FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2026
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.