North Carolina Congressman G. K. Butterfield Jr., has just been selected as the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, as position that will begin later this month.
Butterfield a native of Wilson, North Carolina graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and sociology in 1969. He went on to receive a Juris Doctor from NCCU’s school of law in 1974. It was there that he developed a interest in politics and civil rights. During the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, he organized a student march from the state Capitol in Raleigh to the Wilson County Courthouse to dramatize the importance of voter registration and he registered to vote for the first time. After receiving his Juris Doctorate he began a career as a civil rights attorney.
Butterfield won election as resident superior court judge for the First Judicial Division, and for 12 years, he presided over civil and criminal courts in 46 counties throughout North Carolina. His career in politics and public service continued to flourish from there including the pivotal moment when Former North Carolina Governor Mike Easley appointed him to the North Carolina Supreme Court. This was followed by his election into the House of Representatives in 2004. By 2007 he was appointed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Jim Clyburn to serve as one of eight chief deputy whips whose responsibilities are to assist in the formulation of Democratic policy.
Attributing his success to his upbringing & roots in North Carolina, his father, G.K Butterfield Sr., was an elected official and a dentist who graduated from Meharry Dental College. His father went on to practice his dentistry for over 50 years in rural, poor and segregated East Wilson, North Carolina. Butterfield, showing his gratitude to the CBC stated “I’m moved by the unwavering support the Congressional Black Caucus has shown me throughout the years, Each year they’ve continued to elect me to senior positions within the caucus, solidifying their confidence in me to help steer and now lead the conscience of the Congress as chair. I do not take this endorsement lightly,”
We wish Congressman Butterfield the best in his new position. If you would like to make a donation to his alma mater North Carolina Central University, Click HERE