned from office on Jan. 25, 1993, to become Secretary of Agriculture.
n Delegate from the District of Columbia. Elected in a special election and sworn in on April 19,
1971.
o Resigned from office on Sept. 11, 1991.
P Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Adam Benjamin; seated on Nov. 29, 1982.
q Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Harold Washington; seated on Sept. 12,
1983.
r Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mel Reynolds; seated on Dec. 14, 1995.
s Successfully contested the election of Edward C. Venable and served from Sept. 23, 1890, to
March 3, 1891.
t Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Ronald Dellums; seated on April 20, 1998.
u Died in a plane crash on Aug. 7, 1989, while in Ethiopia on a fact-finding tour investigating
hunger among refugees.
v
u Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the House declaring that Samuel Grove was not entitled to his
seat; served from Dec. 22, 1870, to March 3, 1871.
w
v Successfully contested the election of James R. Chalmers to the 47th Congress; served from April
29, 1882, to March 3, 1883.
x Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Floyd Flake; seated on Feb. 5, 1998.
y Died on Oct. 10, 1978.
z Resigned from office on Feb. 16, 1996.
aa Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Walter Tucker; seated on April 16, 1996.
ab Successfully contested an election; served from Sept. 24, 1890, to March 3, 1891.
ac Successfully contested an election; served from June 4, 1896, to March 3, 1897.
ad First elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Earl Chudoff; seated on June 4, 1958.
ae Elected to the 90th Congress, but excluded and not seated. Reelected to the seat vacated by his
exclusion, but never took the oath of office. Reelected to the 91st Congress and seated.
Defeated for renomination to the 92nd Congress in 1970.
af First black Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Elected to the 41st Congress to fill the
vacancy caused by the House declaring the seat of Benjamin Whittemor vacant. Seated on
Dec. 12, 1870.
ag Resigned from office on Oct. 1, 1995.
ah Successfully contested an election and seated in the 47th Congress on July 19, 1882. Subsequently
elected to the 48th-49th Congresses; first elected to the 48th Congress to fill the vacancy caused
by the death of Edmund Mackey; seated on March 18, 1884.
ai Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mike Espy; seated April 20, 1993.
aj Resigned from office on December 15, 1995.
ak
al Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Joseph Addabbo; seated July 29, 1986.
al Served from March 4, 1871, until Jan. 29, 1873, when seat was lost to Silas L. Niblack who
successfully challenged his election. Served from March 4, 1875, until April 19, 1876, when
seat was lost to Jesse J. Finley who successfully challenged his election.
am Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mickey Leland; seated Dec. 9, 1989.
an Resigned on April 29, 1983, to become Mayor of Chicago, IL.
ao Elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Julian Dixon; seated June 7, 2001.

ap Resigned his seat on Jan. 29, 1977, to become U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

CRS-41
Table 3. Number and Names of Black Members of Congress By Congress
No.
Chamber
Names
107th CONGRESS (2001-2003)a
39
House:
Sanford Bishop
Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Major Owens
Corrine Brown
Sheila Jackson Lee
Donald Payne
Julia Carson
William Jefferson
Charles Rangel
WM. Lacy Clay, Jr.
Eddie Bernice Johnson
Bobby Rush
Eva Clayton
Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Robert Scott
James Clyburn
Carolyn Cheeks
Bennie Thompson
John Conyers
Kilpatrick
Edolphus Towns
Donna Christian-
Barbara Lee
Maxine Waters
Christiansen
John Lewis
Diane Watson
Elijah Cummings
Cynthia McKinney
Mel Watt
Danny K. Davis
Carrie Meek
J.C. Watts, Jr.
Chaka Fattah
Gregory Meeks
Al Wynn
Harold Ford, Jr.
Juanita Millender-
Alcee Hastings
McDonald
Earl Hilliard
Eleanor Holmes Norton
106th CONGRESS (1999-2001)
39
House:
Sanford Bishop
Alcee Hastings
Juanita Millender-
Corrine Brown
Earl Hilliard
McDonald
Julia Carson
Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Eleanor Holmes Norton
William Clay
Sheila Jackson Lee
Major Owens
Eva Clayton
William Jefferson
Donald Payne
James Clyburn
Eddie Bernice Johnson
Charles Rangel
John Conyers
Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Bobby Rush
Donna Christian-
Carolyn Cheeks
Robert Scott
Christiansen
Kilpatrick
Bennie Thompson
Elijah Cummings
Barbara Lee
Edolphus Towns
Danny K. Davis
John Lewis
Maxine Waters
Julian Dixonb
Cynthia McKinney
Mel Watt
Chaka Fattah
Carrie Meek
J.C. Watts, Jr.
Harold Ford, Jr.
Gregory Meeks
Al Wynn

CRS-42
No.
Chamber
Names
105th CONGRESS (1997-1999)c
39
House:
Sanford Bishop
Floyd Flakee
Juanita Millender-
Corrine Brown
Harold Ford, Jr.
McDonald
Julia Carson
Alcee Hastings
Eleanor Holmes Norton
William Clay
Earl Hilliard
Major Owens
Eva Clayton
Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Donald Payne
James Clyburn
Sheila Jackson Lee
Charles Rangel
John Conyers
William Jefferson
Bobby Rush
Donna M. Christian-
Eddie Bernice Johnson
Robert Scott
Green
Carolyn Cheeks
Louis Stokes
Elijah Cummings
Kilpatrick
Bennie Thompson
Danny K. Davis
Barbara Lee
Edolphus Towns
Ronald Dellumsd
John Lewis
Maxine Waters
Julian Dixon
Cynthia McKinney
Mel Watt
Chaka Fattah
Carrie Meek
J.C. Watts, Jr.
Gregory Meeks
Al Wynn
1
Senate:
Carol Moseley-Braun
104th CONGRESS (1995-1997)f
40
House:
Sanford Bishop
Gary Franks
Donald Payne
Corrine Brown
Victor Frazer
Charles Rangel
William Clay
Alcee Hastings
Mel Reynoldsh
Eva Clayton
Earl Hilliard
Bobby Rush
James Clyburn
Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Robert Scott
Barbara-Rose Collins
William Jefferson
Louis Stokes
Cardiss Collins
Eddie Bernice Johnson
Bennie Thompson
John Conyers
Sheila Jackson Lee
Edolphus Towns
Elijah Cummings
John Lewis
Walter Tuckeri
Ronald Dellums
Cynthia McKinney
Maxine Waters
Julian Dixon
Carrie Meek
Mel Watt
Chaka Fattah
Kweisi Mfumeg
J.C. Watts, Jr.
Cleo Fields
Juanita Millender-
Al Wynn
Floyd Flake
McDonald
Harold Ford, Sr.
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Major Owens
1
Senate:
Carol Moseley-Braun

CRS-43
No.
Chamber
Names
103rd CONGRESS (1993-1995)j
39
House:
Sanford Bishop
Harold Ford, Sr.
Mel Reynolds
Lucien Blackwell
Gary Franks
Bobby Rush
Corrine Brown
Alcee Hastings
Robert Scott
William Clay
Earl Hilliard
Louis Stokes
Eva Clayton
William Jefferson
Bennie Thompson
James Clyburn
Eddie Bernice Johnson
Edolphus Towns
Barbara-Rose Collins
John Lewis
Walter Tucker
Cardiss Collins
Cynthia McKinney
Craig Washington
John Conyers
Carrie Meek
Maxine Waters
Ronald Dellums
Kweisi Mfume
Mel Watt
Julian Dixon
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Alan Wheat
Mike Espyk
Major Owens
Al Wynn
Cleo Fields
Donald Payne
Floyd Flake
Charles Rangel
1
Senate:
Carol Moseley-Braun
102nd CONGRESS (1991-1993)l
27
House:
Lucien Blackwell
Floyd H. Flake
Donald Payne
William Clay
Harold Ford, Sr.
Charles Rangel
Eva Clayton
Gary Franks
Gus Savage
Barbara-Rose Collins
William Gray, III
Louis Stokes
Cardiss Collins
Charles Hayes
Edolphus Towns
John Conyers
William Jefferson
Craig Washington
Ronald Dellums
John Lewis
Maxine Waters
Julian Dixon
Kweisi Mfume
Alan Wheat
Mervyn Dymally
Eleanor Norton
Mike Espy
Major Owens
Senate:
None
101st CONGRESS (1989-1991)m
24
House:
William Clay
Floyd H. Flake
Donald Payne
Cardiss Collins
Harold Ford, Sr.
Charles Rangel
John Conyers
William Gray, III
Gus Savage
George Crockett
Augustus Hawkins
Louis Stokes
Ronald Dellums
Charles Hayes
Edolphus Towns
Julian Dixon
Mickey Leland
Craig Washington
Mervyn Dymally
John Lewis
Alan Wheat
Mike Espy
Kweisi Mfume
Walter Fauntroy
Major Owens
Senate:
None

CRS-44
No.
Chamber
Names
100th CONGRESS (1987-1989)
23
House:
William Clay
Floyd H. Flake
Charles Rangel
Cardiss Collins
Harold Ford, Sr.
Gus Savage
John Conyers
William Gray, III
Louis Stokes
George Crockett
Augustus Hawkins
Edolphus Towns
Ronald Dellums
Charles Hayes
Alan Wheat
Julian Dixon
Mickey Leland
Mervyn Dymally
John Lewis
Mike Espy
Kweisi Mfume
Walter Fauntroy
Major Owens
Senate:
None
99th CONGRESS (1985-1987)
21
House:
William Clay
Walter Fauntroy
Major Owens
Cardiss Collins
Harold Ford, Sr.
Charles Rangel
John Conyers
William Gray, III
Gus Savage
George Crockett
Augustus Hawkins
Louis Stokes
Ronald Dellums
Charles Hayes
Edolphus Towns
Julian Dixon
Mickey Leland
Alton Waldon, Jr.
Mervyn Dymally
Parren Mitchell
Alan Wheat
Senate:
None
98th CONGRESS (1983-1985)n
21
House:
William Clay
Harold Ford, Sr.
Charles Rangel
Cardiss Collins
William Gray, III
Gus Savage
John Conyers
Katie Hall
Louis Stokes
George Crockett
Augustus Hawkins
Edolphus Towns
Ronald Dellums
Charles Hayes
Harold Washington
Julian Dixon
Mickey Leland
Alan Wheat
Mervyn Dymally
Parren Mitchell
Walter Fauntroy
Major Owens
Senate:
None
97th CONGRESS (1981-1983)
19
House:
Shirley Chisholm
Mervyn Dymally
Parren Mitchell
William Clay
Walter Fauntroy
Charles Rangel
Cardiss Collins
Harold Ford, Sr.
Gus Savage
John Conyers
William Gray, III
Louis Stokes
George Crockett
Katie Hall
Harold Washington
Ronald Dellums
Augustus Hawkins
Julian Dixon
Mickey Leland
Senate:
None

CRS-45
No.
Chamber
Names
96th CONGRESS (1979-1981)o
17
House:
Shirley Chisholm
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Augustus Hawkins
William Clay
Julian Dixon
Mickey Leland
Cardiss Collins
Melvin Evans
Parren Mitchell
John Conyers
Walter Fauntroy
Charles Rangel
George Crockett
Harold Ford, Sr.
Bennett Stewart
Ronald Dellums
William Gray, III
Louis Stokes
Senate:
None
95th CONGRESS (1977-1979)
17
House:
Yvonne Burke
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Parren Mitchell
Shirley Chisholm
Walter Fauntroy
Robert Nix
William Clay
Harold Ford, Sr.
Charles Rangel
Cardiss Collins
Augustus Hawkins
Louis Stokes
John Conyers
Barbara Jordan
Andrew Young
Ronald Dellums
Ralph Metcalfe
1
Senate:
Edward Brooke
94th CONGRESS (1975-1977)
17
House:
Yvonne Burke
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Parren Mitchell
Shirley Chisholm
Walter Fauntroy
Robert Nix
William Clay
Harold Ford, Sr.
Charles Rangel
Cardiss Collins
Augustus Hawkins
Louis Stokes
John Conyers
Barbara Jordan
Andrew Young
Ronald Dellums
Ralph Metcalfe
1
Senate:
Edward Brooke
93rd CONGRESS (1973-1975)
16
House:
Yvonne Burke
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Robert Nix
Shirley Chisholm
Walter Fauntroy
Charles Rangel
William Clay
Augustus Hawkins
Louis Stokes
Cardiss Collins
Barbara Jordan
Andrew Young
John Conyers
Ralph Metcalfe
Ronald Dellums
Parren Mitchell
1
Senate:
Edward Brooke
92nd CONGRESS (1971-1973)
13
House:
Shirley Chisholm
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Robert Nix
William Clay
Walter Fauntroy
Charles Rangel
George Collins
Augustus Hawkins
Louis Stokes
John Conyers
Ralph Metcalfe
Ronald Dellums
Parren Mitchell
1
Senate:
Edward Brooke

CRS-46
No.
Chamber
Names
91st CONGRESS (1969-1971)
10
House:
Shirley Chisholm
John Conyers
Adam Clayton Powell
William Clay
William Dawson
Louis Stokes
George Collins
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Augustus Hawkins
Robert Nix
1
Senate:
Edward Brooke
90th CONGRESS (1967-1969)p
5
House:
John Conyers
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Robert Nix
William Dawson
Augustus Hawkins
1
Senate:
Edward Brooke
89th CONGRESS (1965-1967)
6
House:
John Conyers
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Robert Nix
William Dawson
Augustus Hawkins
Adam Clayton Powell
Senate:
None
88th CONGRESS (1963-1965)
5
House:
William Dawson
Augustus Hawkins
Adam Clayton Powell
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Robert Nix
Senate:
None
85th - 87th CONGRESSES (1957-1963)
4
House:
William Dawson
Robert Nix
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Adam Clayton Powell
Senate:
None
84th CONGRESS (1955-1957)
3
House:
William Dawson
Charles Diggs, Jr.
Adam Clayton Powell
79th - 83rd CONGRESSES (1945-1955)
2
House:
William Dawson
Adam Clayton Powell
Senate:
None
78th CONGRESS (1943-1945)
1
House:
William Dawson
Senate:
None
74th - 77th CONGRESSES (1935-1943)
1
House:
Arthur Mitchell
Senate:
None

CRS-47
No.
Chamber
Names
71st - 73rd CONGRESSES (1929-1935)
1
House:
Oscar DePriest
Senate:
None
57th - 70th CONGRESSES (1901-1929)
House:
None
Senate:
None
55th - 56th CONGRESSES (1897-1901)
1
House:
George White
Senate:
None
53rd - 54th CONGRESSES (1893-1897)
1
House:
George Murray
Senate:
None
52nd CONGRESS (1891-1893)
1
House:
Henry Cheatham
Senate:
None
51st CONGRESS (1889-1891)
3
House:
Henry Cheatham
John Langston
Thomas Miller
Senate:
None
50th CONGRESS (1887-1889)
House:
None
Senate:
None
48th - 49th CONGRESSES (1883-1887)
2
House:
James O’Hara
Robert Smalls
Senate:
None
47th CONGRESS (1881-1883)
2
House:
John Lynch
Robert Smalls
Senate:
None
46th CONGRESS (1879-1881)
House:
None
1
Senate:
Blanche Bruce

CRS-48
No.
Chamber
Names
45th CONGRESS (1877-1879)
3
House:
Richard Cain
Joseph Rainey
Robert Smalls
1
Senate:
Blanche Bruce
44th CONGRESS (1875-1877)
7
House:
Jeremiah Haralson
Charles Nash
Josiah Walls
John Hyman
Joseph Rainey
John Lynch
Robert Smalls
1
Senate:
Blanche Bruce
43rd CONGRESS (1873-1875)
7
House:
Richard Cain
Joseph Rainey
Josiah Walls
Robert Elliott
Alonzo Ransier
John Lynch
James Rapier
Senate:
None
42nd CONGRESS (1871-1873)
5
House:
Robert DeLarge
Joseph Rainey
Josiah Walls
Robert Elliott
Benjamin Turner
Senate:
None
41st CONGRESS (1869-1871)q
2
House:
Jefferson Long
Joseph Rainey
1
Senate:
Hiram Revels
a Although 40 black individuals were elected to the House for the 107th Congress, 39 was the highest number to serve
at any one time. Julian Dixon, who was reelected to the 107th Congress, died before the commencement of the
Congress and was later replaced by Diane Watson.
b Died on Dec. 8, 2000.
c Although 41 individuals were elected to the House in the 105th Congress, 39 was the highest number to serve at any
one time. Floyd Flake resigned and was replaced by Gregory Meeks, and Ron Dellums resigned and was
replaced by Barbara Lee.
d Resigned on Feb. 6, 1998.
e Resigned on Nov. 15, 1997.
f Although 43 black individuals were elected to the House in the 104th Congress, 40 was the highest number to serve
at any one time. Mel Reynolds resigned and was replaced by Jesse Jackson Jr., Walter Tucker resigned and was
replaced by Juanita Millender-McDonald, and Kweis Mfume resigned and was replaced by Elijah Cummings.
g Resigned Feb. 16, 1996.
h Resigned Oct. 1, 1995.
i Resigned Dec. 15, 1995.
J Although there were 40 black individuals elected to the House in the 103rd Congress, 39 was the largest number to
serve at any one time as Bennie Thompson replaced Mike Espy.
k Resigned Jan. 25, 1993, to become Secretary of Agriculture.
l Although there were 28 black individuals elected to the House in the 102nd Congress, 27 was the largest number to
serve at any one time as Lucien Blackwell replaced William Gray.
m Although there were 25 black individuals elected to the House in the 101st Congress, 24 was the largest number to
serve at any one time as Craig Washington replaced Mickey Leland.

CRS-49
n Although there were 22 black Members elected to the House in the 98th Congress, 21 was the largest number to serve
at one time during that Congress because Charles Hayes replaced Harold Washington.
o Although there were 18 black Members elected to the House in the 96th Congress, 17 was the largest number to serve
at one time during that Congress as George Crockett replaced Charles Diggs, Jr.
P Adam Clayton Powell was elected to the 90th Congress, but never took his seat.
q There were no black Members of the U.S. Congress until 1870, the 41st Congress, 2nd Session.

CRS-50
Table 4. Number and Names of Black Members
of Congress By State
State
Number
Names
Years of Service
Alabama
4
Benjamin S. Turner
1871-1873
James T. Rapier
1873-1875
Jeremiah Haralson
1875-1877
Earl F. Hilliard
1993-
California
10
Augustus F. Hawkins
1963-1991
Ronald V. Dellums
1971-1998
Yvonne B. Burke
1973-1979
Julian C. Dixon
1979-2000
Mervyn M. Dymally
1981-1993
Maxine Waters
1991-
Walter R. Tucker
1993-1995
Juanita Millender-McDonald
1996-
Barbara Lee
1998-
Diane Watson
2001-
Connecticut
1
Gary A. Franks
1991-1997
District of
2
Walter E. Fauntroy
1971-1991
Columbia
Eleanor Holmes Norton
1991-
Florida
4
Josiah T. Walls
1871-1876
Carrie P. Meek
1993-
Corrine Brown
1993-
Alcee L. Hastings
1993-
Georgia
5
Jefferson F. Long
1870-1871
Andrew J. Young
1973-1977
John R. Lewis
1987-
Sanford D. Bishop
1993-
Cynthia A. McKinney
1993-
Illinois
15
Oscar S. DePriest
1929-1935
Arthur W. Mitchell
1935-1943
William L. Dawson
1943-1970
Danny K. Davis
1997-
George W. Collins
1970-1972
Ralph H. Metcalfe
1971-1978
Cardiss Collins
1973-1997
Bennett M. Stewart
1979-1981
Gus Savage
1981-1993
Harold D. Washington
1981-1983
Charles A. Hayes
1983-1993
Carol Moseley-Braun1
1993-1999
Melvin (Mel) J. Reynolds
1993-1995
Bobby L. Rush
1993-
Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.
1995-
Indiana
2
Katie B. Hall
1982-1985
Julia Carson
1997-

CRS-51
State
Number
Names
Years of Service
Louisiana
3
Charles E. Nash
1875-1877
William J. Jefferson
1991-
Cleo Fields
1993-1997
Maryland
4
Parren J. Mitchell
1971-1987
Kweisi Mfume
1987-1996
Albert R. Wynn
1993-
Elijah E. Cummings
1996-
Massachusetts
1
Edward W. Brookea
1967-1979
Michigan
5
Charles C. Diggs, Jr.
1955-1980
John Conyers
1965-
George W. Crockett
1980-1991
Barbara-Rose Collins
1991-1997
Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick
1997-
Mississippi
5
Hiram R. Revels1
1870-1871
John R. Lynch
1873-1877
1882-1883
Blanche K. Bruce1
1875-1881
Albert M. (Mike) Espy
1987-1993
Bennie G. Thompson
1993-
Missouri
3
William L. Clay, Sr.
1969-2001
Alan D. Wheat
1983-1995
Wm. Lacy Clay
2001-
New Jersey
1
Donald M. Payne
1989-
North Carolina
6
John A. Hyman
1875-1877
James E. O’Hara
1883-1887
Henry P. Cheatham
1889-1893
George H. White
1897-1901
Eva M. Clayton
1992-
Melvin L. Watt
1993-
New York
8
Adam Clayton Powell
1945-1967
1969-1971
Shirley A. Chisholm
1969-1983
Charles B. Rangel
1971-
Major R. Owens
1983-
Edolphus Towns
1983-
Alton R. Waldon, Jr.
1986-1987
Floyd H. Flake
1987-1997
Gregory Meeks
1998-
Ohio
2
Louis Stokes
1969-1999
Stephanie Tubbs Jones
1999-
Oklahoma
1
J.C. Watts, Jr.
1995-

CRS-52
State
Number
Names
Years of Service
Pennsylvania
4
Robert N.C. Nix, Sr.
1958-1979
William H. Gray, III
1979-1991
Lucien E. Blackwell
1991-1995
Chaka Fattah
1995-
South Carolina
9
Joseph H. Rainey
1870-1879
Robert C. DeLarge
1871-1873
Robert B. Elliott
1871-1874
Richard H. Cain
1873-1875
1877-1879
Alonzo J. Ransier
1873-1875
Robert Smalls
1875-1879
1882-1883
1884-1887
Thomas E. Miller
1890-1891
George W. Murray
1893-1895
1896-1897
James E. Clyburn
1993-
Tennessee
2
Harold E. Ford, Sr.
1975-1997
Harold E. Ford, Jr.
1997-
Texas
5
Barbara C. Jordan
1973-1979
George T. (Mickey) Leland
1979-1989
Craig A. Washington
1991-1995
Eddie Bernice Johnson
1993-
Sheila Jackson Lee
1995-
Virginia
2
John M. Langston
1890-1891
Robert C. Scott
1993-
Virgin Islands
3
Melvin H. Evans
1979-1981
Victor O. Frazer
1995-1997
Donna M. Christian-
1997-
Christiansen
a Served in the Senate.

CRS-53
Table 5. Number of Black Members in the U.S. Congress,
41st-107th Congresses (1870-2001)
Total Black
Black
Black
Members of
Members of
Members of
Congress
Year
Congress
House
Senate
41st
1869-1871
3
2
1
42nd
1871-1873
5
5
-
43rd
1873-1875
7
7
-
44th
1875-1877
8
7
1
45th
1877-1879
4
3
1
46th
1879-1881
1
-
1
47th
1881-1883
2
2
-
48th
1883-1885
2
2
-
49th
1885-1887
2
2
-
50th
1887-1889
-
-
-
51st
1889-1891
3
3
-
52nd
1891-1893
1
1
-
53rd
1893-1895
1
1
-
54th
1895-1897
1
1
-
55th
1897-1899
1
1
-
56th
1899-1901
1
1
-
57th
1901-1903
-
-
-
58th
1903-1905
-
-
-
59th
1905-1907
-
-
-
60th
1907-1909
-
-
-
61st
1909-1911
-
-
-
62nd
1911-1913
-
-
-
63rd
1913-1915
-
-
-
64th
1915-1917
-
-
-
65th
1917-1919
-
-
-
66th
1919-1921
-
-
-
67th
1921-1923
-
-
-

CRS-54
Total Black
Black
Black
Members of
Members of
Members of
Congress
Year
Congress
House
Senate
68th
1923-1925
-
-
-
69th
1925-1927
-
-
-
70th
1927-1929
-
-
-
71st
1929-1931
1
1
-
72nd
1931-1933
1
1
-
73rd
1933-1935
1
1
-
74th
1935-1937
1
1
-
75th
1937-1939
1
1
-
76th
1939-1941
1
1
-
77th
1941-1943
1
1
-
78th
1943-1945
1
1
-
79th
1945-1947
2
2
-
80th
1947-1949
2
2
-
81st
1949-1951
2
2
-
82nd
1951-1953
2
2
-
83rd
1953-1955
2
2
-
84th
1955-1957
3
3
-
85th
1957-1959
4
4
-
86th
1959-1961
4
4
-
87th
1961-1963
4
4
-
88th
1963-1965
5
5
-
89th
1965-1967
6
6
-
90th
1967-1969
6
5
1
91st
1969-1971
11
10
1
92nd
1971-1973
14
13
1
93rd
1973-1975
17
16
1
94th
1975-1977
18
17
1
95th
1977-1979
18
17
1
96th
1979-1981
17
17
-

CRS-55
Total Black
Black
Black
Members of
Members of
Members of
Congress
Year
Congress
House
Senate
97th
1981-1983
19
19
-
98th
1983-1985
21
21
-
99th
1985-1987
21
21
-
100th
1987-1989
23
23
-
101st
1989-1991
24
24
-
102nd
1991-1993
27
27
-
103rd
1993-1995
40
39
1
104th
1995-1997
41
39
1
105th
1997-1999
40
39
1
106th
1999-2001
39
39
0
107th
2001-2003
39
39
0