Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Marcia L. Fudge issued a letter Monday that slams the first black president for a lack of diversity among his closest advisers, Roll Call reports.
“I am concerned that you have moved forward with new cabinet appointments and yet, to date, none of them have been African American,” the Ohio Democrat’s 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.”
The letter marks the escalation of a campaign launched by the CBC, urging President Obama to nominate someone “to speak to the unique needs of African Americans.”
Ms. Fudge said the CBC “looks forward to meeting with you to discuss this and other pressing issues.”
CBC spokeswoman Ayofemi Kirby said the group has requested a meeting with the president, but it has not heard back from him.
The relationship between Obama and the CBC has been complicated for a while, Roll Call reports, with members complaining about “social snubs and Obama’s reluctance to address the high black unemployment rate head on.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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