The Congressional Black Caucus is having a problem, a do they or don’t they question over the admittence of a new member to their ranks!

Much debate is happening as they decide wheher Afro-Latinx’s can join their ranks and help fight the cause?

Congressmember Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) is Dominican-American, he became the first Dom-Am member of congress in November!

But should be be admitted to the Congressional Black Caucus?

Congressmember Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.) to their ranks. Espaillat, a newly minted lawmaker on Capitol Hill, became the first Dominican-American member of Congress when he was elected in November.

He has the experience, previously chairing then Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus and recently being a State Senate member. He was a former undeocumented immigrant, so he has valuable life experience too! And he is Afro-Latino!

On his identity he told New York Daily News:

“I am a Latino of African descent. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Cuba or the Dominican Republic or South Carolina or Alabama, the roots are the same and I hope we can build upon that,”

He represents the 13th district, parts of Harlem and The Bronx! His people live their in large numbers, from all sides of his identity!

Many members of the Caucus are weighing in and the debate is raging. What counts as black, how black does a member need to be, is it more about representation, political alliance, pure heritage? It’s a difficult question!

What do you think?

Read some of the members thoughts in Atlanta Black Star’s article here.