Media Contact
Jennifer Cho
jcho@cbcfinc.org
202.263.2800

Today, August 4, 2026, marks the official 50^th 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 50^th 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

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Washington, DC — The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (“CBCF”) this morning responded in federal court to The American Alliance for Equal Rights and Defending Education’s meritless complaint challenging The CBCF Spouses’ Education Scholarship.  Our response, linked here, makes plain that the plaintiffs are wrong on both the facts and the law and that their lawsuit should be dismissed.  

In response to this morning’s filing, Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation; and co-counsels Jason Schwartz, Partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP; and Alphonso David, Civil Rights Attorney and President & CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum issued the following statements:   

“For 50 years, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has been dedicated to a world in which all communities have an equal voice in public policy including ensuring that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.  For more than 40 of those years, the spouses of CBC members have supported the CBCF’s Spouses’ Education Scholarship program, furthering our commitment to public policy, research, education and leadership development by advancing our mission as an educational institution,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “Today’s motion to dismiss makes clear that the legal challenges to our scholarship program by the American Alliance for Equal Rights and Defending Education—another in their long line of efforts to target groups that advance the Black community—-is without merit. The scholarship is entirely lawful, is an enormous benefit to all students, and will proceed to help countless students and the institutions that educate them.”

“Today in our legal filing, the CBCF makes clear that the scholarship program they support and which the plaintiffs have wrongly challenged complies with the law,” said co-counsel Jason Schwartz, Partner at Gibson Dunn. “The plaintiffs’ challenge is wrong on both the facts and the law.”

“The lawsuit filed by The American Alliance for Equal Rights and Defending Education against the CBCF is on its face baseless. Their misunderstanding of the law and lack of due diligence on the basic facts reveals that something far more consequential is at stake here. This lawsuit is an attack on the speech and debate privileges held by Members of Congress, an indifference to the first amendment freedoms of speech and association that we all enjoy and demeaning to the extraordinary generosity of a scholarship program created by African Americans but open to all,” said co-counsel Alphonso David, Civil Rights Attorney and President & CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. “The CBCF Spouses’ Education Scholarship comports with the law and we expect this meritless lawsuit to be dismissed.”  

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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.

The post Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Files Motion to Dismiss Meritless Complaint from American Alliance for Equal Rights and Defending Education appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Media Contact:
Marc Banks
alcmedia@cbcfinc.org

The Nation’s Premier Gathering of Black Political Power and Thought to Convene in Washington, D.C., as CBCF Marks its 50th Anniversary and the Conference Enters its 55th Year.

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) announced the theme for its 55th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC): Rooted, Ready & Rising taking place September 16-20, 2026. The theme commemorates CBCF’s 50th anniversary and serves as a reminder of a community’s collective perseverance and indomitable spirit.

Black lawmakers held the inaugural ALC, then titled Black Caucus Weekend, in the 70s – laying the foundation for what would become the bellwether of Black political engagement in America. It remains a space where the conversations shaping the nation’s future have always begun.

What started as a convening of lawmakers and community leaders has grown into one of the largest cross-industry gatherings in the country, uniting elected officials, policymakers, thought leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, and the next generation of changemakers under one roof.

“The Annual Legislative Conference has stood the test of time as a homecoming for Black political power and thought,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “This year, that has never been more urgent. Rooted, Ready and Rising captures the spirit of a community that has never waited for permission to lead. It is at once a celebration of what has been built over 50 years and a charge to the generation inheriting the work.”

As the nation’s leading Black public policy conference, CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference offers over one hundred free in-person issue forums and established brain trusts, with select virtual programming over five days. The event brings together elected officials, policymakers, and community leaders to engage on the issues shaping Black communities nationwide.

“The ALC exists so that activists, community leaders, influential individuals, civically engaged citizens, and elected officials can connect and strategize seriously around the impactful work of public policy,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-11), Chair, Congressional Black Caucus. “I am encouraged to know this conference represents so many things to many people, but most importantly, it is a clarion call for our community to rally around what we see as critical to addressing, from economic equity to health disparities, to voting rights and criminal justice reform. This is where policy meets people and purpose. It is where our collective voice can become collective action through strategy and insight.”

“Each year, the ALC offers a vital opportunity to confront the most pressing issues shaping our current social, political, and cultural landscapes,” said Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL-7), Chair, CBCF Board of Directors. “Given everything this year has brought into focus, I am mindful and grateful for all those who paved the way for this convening. I look forward to the uplifting and hard conversations that will undoubtedly help us rise toward a future that reflects the full promise of American democracy.”

The 55th Annual Legislative Conference will see Congressional leaders Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC-12) and Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD-4) serve as Honorary Co-chairs for the five-day public policy event.

“In addition to being a transformative organization that has prepared leaders, uplifted critical conversations, and pushed public policy forward, CBCF continues to serve as an accelerator and change agent,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC-12). “This year the theme reflects exactly that. We are Rooted in our history, Ready for this moment, and Rising to meet what comes next.”

“This year’s conference arrives at a moment when the stakes of Black political engagement have never been higher,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD-4). “Against the backdrop of the current landscape, the ALC stands as both sanctuary and staging ground, a place to recharge, reconnect, and recommit to the work that has defined this organization for half a century.”

The 55th Annual Legislative Conference will see the return of signature events – the National Town Hall, Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast, the Gospel Extravaganza, the Black Party, and the Phoenix Awards Dinner. These signature events, in addition to more than 100 public policy forums, serve as an opportunity to recognize and honor luminaries and pivotal cultural moments. The ALC is the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s largest initiative, funding the essential work of the Leadership Institute and the Center for Public Policy and Research as well as other mission-critical work.

Members of the media are invited to request credentials by August 31, 2026. Please visit cbcfinc.org/ALC.

For Frequently Asked Questions, please visit https://events.cbcfinc.org/e/alc55/page/faqs.

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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 and follow @CBCFinc on social platforms. 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
jcho@cbcfinc.org
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.

The post CBCF President & CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery Recognized Among U.S. Black Chambers’ 2026 Power 50 Women of Influence appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

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.

The post CBCF Statement on Supreme Court Voting Rights Ruling appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

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.

The post Mourning the Enduring Spirit of Representative David Scott appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

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.

The post Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to Celebrate 50 Years of Impact at “Legacy and Leadership Gala” in Washington, D.C. appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

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

media@cbcfinc.org

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.

The post Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Statement on the Passing of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Media Contact:
Tiffany E. Browne
Director, Marketing and Communications
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
media@cbcfinc.org

[Washington, D.C.] — Today, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) officially launches its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, marking five decades of advancing equity, cultivating leadership, and shaping public policy to improve the lives of Black communities and all Americans. Guided by the theme “Rooted. Ready. Rising.”, CBCF’s 50th anniversary honors the visionaries who built a durable infrastructure for Black political influence — one that has endured backlash, retrenchment, and erasure — while asserting the Foundation’s role in shaping what comes next.

Founded in 1976 to support the mission of the Congressional Black Caucus, CBCF has become a premier nonpartisan, nonprofit institution at the center of Black political leadership, policy innovation, and civic engagement. The milestone year reflects both continuity and momentum: honoring the past, confronting the present, and investing boldly in the future.

“This is not simply a celebration of longevity, it is a declaration of purpose,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “For 50 years, CBCF has helped transform representation into real power by developing leaders, advancing ideas, and driving policies that expand opportunity and protect our democracy. As we honor the legacy that brought us here, we are clear about the work ahead and committed to leading with courage, clarity, and conviction into the next generation.”

In addition to its regular programming such as the Scholarship Classic in June and the Annual Legislative Conference in September, throughout the anniversary year, CBCF will activate its legacy through a series of signature events and initiatives that bring the theme to life and engage communities nationwide.

The celebration will include:

CBCF Honors: Legacy and Leadership Gala – a marquee event recognizing visionary leaders and changemakers whose work reflects CBCF’s mission and impact and;

50 Cities, 50 Acts of Service: Legacy in Motion – a nationwide initiative mobilizing communities to honor the Foundation’s history through collective action and service.

Throughout the year, CBCF will convene thought leaders and policymakers through mini Annual Legislative Conferences including one in New Jersey focused on advancing health equity, and a Policy Summit in Chicago — a TED Talk–style convening spotlighting data-driven solutions to the most pressing challenges facing Black communities and the nation — all leading to the culminating Annual Legislative Conference, September 16–20 in Washington, DC, where leaders, advocates, and changemakers from across the country will gather to shape the policy conversations that move the nation forward.

In addition, the Foundation will commemorate the 20th anniversary of AVOICE, CBCF’s digital archive and virtual exhibit that chronicles the history of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the leaders who have shaped American democracy. As a living record of Black political power and policymaking, AVOICE underscores CBCF’s longstanding commitment to preserving history while educating and inspiring future generations.

Together, these moments underscore CBCF’s unique role at the intersection of policy, leadership, and community impact, while expanding the Foundation’s reach and relevance in a rapidly changing political landscape.

As it enters its next chapter, CBCF is grounded in legacy, prepared for the challenges of today, and energized by a rising generation ready to lead. For more information about CBCF’s 50th anniversary and upcoming events, visit cbcfinc.org.

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About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (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 and follow @CBCFinc on social platforms.

The post Rooted in Legacy. Ready for This Moment. Rising to Lead the Future. appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of NAN, the King Day Legislative Breakfast honors leaders who have advanced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice, equity, and opportunity for all. Austin-Hillery will be recognized alongside a distinguished group of national leaders, including former U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.; Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott; BET co-founder and Salamander Collection CEO Sheila Johnson; veteran political strategist Donna Brazile; and youth leader Eric Carpenter-Grantham.

“Nicole Austin-Hillery is a visionary leader whose work embodies Dr. King’s call to develop courageous leadership and expand opportunity for future generations,” said Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell, Chair of the CBCF Board of Directors. “Under her leadership, CBCF has strengthened its impact, deepened its commitment to public service, and continued to prepare young people to lead with purpose and integrity. This recognition by the National Action Network is richly deserved.”

Under Austin-Hillery’s leadership, CBCF has expanded its leadership development pipeline, strengthened its national profile, and advanced initiatives that empower the next generation of Black public servants and changemakers.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network alongside so many leaders whose work has shaped our nation,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of CBCF. “Dr. King’s legacy challenges us not only to remember his words, but to act boldly in defense of justice, democracy, and opportunity. At CBCF, we remain committed to developing leaders who will carry that legacy forward.”

CBCF congratulates Nicole Austin-Hillery on this distinguished honor and applauds National Action Network for its continued leadership in advancing justice and equality.

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