By Frederick Lowe

Special to the Trice Edney News Wire from NorthStarNewsToday.com

U. S. Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.)

(TriceEdneyWire.com) – Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond has been elected chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus for the 115th Congress, which begins Jan. 3, 2017.

“I commend Representative Richmond on becoming the new chairman,” said G. K. Butterfield, the outgoing chairman. “We have much work ahead of us during the 115th Congress, and I am confident Representative Richmond will provide strong leadership on issues we champion to ensure all Americans have an equal and equitable opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”

The 43-year-old Richmond represents Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes most of New Orleans. He is a native of New Orleans.

Richmond is a member of Committee on the Judiciary and Homeland Security. He has focused on reforming the criminal justice system.

Richmond is a graduate of Morehouse College. He earned a law degree from Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans.  Richmond is also a graduate of the Harvard University Executive Education Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Since the last election, the Congressional Black Caucus has grown and it now has 49 members. The CBC was founded in 1971.