The U.S. House of Representatives has played a significant role in Black history, especially since the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Some key points include:

1. Hiram Rhodes Revels, a Republican from Mississippi, became the first African American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1870. He was also the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate.

2. Following Reconstruction, there was a significant gap in Black representation in Congress due to the rise of Jim Crow laws and systemic racism. It wasn't until the mid-20th century that more African Americans were elected to the House of Representatives.

3. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s led to the election of more Black representatives to Congress. People like Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress in 1968, and John Lewis, a civil rights leader who later became a congressman, made significant impacts in the House.

4. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) was formed in 1971 to address the needs of African Americans and other marginalized communities. The CBC has been influential in advocating for civil rights, social justice, and economic empowerment.

5. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of African American representatives serving in the House. Members like Maxine Waters, John Lewis, and Barbara Lee have continued the legacy of fighting for equal rights and opportunities for all Americans.

Overall, the U.S. House of Representatives has been a platform for African American leaders to advocate for their communities and push for legislative change to address racial disparities and injustices.