Black History Month

Celebrating former Members of the House of Representatives through memorabilia

Black Caucus Plate (20th Century) by House ArchivesPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus

The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus met informally until it was formally recognized in 1973 by then Speaker K. Leroy Irvis.

This digital exhibit shows memorabilia and images available within the House Archives collections. These items are from various Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC).  An oral history compilation from current and former Representatives and Senators with diverse backgrounds is available at the end of this exhibit or via YouTube @HouseArchives.

Irvis Office (20th Century) by Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus CollectionPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Speaker Irvis with Rep. Hughes (left) and Rep. Fattah (right)

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus by Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus CollectionPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Members of the Black Caucus circa 1989-1992

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus 2 by Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus CollectionPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Members of the Black Caucus circa early 1980s

Alphonso Deal Pin, Fred Noye Campaign Memorabilia Collection, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
,
John White Jr. Pin, Fred Noye Campaign Memorabilia Collection, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
,
Joseph Rhodes Pin, Fred Noye Campaign Memorabilia Collection, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Show lessRead more

Various campaign pins from Members of the House who were involved with the PLBC.

PLBC Event East Wing Rotunda by House ArchivesPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Members of the PLBC in the East Wing Rotunda for an event circa 1989-1992.

Dwight Evans with poster, Representative Dwight Evans, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Show lessRead more

Representative Dwight Evans at a rally for racial equality. 

Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Calendar (21st Century) by Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus CollectionPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

PLBC Calendar, 2002

Paul McKinney Pin, Fred Noye Campaign Memorabilia Collection, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
,
Chaka Fattah Pin, Fred Noye Campaign Memorabilia Collection, 20th Century, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
,
Campaign Poster, Representative James Williams, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Show lessRead more

Campaign materials from Senator Paul McKinney, and Representatives James D. Williams and Chaka Fattah for Congress. 

David Richardson Image by House ArchivesPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Representative David P. Richardson

Dwight Evans with Speaker Irvis and Mrs. Cathryn Irvis by Representative Dwight EvansPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives

Representative Dwight Evans (left) and former Speaker K. Leroy Irvis (center) and wife Cathryn Irvis (right)

Hardy Williams Pin, Fred Noye Campaign Memorabilia Collection, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
,
Leanna Washington Pin, Fred Noye Campaign Memorabilia Collection, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
,
Lucien Blackwell Pin, Fred Noye Campaign Memorabilia Collection, From the collection of: Pennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Show lessRead more

Campaign pins from various Member political campaigns.

PLBC Oral History Project

Turn sound on for clips of oral history interviews.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more

Interested in History?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.