The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) hosted the CBCF Honors: Legacy & Leadership Gala, a signature celebration marking 50 years of leadership, policy impact, and community advancement. The evening brought together national policymakers, corporate and philanthropic partners, alumni, and changemakers to honor a legacy rooted in service and a future driven by purpose.

The program was hosted by acclaimed actor Ricco Ross, whose dynamic presence guided guests through an inspiring evening of reflection and recognition. Guests were also treated to a powerful musical performance by Billboard-charting violinist and cultural leader Dr. Chelsey Green, whose genre-blending artistry elevated the celebration.

From tributes to CBCF’s founders and distinguished awards presentations to moments of culture, connection, and celebration, the evening reflected the enduring mission of CBCF—to develop leaders, inform policy, and advance equity.

Explore highlights from this milestone event and celebrate the people and partnerships shaping the next 50 years.

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The 2026 Sojourner Truth Legacy Project brought together leaders, women of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and advocates at the Library of Congress during Women’s History Month for a powerful conversation on Black employment, workplace equity, and the structural forces shaping economic opportunity.

Speakers included:

CBC Women Welcome Remarks

• Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell, CBCF Board Chair & U.S. House of Representatives
• Congresswoman Lucy McBath, U.S. House of Representatives

CBC Women Moderators

• Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, U.S. House of Representatives
• Congresswoman Janelle Bynum, U.S. House of Representatives

Panelists

• Gaylynn Burroughs, Vice President for Education & Workplace Justice, National Women’s Law Center
• Janelle Jones, Senior Fellow, Groundwork Collaborative
• Dr. Gabrielle Smith Finnie, Senior Policy Analyst, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
• Shari Dunn, Consultant & Author of Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work

Together, these leaders explored the rising crisis of Black unemployment, the role of workplace scrutiny and “competency checking,” and the policy solutions needed to create more equitable pathways to economic opportunity.

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The 2025 National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI) Summit brought together leaders, advocates, scholars, and community members for a powerful day of conversation and connection in New Orleans. Held at Southern University’s Millie M. Charles School of Social Work, the summit highlighted the city’s rich cultural history as an essential backdrop for addressing the intersections of criminal justice and education reform.

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive sessions, and community-driven dialogues that centered lived experiences and elevated solutions for systemic change. Speakers and participants, including Representative Troy Carter, shared insights on reimagining justice, strengthening educational opportunities, and building more equitable pathways for Black communities across Louisiana and beyond.

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The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation hosted the 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) from September 24 to 28, 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, convening leaders, advocates, and community voices from across the country for five days of dialogue, strategy, and connection.

Co-chaired by Congresswoman Angela Alsobrooks and Congressman Joe Neguse, the conference featured dynamic policy conversations, the high energy of the Exhibit Hall, and signature events that celebrated culture, leadership, and impact — including the Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast, National Town Hall, Phoenix Awards, and Black Party — all reflecting CBCF’s continued commitment to advancing equity, opportunity, and collective progress.

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At our 2025 Alumni Awards Luncheon (L10), the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) celebrated outstanding CBCF Leadership Institute alumni whose impact spans public service, policy, and community leadership.

This year’s awardees include:

L10 Awardee’s

• Trey Baker, Founding & Managing Partner, Springhill Road Strategies, Summer 2005 Intern
• Marc Banks, Senior Marketing Advisor, MUSE-Creative Co.Lab, Fall 2015 Intern
• Remmington Belford, National Director of Branding, Marketing and Communications, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Spring 2016 Intern
• Evann Berry, Deputy Director of Engagement, Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Fall 2015 Intern
• Anthony Mitchell, Vice President, Federal Affairs, AHIP, Spring 2018 Intern
• Camille Moore, Senior Vice President, External Affairs, 2018-2020 Fellow
• Irlene P. Ricks, Director of Grants Management and Development, Urban One, Inc., 1992 Fellow
• Amirah S. Salaam, Esq., Vice President, Government Relations, Adtalem Global Education, Fall 2007 Intern
• Mentor of the Year: Madalyn Moore, Associate at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, Summer 2021 Intern
• Lifetime Member: Jasmine Payne-Patterson, Senior State Policy Strategist,
  Economic Policy Institute, 2021-2022 NREI John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellow
• Lifetime Member: Olivia Montague de Verteuil, Senior Vice President, Global Strategy, Citi, 2012 Intern
• Alumni of the Year: Charlyn M. Stanberry, Esq., Vice President of Government Relations, NAB, CBC Intern 2013
• Lifetime Achievement Awardee: Rushern L. Baker, III, President & CEO, Baker Strategies, LLC., 1986 Fellow

Thank you to our honorees and the many alumni who showed up for each other. Your leadership continues to shape what’s possible.

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The CBCF Scholars’ Luncheon honored recipients of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Tracking Foundation scholarships, which support academic achievement and reduce financial barriers for students.

The event featured an engaging panel discussion moderated by ShaShrina Thomas, Senior Director at Reynolds, with insights from distinguished panelists Olajumoke “Jummy” Banjo of The Aspen Institute, Ibn Akabar Salaam of WM, and Professor Gayle George of UDC.

The luncheon served as a celebration of Black excellence, leadership, and the power of educational opportunity.

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The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) hosted the 32nd annual Mervyn L. & Stephanie Tubbs Jones Memorial Scholarship Classic in Cambridge, MD.

This fundraising event featured a competitive golf tournament, golf clinic, tennis tournament, social activities, and networking – all to support CBCF scholarships for young scholars across the country.

Special guests included CBC Chair, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, CBCF Board Chair, Rep. Terri A. Sewell, and 2025 Scholarship Classic Co-Chair, Rep. Maxwell Frost and Rep. Emilia Sykes.

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The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation hosted the 2025 Policy for the People Health Equity Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together changemakers across policy, healthcare, and community advocacy. This year’s focus—Access and Affordability in Chronic Disease Management and Prevention—sparked vital conversations on advancing equitable care in Black communities.

From the opening roundtable with CBCF President Nicole Austin-Hillery and The Joint Center’s Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, to the engaging breakout sessions and dynamic Health Fair, the day was filled with action, insight, and impact. Explore photos from the event and experience the energy, connection, and collective commitment to building a healthier, more equitable future.

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The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) hosted the Sojourner Truth Legacy Project to recognize women leaders making a positive difference in the lives of the communities they serve in the spirit of Sojourner Truth’s fearless, courageous, visionary spirit for freedom, justice, and equality. This year’s forum examined critical health issues for Black women in the area of HIV and AIDS.

Special guests included the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair, Representative Yvette D. Clarke, CBCF Board Chair, Representative Terri A. Sewell, Former Representative Barbara Lee, Representative Robin Kelly, and Representative Emilia Sykes.

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The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) hosted a luncheon to honor the remarkable individuals recognized in the Essence Power 40 Government and Politics category. The 2024 honorees included:

• Nicole Austin-Hillery
• Erica Loewe
• Governor Wes Moore
• Representative Jasmine Crockett
• Jotaka Eaddy
• Tanya Lombard
• Chaka Burgess

Special guests included Representative Terri A. Sewell and Representative Steven A. Horsford.

Together, we celebrated their transformative contributions to their respective industries and communities, aligning with CBCF’s commitment to amplifying Black excellence and empowering future leaders.

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