Media Contact
Jennifer Cho
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202.263.2800

WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 9, 2026 — Nicole Austin-Hillery, President & CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), has been named a 2026 Power 50 Woman of Influence by the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC). This prestigious national recognition honors exceptional women who are shaping industries, advancing communities, and driving meaningful economic and cultural impact.

Selected from a distinguished group of leaders across business, media, public service, and entrepreneurship, the Power 50 Women of Influence represent a dynamic network of trailblazers whose work continues to redefine leadership and expand opportunity on a national and global scale.

This year’s theme, “Women Who Lead the Movement,” highlights women who are not only achieving excellence in their respective fields, but who are also actively creating pathways, shifting narratives, and building lasting legacies.

“On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, I am honored to be recognized among such an extraordinary group of women who are leading with purpose, passion, and impact. True movement leadership is about building bridges and shifting systems so that prosperity, equity, and justice are accessible to all,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, President & CEO, CBCF. “At CBCF, our daily mandate is to uplift the global Black community and champion the needs of all historically discriminated against and marginalized groups. This recognition belongs to our entire team and our partners who work to cultivate the next generation of changemakers and eliminate systemic barriers in all halls of power where key decisions are made from Congress to corporate board rooms.”

In her role as President & CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery has successfully expanded CBCF’s scale by launching transformative new programs, campaigns, and initiatives aimed at advancing the global Black community and all underserved groups. Under her stewardship, the Foundation which this year celebrates its 50^th Anniversary, has significantly strengthened its leadership pipeline for emerging leaders, deepened its influence on public policy research, and expanded its reach in empowering historically disenfranchised communities worldwide.

“The Power 50 Women of Influence represent excellence in every sense of the word,” said Ron Busby Sr., President and CEO of U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. “These women are visionary leaders, barrier breakers, and change agents who continue to redefine what is possible. We are honored to celebrate their extraordinary contributions and the lasting impact they are making across industries and communities.”

About USBC Power 50: The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Power 50 Women of Influence initiative honors dynamic women leaders who are driving economic growth, advancing social progress, and creating lasting, generational impact across industries including business, media, finance, technology, public service, and philanthropy.

The 2026 honorees will be celebrated at the annual Power 50 Women of Influence Luncheon on July 13, 2026, hosted at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C. This signature event brings together an influential network of executives, founders, policymakers, and cultural leaders for an elevated celebration of excellence, leadership, and impact.

About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org. As a 501(c)(3), the CBCF takes no position on legislation or regulatory matters before Congress or any other government agency.

About U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. is the leading national organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. Through advocacy, programming, and strategic partnerships, USBC advances economic empowerment and sustainable growth within Black communities nationwide.

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Victoria Alexander

Ashanti Allen

Rayven Edwards

Cerina Fairfax

Bianca Huntley

Gladys Johnson-Ball

Rev. Tammy McCollum

Nancy Metayer

Throughout 2026, the murders of Black women in domestic violence incidents captured national attention, but the cases that made headlines tell only part of a much larger story.

Black femicide—a term coined by activist and researcher Rosalind Page—refers to the killing of Black women and girls because they are Black and female. While the term has been popularized in the last few years, Black femicide is centuries old and rooted in institutional devaluation and normalized violence against Black bodies. Today, Black women make up 14% of the US population and one-third of all women murdered by men. The anti-Black racism and sexism uniquely experienced by Black women result in abductions, exploitation, and murders that are drastically under reported by mass media compared to that of white women. While significant disparities persist in reporting data and stories documenting the disproportionate harm experienced by Black women, mass media often perpetuates dangerous stereotypes that portray Black women as aggressive, hypersexual, and uniquely resilient to suffering.

Black femicide does not occur in isolation. It exists along a continuum of violence that includes economic insecurity, workplace discrimination, barriers to health care, and the routine devaluation of Black women’s experiences. These forms of structural and passive violence often limit access to resources, reduce opportunities to seek support, and reinforce conditions that increase vulnerability to interpersonal violence. The same systems that render Black women disproportionately exposed to poverty, maternal mortality, housing instability, and workplace mistreatment also contribute to a culture in which violence against Black women is minimized, overlooked, and insufficiently addressed.

Policies that acknowledge Black femicide and protect Black women are scarce. Federally, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women distributes funding provided through the Violence Against Women Act, which was recently reauthorized by Congress in 2022. The act provides funding for programs that address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking throughout the country. However, there are no federal level policies that directly address Black femicide.

State level policy can often serve as a blueprint for effective federal solutions. In 2023, Minnesota was the first state to establish an Office of Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls. Building on this, Professor Tiara Willie at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health created the Screaming in Silence Policy ToolKit, which includes a model law that any state can adopt to replicate what Minnesota has done. The model law includes a customizable comprehensive framework to improve prevention, response, and accountability through better data collection, case review, policy recommendations, community investments, training, and a missing and endangered persons alert program.

In April, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the Protecting Victims Act of 2026. The legislation protects victims of domestic violence by enhancing accountability measures against offenders and protecting the privacy and safety of survivors. Although this bill does not specifically address Black femicide, it is a needed intervention to protect Black women in the District, as the city’s population is 43.6 % Black and 52.6% female. Additionally, domestic violence assaults with a dangerous weapon have increased in D.C., putting many Black women at risk.

Minnesota and Washington, D.C.’s recent efforts demonstrate that action is possible, but more must be done. States and the federal government should adopt policies that specifically address Black femicide, improve accountability, and invest in the safety and well-being of Black women and girls. Addressing Black femicide requires recognizing that lethal violence exists on a continuum with the structural and interpersonal harms Black women experience in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Their lives, like the lives of Victoria Alexander, Ashanti Allen, Rayven Edwards, Cerina Fairfax, Bianca Huntley, Gladys Johnson-Ball, Rev. Tammy McCollum, and Nancy Metayer and the countless other victims on Black femicide, are worth protecting, and our policies should reflect that reality.

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Media Contact
Jessica Josey
Digital Media Manager
202.680.2243
media@cbcfinc.org

In response to the Supreme Court decision in the voting rights case challenging Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, Louisiana v. Callais, CBCF President & CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery issued the following statement:

“The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) acknowledges the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which carries serious implications for key provisions of the Voting Rights Act. As a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) institution dedicated to the nation’s civic health through public education and leadership development, we remain steadfast in our mission: ensuring that the interests of Black Americans, and all underrepresented and historically marginalized groups, are prioritized and protected. The Voting Rights Act is a cornerstone of this mission.

As CBCF marks its 50th Anniversary this year, we are reminded of a founding principle: that we must ensure the perspectives and needs of every citizen are reflected in how we are governed.  A healthy democracy requires the active protection of the rights of all voters, and every citizen deserves a fair and representative voice in it. Our work through leadership development, policy analysis, and the convening of voices underscores this principle.

At CBCF, we will continue to do our part to make sure every person has the tools needed to understand the rights of all voters. We will continue to encourage civic engagement through empowering communities with essential information about how redistricting affects their access to the ballot and local representation.

While legal interpretations of the Voting Rights Act continue to evolve through the court system, our resolve to support underrepresented and underserved populations and to serve as a resource remains unchanged.

We will continue to provide the information and education necessary to help communities navigate these changes. By working together, we can ensure that the fundamental promise of equal representation remains a reality for every person, regardless of their zip code or background.”

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org. As a 501(c)(3), the CBCF takes no position on legislation or regulatory matters before Congress or any other government agency.

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Media Contact
Jessica Josey
Digital Media Manager
202.680.2243
media@cbcfinc.org

Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, issued the following statement on the passing of Representative David Scott (GA-13), who died at age 80.

“We have lost a dedicated public servant with the passing of Congressman David Scott. Throughout his decades of work, he remained a true champion, protecting the agricultural interests of Georgia and our entire nation.

Representative Scott blazed a historic path as the first Black leader to chair the House Agriculture Committee. His time in Congress, spanning nearly thirteen terms, included an unyielding focus on the well-being of his constituents in the bordering Atlanta area and the integrity of our food systems. He understood the intersection of balancing policy with the everyday needs of families in the community he served as he also worked to ensure access to jobs, housing, healthcare, and improvements to local infrastructure. He was also a staunch supporter of our nation’s veterans.

David Scott approached governing with a pragmatic spirit. His career demonstrated a valuable ability to bridge divides, ensuring the priorities of his home state were addressed at the highest level of federal policymaking.

Our thoughts are with his family and the community he faithfully represented. We are certain his commitment to the people of Georgia will serve as a lasting example to those who follow in his footsteps.”

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org. As a 501(c)(3), the CBCF takes no position on legislation or regulatory matters before Congress or any other government agency.

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Media Contact: 
Jennifer Cho
917-657-5626
media@cbcfinc.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On April 16, 2026, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) will mark a historic half-century of service with the CBCF Honors: Legacy and Leadership Gala. Hosted at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, the gala serves as the premier celebration of the Foundation’s 50th anniversary presented under the theme—‘Rooted. Ready. Rising.’ The evening will honor the visionary partners, founders, and supporters who have championed Black leadership and policy advancement since 1976.

Established during the American Bicentennial, CBCF has spent five decades at the forefront of social justice, civic engagement, and leadership development. The 50th Anniversary Gala arrives as the nation prepares for its own 250th anniversary, highlighting CBCF’s role in ensuring that the American promise of equity is extended to all.

“The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation functions as a vital bridge between the halls of power and the communities we serve. This milestone is a testament to the enduring vision of our founders to create a permanent institution dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders and providing the research-driven insights necessary to advance equity across our nation,” said Nicole-Austin Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “As we celebrate this golden anniversary, we remain committed to being a beacon of opportunity and equity for the next 50 years and beyond.”

“This gala is more than a reflection on our past; it is a definitive call to action for the future,” said Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell, Chair of the CBCF Board of Directors. “For fifty years, we have been a cornerstone institution for developing leaders and informing policy. As we look toward the next fifty, we are focused on investments in our mission to ensure the next generation of changemakers has the resources to lead.”

The evening’s program will feature:

• Archival Storytelling: A journey through five decades of CBCF’s influence on American policy.
• Distinguished Awards: Recognizing corporate and philanthropic partners who have been instrumental to the Foundation’s growth.
• Cultural Excellence: A short film premiere celebrating Black excellence.
• …and award-winning musical performers and cultural icons!

The event will convene an influential national audience, including Members of Congress, senior policymakers, corporate executives, and CBCF alumni.

Registration for the event is now open at https://events.cbcfinc.org/e/cbcf-honors-gala

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About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org. As a 501(c)(3), the CBCF takes no position on legislation or regulatory matters before Congress or any other government agency.

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You might call them supporting partners.

You might describe them as community champions, campaign surrogates, life-balancers, or quiet strategists.

But for nearly five decades, the spouses of members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have been something far greater:

Collaborators. Conveners. Catalysts for change. And always — partners in purpose.

Behind some of the nation’s most influential Black lawmakers stands a network of dedicated leaders in their own right — individuals who have transformed partnership into public service and proximity into power for good.

Who Are the CBC Spouses?

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses are the wives and husbands of Black members of the United States Congress who serve in the Congressional Black Caucus. Today, the organization includes 34 spouses — nearly half of whom are men — reflecting the evolving and dynamic face of partnership in public life.

Established in 1976 as a component of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), the CBC Spouses organization advances the Foundation’s mission to inform public policy, educate the public, and cultivate the next generation of leaders.

What began as a supportive network has grown into a strategic and philanthropic force — one deeply aligned with CBCF’s commitment to leadership development and educational equity.

Their work has been highlighted nationally, including in the Washington Informer’s 2024 feature on the CBC Spouses, which captures both their history and their continued impact:

And…They Do What?

The short answer?

They build opportunity.

They open doors that were once closed.

They invest in futures.

From the earliest days, CBC Spouses recognized a troubling reality, Black students were navigating inequitable education systems while federal investments in education were shrinking. Rather than stand on the sidelines, they stepped forward.

Their advocacy helped lay the groundwork for CBCF’s now nationally recognized internship and fellowship programs — initiatives that have shaped thousands of leaders serving in government, business, nonprofit organizations, media, and advocacy spaces across the country.

In 1988, the CBC Spouses established their first education scholarship program. Since then, they have awarded more than $12 million in scholarships, supporting almost three generations of students nationwide. For many recipients, a CBC Spouses scholarship represents not just financial assistance but validation, visibility, and belief. Their presence has been felt in the halls of Congress, in classrooms and libraries, and in communities throughout America.

The impact of the CBC Spouses extends well beyond scholarship awards. They are deeply involved in the work year-round.

• They serve as reviewers and mentors for the CBC Spouses Essay Contest, encouraging young scholars to think critically about public policy and civic leadership.
  • 2025 Spouses Essay Contest Video
  • 2024 Spouses Essay Contest Video
• They power signature fundraising efforts like the Mervyn L. and Stephanie Tubbs Jones Scholarship Classic, generating critical resources that expand access to higher education.
• They show up — consistently — at CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference Community Breakfast and Health Fair, helping expand outreach to families and underserved communities while connecting policy conversations to lived experience.

In visible and invisible ways, they strengthen the ecosystem that sustains leadership development. They serve as ambassadors of mission, connectors of community, and champions for equity.

And they do so not for recognition but for results.

As the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation commemorates its 50th anniversary under the theme Rooted. Ready. Rising., we honor the spouses who have provided a cornerstone of our structure and mission.

Rooted in service.

Ready to respond to community needs.

Rising to meet each new generation with opportunity.

For nearly half a century, CBC Spouses have proven that partnership in public life can be a powerful platform for progress.

Their story is not just one of support.

It is a story of strategy, stewardship, and sustained impact.

And it is still being written.

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Yolanda Raine
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
202-809-2011

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Washington, D.C. – “Today, we mourn the loss of a true civil rights giant in the struggle for justice, equality, and human dignity, the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., who passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of advocacy and leadership.

Reverend Jackson dedicated his life to uplifting the voices of the marginalized and expanding the promise of America for all people. As a protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he carried forward the work of the Civil Rights Movement with unshakable commitment, advocating for voting rights, economic opportunity, health care equity, and educational access throughout the nation and for peace around the world. He was also a trailblazer in elevating the fight for equity to the boardrooms of Corporate America.

Through his founding of Operation PUSH and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, Reverend Jackson challenged institutions, championed inclusion, and held a mirror to our collective conscience, urging us to build a more just and equitable society. His message of hope—“Keep hope alive”—resonated across generations and reminded us that the work for freedom is both moral and urgent.

Reverend Jackson’s two historic presidential campaigns in the 1980s broke barriers and helped expand the political franchise for Black Americans and all underrepresented communities, laying groundwork that would help shape the future of American politics.

In 2018, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation was pleased to present its highest honor, the prestigious Phoenix Award for Lifetime Achievement, to Reverend Jesse Jackson and wife, Jacqueline, in recognition of their decades of service advancing civil rights and social justice, and to celebrate their enduring legacy of challenging inequality and advocating for the disenfranchised.

On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, we extend our deepest condolences to Reverend Jackson’s wife, Jacqueline, his children – including his son, Representative Jonathan Jackson, a current member of the Congressional Black Caucus – grandchildren, extended family, and to the other countless lives he touched. We honor his legacy by continuing the work he embraced with such courage and conviction. His voice, his spirit, and his steadfast belief in justice will remain with us as we carry forward the unfinished business of freedom and equality.

May his memory be a blessing, and may we rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice that he so passionately championed.”

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About the CBCF

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org. As a 501(c)(3), the CBCF takes no position on legislation or regulatory matters before Congress or any other government agency.

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