Cleo Fields Sworn In as Congressman for District 6 in Historic Ceremony at Southern University

BATON ROUGE, La. — In a momentous event that celebrates both personal triumph and historical significance, Cleo Fields was sworn in as the representative for Louisiana’s newly redrawn 6th Congressional District at his alma mater, Southern University, on February 17, 2025. The ceremony, orchestrated by Fields' Louisiana Leadership Institute, was not just an inauguration but a reflection of the dedication and struggle that has shaped his political journey.

Fields' swearing-in marks the beginning of a new chapter for the district, which now represents Louisiana’s second Black-majority district, encompassing areas from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. This landmark event also emphasizes Fields' deep ties to the community and his commitment to continue the fight for racial equity and justice in Washington.

Reflecting on his path to Congress, Fields addressed a crowd of young leaders and supporters, emphasizing the importance of perseverance. “When I was first elected 32 years ago, I faced many of the same challenges I face now. It’s always a struggle, always a fight,” Fields said. “But I want young people to understand that if they fall, they can always rise again. It’s real — you can be a member of Congress.”

Fields, who represented Louisiana’s District 4 in the U.S. House of Representatives in the early 1990s, made history by becoming the youngest African American ever elected to Congress. His journey to this point has been marked by overcoming adversity, including the loss of his district after redistricting 28 years ago. “That was a challenge I had to face, but today, I stand before you, reclaiming my time,” Fields declared, as he looked toward the future.

As Fields took the stage at Southern University, he acknowledged the legacy that made his position possible. “I stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way for me,” Fields said. “Louisiana was the home of the first Black man ever elected to Congress, John Willis Menard. When I walk into those halls, I carry the weight of that responsibility.”

A Historic Moment: Hakeem Jeffries Swears In Fields

Joining Fields for this historic occasion was House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who administered the oath of office. Jeffries, a prominent figure in national politics, expressed his admiration for Fields, calling the ceremony “historic” and a testament to Fields’ resilience. “Cleo Fields is a living, breathing example of what Black excellence and resilience look like,” Jeffries said. “Today’s ceremony is not just about the past, but about Black history as living history, unfolding right before us. What we witnessed here today was the continuation of that remarkable legacy.”

Jeffries further emphasized the significance of Fields’ journey, stating, “Black history is both American history and living history at the same time. The inauguration of Congressman Cleo Fields represented that in such an incredible way.” His words echoed the sentiment of the day, reminding those in attendance that Fields' return to Congress is a moment of progress not just for Louisiana, but for the entire nation.

Fields Announces Town Hall Tour Across District 6

As Fields steps into this new chapter of his career, he is already prioritizing direct engagement with his constituents. He announced a series of town hall meetings across Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Alexandria, and Shreveport, encouraging residents to voice their concerns, ask questions, and hear updates on his legislative agenda.

“I encourage everyone to attend a town hall in their community. Your voice matters, and I’m here to listen, whether your concern is big or small,” Fields said. “These meetings will give me a chance to provide updates on my work in Congress and hear from the people I represent.”

The town halls will also serve as a platform for Fields to discuss his priorities in Congress, including economic development, education, and voting rights. Additionally, Fields will address concerns surrounding the Trump administration’s recent policies, which remain a point of concern for many in his district.

Town Hall Schedule:

• Baton Rouge: 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 – McKinley High School Alumni Center
• Lafayette: 6:00 p.m. on Feb. 18 – Clifton Chenier Center
• Alexandria: 6:00 p.m. on Feb. 19 – Mt. Zion Baptist Church
• Shreveport: 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 – Southern University Metro Nursing Center

The meetings are open to the public, with no RSVP required. Constituents unable to attend in person can also join the town halls via Instagram live at @repcleofields_.

A New Era for District 6

Fields' swearing-in ceremony at Southern University is more than just a ceremonial moment; it’s a symbolic victory for Black political leadership in Louisiana. As he embarks on his new term in Congress, Fields remains focused on pushing for policies that benefit the people of his district, from improving education to promoting economic opportunity. His leadership marks the beginning of a new era for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District and sets the stage for future generations of leaders to follow in his footsteps.

“This is just the beginning,” Fields said in closing. “We have a long road ahead, but I am ready to fight for our future.”