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Two factors are significant to note in an examination of the
genesis of the Caucus. First, reflecting upon the climate of the
sixties and seventies, one should not have been surprised to see
such a group as the Black Caucus begin. The political assassinations
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President John F. Kennedy, his
brother Robert F. Kennedy, and Malcolm X along with the Civil
Rights Movement and the Vietnam War were at the time all histories
yet to be contemplated in textbooks and explored in social analyses.
The device of television changed history into reality and on a
daily basis, the American citizenship became more acutely aware
of the critical issues in this country. It was evident that response
to injustices and inequality among the populations did not always
assume a passive posture.
In many instances, protest emerged in the formation of caucuses
convened and organized to keep parent organizations abreast of
the unique needs of their African American constituencies. John
A. Axum regarded this phenomenon as a means "to mobilize the power
necessary to ensure that the fullest and most relevant library
service is made available to black people."1 He urged that all
in the field including librarians, trustees and others need to
make even more wide-spread use of this approach as a means of
furthering black liberation.2
Several professional organizations are enhanced by the presence
of caucuses including political scientists, social workers, attorneys,
dentists and physicians, and teachers. Politically, the influential
and ubiquitous Congressional Black Caucus in the United States
House of Representatives since its inception in 1973, has helped
shaped public policy and legislation.
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