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The Graphic Truth: Black representation in the US Congress

The Graphic Truth: Black representation in the US Congress
Ari Winkleman
By Gabrielle Debinski,
Gabrielle Debinski

Gabrielle Debinski is a former senior writer at GZERO Media.

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Ari Winkleman
Ari Winkleman
Ari Winkleman is the lead designer at Eurasia Group and GZERO Media.
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January 30, 2024
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Since Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I have a dream" speech in August 1963, the number of Black Americans elected to the US Congress has increased dramatically. Still, it wasn't until 2019, more than half a century later, that the share of Black members serving in the House of Representatives reflected the percentage of Black Americans in the broader population: 12%. To date, only seven US states have sent Black representatives to serve in the US Senate.

Here's a look at Black representation in every US Congress since 1963.

black historyblack history monthblack congressional membersblack congress members

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