CONGRESS

The CBC and CHC have each established Diversity and Inclusion Task Forces that work with private companies and membership organizations to recognize that diversity is good for the bottom line, develop best practices to help firms increase diversity, and to strengthen networks of diverse candidates.

The Congress itself is undergoing a radical change from a diversity perspective.  Fifty years ago, white men made up more than 97 percent of the House. Both parties were equally male and equally monochromatic. In the 50 years since, the palette has changed, dramatically. White men now represent a minority share of the House Democratic Caucus. In the current Congress, racial and ethnic minorities represent 40 percent of the Caucus and women comprise a third of all House Democrats.

Both numbers have been on the rise for years and are expected to expand after the November elections. What’s more, these minority Democrats are expected to assume some of the party’s most powerful jobs. For example, minority Members are in line to assume as many as half of the 21 committee chairmanships.