For Immediate Release
August 4, 2026
Media Contact
Jennifer Cho
jcho@cbcfinc.org
202.263.2800
Today, August 4, 2026, marks the official 50th anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. In recognition of this historic milestone, CBCF President & CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery released the following statement:
Fifty years ago, our founders laid the groundwork for an institution built on an unyielding vision of equity, opportunity, and transformational leadership. Today, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), we proudly embrace this significant achievement under the banner of Rooted, Ready, and Rising. We honor our enduring legacy and commitment to advancing the well-being of the global Black community and all people throughout our nation and worldwide.
This historic anniversary is more than a moment. It marks a year-long celebration of our collective impact. Beginning with our inaugural Legacy and Leadership Gala in April and continuing through signature programming, including special commemorations at this September’s Annual Legislative Conference, this golden anniversary invites reflection on five decades of building a powerful leadership pipeline and providing vital policy analysis and research for decision-makers from grassroots communities to the highest levels of government.
When members of the Congressional Black Caucus established CBCF in 1976 as an independent, nonpartisan research and educational institute, they planted the seeds meant to withstand the test of time. We are rooted in the strength, courage, and vision of our founders who built this institution to ensure no community is ever left out of the national conversation when it comes to shaping policy. Their purpose was to construct a permanent pillar of empowerment which creates pathways for current and emerging leaders, scholars, and community members to shape the just and inclusive society we all deserve.
Because of that strong foundation, we are ready to navigate the complex challenges of today on behalf of our entire national and global community. For half a century, CBCF has served as a policy-driven engine for change. Through our flagship internship and fellowship programs, scholarship funds, public health and economic empowerment initiatives, and policy research we have equipped thousands of leaders who engineer progress in government, business, academia, and civil society.
As we look toward the next 50 years, we are rising to meet the future. CBCF will continue to build bridges, foster collaboration, and empower the next generation to eliminate systemic disparities in education, health, wealth, and civic participation.
We celebrate this 50-year anniversary with an abundance of gratitude for our founders, the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, board members, partners, alumni, and supporters. Together, firmly rooted in our legacy and ready for the work ahead, we will keep rising to ensure the promise of equity, prosperity, and human dignity is realized for all people, including Black Americans, that have been historically excluded.
We are especially grateful to our founders including:
- Rep. Shirley Chisholm (NY-12)
- Rep. William L. Clay Sr. (MO-01)
- Rep. George W. Collins (IL-06)
- Rep. John Conyers Jr. (MI-01)
- Rep. Ronald V. Dellums (CA-07)
- Rep. Charles C. Diggs Jr. (MI-13)
- Rep. Walter E. Fauntroy (D.C. Delegate)
- Rep. Augustus F. Hawkins (CA-21)
- Rep. Ralph H. Metcalfe (IL-01)
- Rep. Parren J. Mitchell (MD-07)
- Rep. Robert N.C. Nix Sr. (PA-02)
- Rep. Charles B. Rangel (NY-18)
- Rep. Louis Stokes (OH-21)
Be a part of supporting our mission today: https://www.cbcfinc.org/donate/individual-giving/
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