On May 23rd 2018, my friend and fellow African Immigrant, State Representative Activist, Ms. Ilhan Omar met up and had a conversation about our vibrant immigrant communities in Minnesota and she promised 'coming back to DC'.

Today, she is on the ballot to run for Congress and has been endorsed by several prominent organizations and personalities, including Ms. Alexandra Ocazio Cortez.

Then it hit me! Wait, what if Ilhan Omar and other African immigrants win elections, get to Congress and are not admitted into the Congressional Black Caucus?

Afterall, another Black Immigrant, Congressman Adriano Espallait has been denied membership into the Congressional Black Caucus, the official reasons from CBC?

Apparently because the CBC, has never has a member who is multi-ethnic or part of two ethnic groups.

That is actually false. Senator Kamala Harris of California, Congressman Al Green and Congressman Bobby Scott are part of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and part of the Congressional Black Caucus.

So, we fear that the reason why Congressman Espalliat is not part of the CBC is because he is foreign-born, Black man.

If this is not the case, then, CBC please admit Congressman Espaillait or clarify your stance on Black immigrants.

Thanks,

Sylvie Bello

Cameroon American Council

Twitter: @CamAmerCouncil