The Congressional Black Caucus of the House of Representatives was the first concerted effort on the part of black representatives to influence congressional party politics. An affiliation of black members of Congress, originally, the caucus was an all-Democratic group representing mainly Northern bigcity districts; it has included some Republican members over the years. It was formally organized in 1971 and is permanently headquartered on Capitol Hill with a director and staff. It maintains political liaison with other black groups and promotes a black agenda to influence and promote economic, social, and political goals favored by African Americans. Michigan congressman Charles C. Diggs Jr. was the founder and first head of the organization.