On this date in 1947, Congressman William L. Dawson of Illinois made history as the first African American to chair a standing committee of the U.S. Congress when he was elected chairman of the House Expenditures Committee (later known as the Committee on Government Operations).
Dawson, a Democrat from Chicago, was a key figure in African American political leadership during the mid-20th century. He was a strong advocate for civil rights and played a crucial role in mobilizing Black voters within the Democratic Party. His leadership in Congress helped pave the way for greater representation of African Americans in U.S. politics.
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