The Caucus has a relatively long informal history. It did not formally elect its first Chairperson, Dr. Jean Carew, and four Steering Committee Members, Dr. John Dill, Algea Harrison, Ura Jean Oyemade, and Diana Slaughter until the 1977 biennial meeting. However, it first convened informally in Philadelphia in 1973, and again in Denver in 1975.

Five objectives were outlined at the Philadelphia meeting: 

1) to provide opportunities for Black people who are interested in research in child development to meet and interact, 

2) to establish inter-communication networks between Blacks in this area, 

3) to become acquainted with other groups who have similar interests in Black children, 

4) to adopt a position on the future relationship of Blacks to SRCD and these other groups, and 

5) to discuss issues of significance for Black researchers and Black children.

At each succeeding SRCD biennial meeting, the Caucus continued to meet. Each time, the presence of the Black Caucus in SRCD increased. Several Caucus members (Harriette McAdoo, Diana Slaughter-Defoe, John Ogbu, Vonnie McLoyd, and Sandra Graham) have served on the governing council of SRCD. Other Caucus members have served on the following SRCD committees: Publications Committee, Committee on Interdisciplinary Affairs, Committee on Child Development and Social Policy (currently the Policy and Communications Committee), Committee on Ethnic and Racial Issues (formerly the Committee on Minority Participation), and the Committee on Ethical Conduct in Child Development.

Beginning in 1980, the Caucus began publishing the SRCD Black Caucus Newsletter under the editorship of Dr. Aline M. Garrett who served the Black Caucus for more than 25 years. Published three times per year 47 copies have been published in hard copy format. Future copies of the SRCD Black Caucus Newsletter will be disseminated electronically.