Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Salutes President-Elect Barack Obama
CBCF President Hails the Senator’s Historic Election and His Legacy of Public Service

WASHINGTON – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) salutes Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, the nation’s only black member of the U.S. Senate and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), on his becoming president-elect of the United States.

“We congratulate Senator Obama for succeeding in his bid to become the country’s 44th president and the nation’s first black chief executive,” said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer for CBCF. “This is a proud moment for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Congressional Black Caucus.”

In 1971, the nation’s 13 black members of Congress created the CBC to more effectively affect positive change in domestic and international policy. Since that time, CBC members have passed legislation that has improved the environment, increased employment and promoted education for all Americans. They have consistently led on the issues that will define America in the 21st century. “Now we are not only witnessing a CBC member win the highest office in the land, but also one who represents the Foundation’s mission of educating and inspiring young people to see public service as an honorable and achievable position,” Dr. Scott said.

Aiming for the largest voter participation in decades, CBCF joined other nonpartisan organizations brought together by the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation under the Unity ’08 banner. Foundation staff monitored the outcome of get-out-the-vote efforts from around the country.

“What is different is that the campaign themes of change and hope are no longer slogans – they are truths we all are now living. And that is a credit we all share,” said Rep. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida and the CBCF board chairman. “A new day in our politics and society is upon us.”

The 2008 presidential bid has been the longest and most visible national political campaign in this country’s history. It has attracted international spectators, engaged a new generation and developed a virtual community.

“I lived through the civil rights era and remember when blacks got the right to vote,” Dr. Scott said. “I think now African Americans were more excited on Election Day ‘08 than in gaining voting rights in 1965. I am proud that this country went to the polls in record numbers and did not let racial and gender lines prohibit them for voting for the candidate of their choice. I am proud as an African American that someone of African heritage has for the first time been elected president of the United States.”

Senator Obama was one of six leaders honored by CBCF with a prestigious Phoenix Award on September 27, during the Foundation’s 38th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). The award recognizes those who through their efforts and accomplishments have made significant contributions to society, and it symbolizes the immortality of the human spirit and an eternal desire to reach its full potential.

“In looking at our criteria and what Senator Obama has done through his grassroots and statehouse work in Illinois and his efforts in Congress in working to improve all aspects of American life, and how he has brought the nation together while maintaining grace, wit and a calm disposition – he certainly was most deserving of the Foundation’s highest honor,” Dr. Scott said.

Established in 1976 and headquartered in the nation’s capital, CBCF is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute to help improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities. Each year, the Foundation undertakes significant public health, economic empowerment and scholarship programs that benefit thousands of people across the country. Its stellar fellowship and internship programs are among the largest of their kind in the nation and better enable African-American college students, recent college graduates and young professionals to better pursue careers in public policy and public service.

For more about the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, visit its Web site at www.cbcfinc.org or its You Tube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/CBCFINC.