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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.

The post Rooted in Service. Ready to Engage. Rising in Impact. 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.

As we enter 2026, the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) is tracking five key areas—healthcare, immigration, technology, voting rights, and the workforce—where recent legislation, executive actions, and court rulings will have lasting impacts on Black life, economic security, and civic participation. Read below and stay tuned for CPAR’s latest research all year long.

Healthcare

• In July 2025, President Trump signed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, into law—the largest cut to Medicaid in the program’s history. Black Americans, who make up over 20% of Medicaid recipients, are disproportionately affected. Coverage changes will take effect this November and will create devastating gaps for the most vulnerable Americans.
• H.R. 1 also mandates an 80-hour per month work requirement for Medicaid recipientsages 19-64 under state expansions. With limited access to transportation, many will face new barriers to coverage. While mandatory in 2027, states can begin implementation effective immediately.
• The lack of healthcare coverage will not only impact low-income Black Americans. The expiration of Affordable Care Act premium tax credits on December 31, 2025 leaves an estimated 20 million Americans with higher healthcare costs.

Immigration

• The Trump Administration’s immigration policies have stoked fear in immigrant communities through increased surveillance and policing. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in schools, healthcare facilities, and neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland have targeted undocumented immigrants based on skin color. ICE officials have also wrongfully detained several US citizens in the pursuit of these orders.
• On February 3, 2026, Temporary Protected Status for Haitian nationals is set to end, putting over 300,000 people at risk of arrest or deportation. President Trump has also targeted Somali communities in Minnesota, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, a first-generation Somali immigrant.
• The Supreme Court is now reviewing the constitutionality of President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship, the long-standing constitutional principle that guarantees citizenship to anyone born on US soil. The decision could narrow the scope of the 14th Amendment, with implications extending beyond immigration policy.

Technology

• Artificial intelligence (AI) was a top issue in 2025. The Trump Administration declared a “golden age of AI,” pushing for the expansion of AI data centers and encouraging innovation over safety and equity. In December, President Trump issued an executive order preventing states from enacting stricter AI regulations.
• Left unchecked, AI can worsen online racial discrimination and mental health challenges for Black youth. AI data centers also drive up energy costs and have been linked to respiratory illnesses and cancer, particularly in predominantly Black communities. Algorithmic bias can further block access to jobs and home loans.
• In order to mitigate these efforts, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Yvette D. Clarke recently introduced the AI Civil Rights Act, to hold tech companies accountable for harm caused by their AI tools.

Voting Rights

• In August 2025, Texas began an unprecedented effort to redraw its electoral maps five years ahead of the 2030 Census. Activists sued, arguing that the maps dilute the votes of minorities, but the US Supreme Court allowed Republican legislators in Texas to implement the new map. In response, over a dozen states across the country are considering revising their maps ahead of the November 2026 election, potentially changing ballots and polling locations.
• President Trump, a vocal opponent of mail-in voting, is reportedly preparing an executive order to restrict eligibility. The CBCF’s Voting Rights Scorecard has information on voting laws, including mail-in voting, in 15 key states to help Black communities stay informed and prepared to vote on November 3, 2026.
• The 2026 midterms will carry significant implications for Black communities, as thin Republican majorities in the House and Senate could shift. If Democrats regain the House, Congressional Black Caucus Member and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is likely to become the first Black Speaker of the House.

Workforce

• Federal reductions in force, the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and the rapid expansion of AI automation are reshaping the labor market and hitting Black workers the hardest. Last year, over 200,000 civil-service employees separated from the federal government, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
• In 2023, Black Americans made up 18% of the federal workforce, and the Trump Administration’s anti-DEI policies have eliminated positions and halted the recruitment efforts that build a more diverse civil service. Similar rollbacks are now occurring in the private sector and in higher education, as institutions defund programs that support marginalized workers and students while courts consider the legality of these actions.
• Black Americans are overrepresented in service and manufacturing industries. By embracing AI automation in factories and call centers, corporations are eliminating job opportunities for people of color. In 2026, the Black unemployment rate reached 7.5%, the highest level since October 2021 and more than 300,000 Black women left the workforce in the first half of 2025. As tariffs and inflation drive up costs, job stability and financial security are increasingly critical for Black families navigating economic uncertainty.

We will be closely monitoring pending litigation, proposed legislation, and executive orders on these issues, as well as other policy developments affecting Black communities, throughout the year. New research on the impact of federal layoffs on Black Americans in the DC metro area and the transportation challenges posed by the new Medicaid work requirements is forthcoming. Visit our Publications page to read the latest CPAR research.

The post Five Key Policy Issues for Black Americans in 2026 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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