Posted on March 13, 2013

CBC Leader Concerned Obama Has Named No Blacks to New Cabinet

Jonathan Easley, The Hill, March 11, 2013

The chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus said she is concerned that President Obama has not yet appointed African-Americans to his second-term Cabinet.

Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) said Obama’s appointees do not reflect the nation’s diverse population — at least, so far.

“I am concerned that you have moved forward with new cabinet appointments and yet, to date, none of them have been African American,” her letter to Obama states. “You have publicly expressed your commitment to retaining diversity within your cabinet. However, the people you have chosen to appoint in this new term have hardly been reflective of this country’s diversity.”

Fudge said in the letter that the CBC had recommended “a number of qualified candidates” that the administration has passed over for various positions.

“Congressional Black Caucus offices have had numerous phone calls from constituents questioning why none of the new appointees will be able to speak to the unique needs of African Americans,” Fudge continued. “Their ire is compounded by the overwhelming support you’ve received from the African American community. As you continue choosing your critical advisors, we want to stress the importance of ensuring every community has a seat at the table. The absence of diverse voices leads to policies and programs that adversely impact African Americans.”

Attorney General Eric Holder, appointed in Obama’s first term, remains the Obama administration’s only black Cabinet-level appointee. {snip}

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