Blockbusting the Black Caucus

In a letter asking admission to the 17-member congressional Black Caucus, California Democrat Fortney H. Stark Jr. conceded that "I lack an implicit qualification." The lack was skin-deep: Stark, who has many black constituents, is white. Caucus Chairman Charles Rangel of Harlem was not too pleased.

"It would be difficult," he said, "for the Black Caucus to change its the name to the 'integrated caucus.' " If the caucus lets in just one white, how many others might request entry? Several white Congressmen have asked for some association with the caucus, but not full membership. Inclinations toward integration are clearly working both ways these days on Capitol Hill.

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