Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order hour.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Gwen Moore for her words. I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to co-anchor the CBC Special Order hour along with my distinguished colleagues, Representatives Jonathan Jackson and Gwen Moore. For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have the opportunity to discuss the importance of foster care and outcomes among Black families and children involved with child welfare, an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Davis for his words. Madam Speaker, today I rise to discuss the disparities that Black children and families face within our Nation's foster care system. Study after study has shown that Black children in the United States statistically spend more time in foster care and are significantly less likely to be reunified with their families. We have a moral obligation to address the glaring disparities that persist within our child welfare system. Nationwide, the average number of days for children to exit foster care is 633 days, yet for Black children, the average number of days was a staggering 743. In my home State of Florida, the average number of days for Black children to exit foster care is 633 days, which is the longest average number of any racial group. These discrepancies speak volumes about the systemic barriers that hinder the timely reunification of Black children with their families. These numbers represent the extensive damage being done by the child welfare system to the well-being of Black children in Florida and throughout our country. These disparities perpetuate a cycle of instability and trauma and exacerbate existing inequalities, perpetuating a system that disproportionately affects communities of color. We cannot afford to ignore these disparities. Each statistic represents a child with hopes, dreams, and a future that should not be determined by the color of their skin or the shortcomings of our system. We must commit to addressing the systemic issues that disproportionately affect Black children in foster care. Together, we can build a child welfare system that truly supports and nurtures every child, giving them the foundation they need to succeed. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Jackson), who is my co-anchor.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Jackson for his passionate speech. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss how historical trauma and systemic racism have perpetuated cycles of intergenerational poverty and have disproportionately impacted the welfare of Black children in America. We must acknowledge a painful truth: By the age of 18, one out of every 100 children in America will experience the court-ordered termination of their parents' rights. This stark statistic is even more alarming for Black children nationwide, who are 2.4 times more likely than their White counterparts to endure the devastating loss of parental rights. In my home State of Florida, Black children are 1.3 times more likely to experience this. These numbers represent the lives of children torn from their families, often due to circumstances rooted in historical and structural inequities. Historical trauma, rooted in centuries of enslavement, segregation, and discrimination, continues to echo through generations. Structural racism further exacerbates these challenges, manifesting in biased policies and practices that disproportionately affect Black families in the child welfare system. Intergenerational poverty is both a cause and a consequence of child welfare involvement. Families trapped in cycles of poverty face challenges in providing the necessary resources and support for their children. This economic instability often leads to increased scrutiny and intervention from child welfare services, perpetuating a cycle of disruption and disadvantage. Children have better outcomes in life when they are nurtured and cared for by their own families. We need to reimagine and reform our approach to child welfare to ensure it is fair, equitable, and supportive of family unity. Our children's futures and the future of our Nation depend on what we do here today in Congress to redirect and make sure that most children get to stay with their families while protecting the children who need it. Madam Speaker, you have heard from my distinguished colleagues about the foster care system and the issues facing the Black community, all issues of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, our constituents, Congress, and all Americans tonight. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order hour.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today as co-anchor of this CBC Special Order hour, along with my distinguished colleague, Representative Jonathan Jackson. For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have an opportunity to discuss the importance of the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, an issue of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans. Today, I rise to reflect upon the 70th anniversary of one of the most pivotal moments in our Nation's history: the landmark Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education. This ruling forever altered the course of our Nation, shattering the chains of segregation and paving the way for a more just and equitable society. Our educational institutions were marred by racial segregation, denying countless Black children the opportunity to receive a quality education simply because of the color of their skin. The Brown v. Board of Education decision struck down the doctrine of ``separate but equal,'' declaring that segregated education facilities were inherently unequal, and thus unconstitutional. This ruling not only dismantled the legal framework of segregation in schools but sent a powerful message that discrimination and inequality have no place in our society. However, the significance of Brown v. Board of Education extends far beyond the realm of education. It laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and equitable society, one in which every individual is afforded the same rights and opportunities regardless of race, creed, or background. It ignited a spark of change that reverberated throughout the Nation, catalyzing the civil rights movement, and inspiring generations of activists to fight for equality and justice. It emboldened individuals to challenge institutionalized racism and discrimination in all of its forms, paving the way for monumental legislative victories, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Today, we can see the impact of Brown v. Board of Education in every corner of our Nation. It has transformed our economy, unleashing the untapped potential of millions of African Americans who now have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute to the prosperity of our country. It has strengthened our social fabric, fostering greater understanding and empathy among people of different races and backgrounds. It has reaffirmed our commitment to the principles of justice and equality that lie at the heart of our democracy, but our work is far from over. Despite the progress we have made, we still face inequalities that divide our society. The legacy of Brown v. Board of Education reminds us that the fight for civil rights is ongoing and that we must remain vigilant in our pursuit of a more perfect Union. So let us honor this legacy by redirecting ourselves to the cause of justice and equality. Let us continue to strive for a future where every child, regardless of their race or background, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Let us never forget the power of our collective voices to bring about meaningful change in our communities and in our Nation. Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gentleman from Illinois, Representative Jonathan Jackson, my co-anchor.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, the landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education not only shattered the doctrine of separate but equal but firmly established that racial segregation is abhorrent to the principles enshrined in our Constitution. It affirmed unequivocally that every child in America, regardless of race, deserves equal protection and opportunity under law. Today, as we reflect on this pivotal moment, we are reminded of its profound impact on our journey toward civil rights and educational equity. Yet, despite the progress we have made, we must confront the realities that still persist--inequalities that continue to hold back our youth from reaching their full potential, especially in marginalized communities. Innovation in education has been monumental but not uniformly felt. As we grapple with the challenges of economic disparities and systemic barriers, we are called to what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., described as the fierce urgency of now. The fight for educational opportunity and the quest for civil rights are inextricably intertwined. Focusing on education as a civil rights issue changes the cadence of our conversation. We must ensure that the promise of Brown v. Board of Education extends beyond our history and into the lived experiences of every student. Let us champion policies that foster innovation and collaboration across all sectors to create holistic solutions that uplift every child. We must secure the necessary investments to revitalize our educational system and affirm our unwavering commitment to the next generation. This is not just an educational mandate; it is a moral imperative. In addition, the economic significance of Brown v. Board of Education cannot be overstated. By dismantling the legal framework of segregation in education, it opened up doors that had long been closed to Black Americans. Education is not just a means of imparting knowledge; it is the key to economic opportunity, the gateway to prosperity. Prior to this ruling, Black students were assigned to underfunded, substandard schools, deprived of the resources and opportunities afforded to their White counterparts. This perpetuated a cycle of poverty and limited upward mobility for generations of Black Americans. With the desegregation of schools mandated by Brown v. Board of Education, Black students gained access to better funded schools, qualified teachers, and educational opportunities previously denied to them. This led to a burgeoning Black middle class and contributed to the overall economic growth and prosperity of our entire Nation. Yet, despite the gains made since Brown, racial disparities persist in our educational system and in our economy. These disparities have far-reaching economic consequences. For example, a recent report from the National Urban League finds that the racial income gap has been stagnant for over 20 years, with Black Americans earning an average of 64 percent of the income of White Americans. As we commemorate Brown v. Board of Education, let us recommit ourselves to the unfinished work of achieving true equality in education and economic opportunity for all. Mr. Speaker, you have heard from my distinguished colleagues about the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, issues of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, our constituents, Congress, and all Americans tonight. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Horsford), who is the chairman of the CBC.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order hour today.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. It is with great honor that I rise today to anchor this joint CBC Special Order hour along with my distinguished colleague, Assistant Leader Joe Neguse. For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have an opportunity to honor the life of our late Congressman Donald Payne, a leader of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, Congress, the constituents he represented, and all of America. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse), who is the assistant leader.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his comments. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from California, (Ms. Lee).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries), our Democratic leader.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, our Democratic leader, for his comments. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Clarke).

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands, Stacey Plaskett.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to the time remaining.

Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield to Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman from New Jersey.