Rep. Butterfield is Black

Rep. G.K. Butterfield, in spite of his light coloring, is in fact an African American, he avowed on the House floor this afternoon.

"I am often asked about my white complexion," he said. "I am indeed an African American. My great-grandmother was a slave."

The North Carolina Democrat is an active member of the Congressional Black Caucus and a close ally of the House's highest-ranking African American, Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.).

His presence at CBC functions can sometimes create confusion. In one recent instance, a reporter attending a CBC event asked, "Who is the white guy with the CBC?" only to be told by an aide that Butterfield was indeed black. "Wait until he opens his mouth," the aide said.

Butterfield's comment came as lawmakers were giving speeches on a resolution commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the translantic slave trade.