The Avoice Heritage Celebration showcases the CBCF’s Avoice Virtual Library Project, an online repository that captures the legislative and political achievements of African Americans in Congress, and provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations who make humanitarian contributions to society.

This year’s theme, “Black Veterans on the Front Lines of History”, will honor the unwavering patriotic resilience, commitment and sacrifices of African Americans to the values of freedom, democracy, and justice from the battlefield to the halls of Congress.

“From the heroic efforts of the Tuskegee Airman to the countless black patriots that died protecting the uncertain promise of freedom, we owe a debt of gratitude,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO, CBCF. “The choice to serve our country in such a distinguished manner is to be revered and commemorated. It is an honor to pay respect to the black veterans that have often been overlooked due to the color of their skin.”

Members of the CBC will join attendees to laud the 2018 honorees who have served in the military and have demonstrated their support and commitment to advancing the rights and benefits of black veterans. The evening will also consist of a special “talkback” session with select honorees, including Gen. Powell.

“The respect for black veterans has been embattled with racial tension and hostility since Reconstruction ended,” said Dr. Menna Demessie, CBCF’s vice president, Policy Analysis and Research. “The 2018 Avoice Heritage Celebration offers a special occasion to honor the legacy of those in our community who have endured the tolls of war to protect our liberty. The CBCF will continue to uplift black voices that have been historically left out of the American narrative.”

The 2018 Avoice Heritage Celebration honorees are:

• General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) – Distinguished Pioneer in the U.S. Military and National Security Award for his profile and accomplishments as a historic trailblazer for black veterans. As the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989–1993) and first African American to serve as Secretary of State (2001 to 2005), Gen. Powell’s demonstrated legacy over the course of his illustrious career in the military and foreign service drives a new generation of Americans to public service.
• Sergeant Millie Dunn Veasey, USA (Ret.) – Distinguished Veteran: Living Legend Award for serving as a staff sergeant to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. Sgt. Veasey went on to become the first female president of the Wake County NAACP and in 1986, retired from her alma mater [St. Augustine’s College] as the director of career planning and placement cooperative education.
• Current CBC Veterans – Distinguished Veteran Service and Champion Award in recognition of their military service and demonstrated commitment to minority veterans’ affairs. In addition to their time in the armed services, CBCF seeks to honor their demonstrated efforts, personally as well as through their legislative actions and congressional influence, to uplift and represent minority veterans.
  • Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. [U.S. Army]
  • Eddie Bernice Johnson [Nurse Veteran]
  • Bobby L. Rush [U.S. Army]
  • Robert C. “Bobby” Scott [Massachusetts National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve]
  • G.K. Butterfield [U.S. Army]
  • Anthony Brown [U.S. Army Reserve]

• Ginger Miller, Petty Officer Third Class – Distinguished Veterans’ Rights Activist Award for her tireless efforts to educate the public and advocate for veterans in need. Mrs. Miller, a former homeless veteran turned White House Champion of Change for Women Veterans, is the founder and CEO of Women Veterans Interactive. A national nonprofit organization, Women Veterans Interactive has a core mission of meeting women veterans at their points of need through advocacy, empowerment, interaction, outreach and unification.

Members of the media who would like to cover this event must register at CBCF 2018 Avoice Heritage Media RSVP.

ABOUT 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.

About Avoice
The Avoice Virtual Library is the central, online source of information about African-American political and legislative participation. It is a valuable tool for researchers, educators and students, offering users access to a unique collection of content on the role of African Americans in shaping democracy in the United States. For more information on Avoice, visit cbcfinc.org/avoice.

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CONTACT

Anne Williams

202.263.2812

media@cbcfinc.org

WASHINGTON—The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) will host its Eighth Annual Avoice Heritage Celebration on March 29, at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme, #RootedInEducation, addresses the need for achieving systemic equality and equitable access to education for African Americans. All three 2017 Avoice Heritage honorees demonstrate a commitment to advancing sustainable educational opportunities for African Americans.

The awards reception includes the screening and panel discussion of the documentary, America Divided: The Class Divide, which examines the student achievement gap and school-to-prison pipeline. Democratic strategist and CNN political commentator Symone D. Sanders, will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

“Education in the United States plays a crucial role in shaping the political, economic and social landscape of our society,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president & CEO of the CBCF. “Our honorees have made a profound impact and share CBCF’s determination to provide high-quality educational opportunities and resources for African Americans. The CBCF will continue to be intentional in our efforts to support, inspire and elevate the global black community through education that will help them succeed in a knowledge-driven workforce.”

This year’s Avoice Heritage Celebration honorees are as follows:

• The Honorable Robert C. Scott will receive the Distinguished Statesperson in Education Award, in recognition of his efforts to provide access to quality early, secondary and higher education and dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline.

• Beverly Bond will receive the Distinguished Leader in Education Award in recognition of her Black Girls Rock! Black Girls Rock Africa! and Girls Rock Tech! Initiatives to enrich African-American Girls through leadership, education and positive identity development.

• The Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Family Foundation will receive the Distinguished Foundation in Education Award, for its support of charitable organizations providing access to educational opportunities for disadvantaged children and youth.

The Avoice Heritage Celebration is a fundraising event for the CBCF, a non-profit, nonpartisan educational and research institute. This signature event showcases the CBCF’s Avoice virtual library, an online repository that captures the legislative and political achievements of African Americans in Congress, and provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations who make humanitarian contributions to our society.

To purchase tickets, visit cbcfinc.org/heritage17. For media credentials, or if you are a member of the media seeking access for reporting purposes, please visit CBCF 2017 Avoice Heritage Media RSVP.

ABOUT CBCF
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF), established in 1976, 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.

About Avoice
The Avoice Virtual Library is the central, online source of information about African-American political and legislative participation. It is a valuable tool for researchers, educators and students, offering users access to a unique collection of content on the role of African Americans in shaping democracy in the United States.

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WASHINGTON— The 2016 Avoice Heritage Celebration kicked off the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated’s (CBCF) fortieth anniversary and the 10th anniversary of its Avoice virtual library on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. The Celebration, themed “Because they serve, we soar,” honored the founders of the CBCF (Nira Hardon Long, Albert L. Nellum and former member of Congress Yvonne Brathwaite Burke) and the living African-American members of Congress serving when the CBCF was established in 1976: Representatives John Conyers, Jr.; William Clay, Sr.; Ronald V. Dellums; Charles B. Rangel; Yvonne Brathwaite Burke; Andrew Young and Harold Ford, Sr.

The Avoice Heritage Celebration supports the Avoice virtual library, an online repository chronicling the achievements of African-American members of Congress.

“We know that history belongs to those who write it, and the Avoice virtual library chronicles our legislative history for generations to come,” said R. Donahue Peebles, CBCF board chair. “It is only by recognizing those who have served us in the past that we can build a strong future, and make the American Dream a reality for all African-American men and women.”

“This year’s Avoice Heritage Celebration theme, ‘Because they serve, we soar,’ is fitting for such a landmark year,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the CBCF. “As we reflect on the CBCF’s accomplishments over the past forty years and the breadth of the exhibits the Avoice virtual library has built in the last ten years, we are inspired all the more to forge ahead with bold, new initiatives.”

The 2016 Avoice Heritage Celebration was sponsored in part by Anheuser Busch, ExxonMobil Corporation, National Association of Broadcasters, T Mobile, National Education Association, Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurer, DCI Group and DB Bourbon Candy.

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ABOUT THE CBCF
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated, established in 1976, is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute intended to broaden and elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas. The Avoice virtual library highlights the contributions of African Americans in Congress from the 1870s to present day. Avoice is made possible through partnerships with the University of Texas at Austin, the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center Manuscripts Division at Howard University, and financial support from Dell Inc.

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MEDIA ADVISORY

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2016— The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) will host the seventh annual Avoice Heritage Celebration. The celebration features a reception and program honoring the Congressional Black Caucus members who served in 1976, the 40th anniversary of the founding of the CBCF, and commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Avoice virtual library project. All proceeds from the event support the foundation’s Avoice virtual library project, www.avoiceonline.org, which chronicles African-American legislative history and provides educational materials for the public.

Representatives of the media must submit a request for credentials. The deadline to apply for media credentials is February 18, 2016 at 4 p.m. Space is limited.

WHO:

The Avoice Heritage Award will be presented to: Rep. Yvonne B. Burke; Rep. Ronald Dellums; Rep. John Conyers, Jr.; Rep. Charles B. Rangel; Rep. Harold Ford. Sr.; Rep. William Clay, Sr.; and Ambassador Andrew Young.

WHEN:
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
6:00 p.m. (Opening reception and media opportunities)
7:00 p.m. (Program begins)

WHERE:
The Willard Intercontinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C.
https://www.cbcfinc.org/heritage16/

Visit http://cbcfinc.org, and follow the CBCF on social media for regular updates. Join the online conversations using #CBCFAvoiceBHM #CBCFSoars.
Twitter: @CBCFInc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CBCFInc
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cbcfinc/

About CBCF
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated, established in 1976, is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute intended to broaden and elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas.

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Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) joined those gathered to celebrate Reps. Conyers and Rangel and Toyota for their achievements. Reps. Rangel and Conyers were recognized for their contributions to the legislative legacy of blacks in Congress—and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. for its commitment to cultivating minority civic engagement.in the Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium in the U.S. Capitol.On February 24, 2015, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) honored Reps. John Conyers, Jr. and Charles Rangel and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. during its sixth annual Avoice Heritage Celebration at The Hamilton in Washington, D.C. The Avoice Heritage Celebration is the foundation’s official Black History Month observance, which helps to support the Avoice virtual library. This year’s celebration builds on the National Black History Month theme, “A century of black life, history and culture.

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WASHINGTON— On February 24, 2015, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) honored Reps. John Conyers, Jr. and Charles Rangel and Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. during its sixth annual Avoice Heritage Celebration at The Hamilton in Washington, D.C. The Avoice Heritage Celebration is the foundation’s official Black History Month observance, which helps to support the Avoice virtual library. This year’s celebration builds on the National Black History Month theme, “A century of black life, history and culture.”

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) joined those gathered to celebrate Reps. Conyers and Rangel and Toyota for their achievements. Reps. Rangel and Conyers were recognized for their contributions to the legislative legacy of blacks in Congress—and Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. for its commitment to cultivating minority civic engagement.

“The Avoice Heritage Celebration enables the foundation to continue the important work of our Avoice virtual library—the impact of which will be felt for generations,” said Rep. Chaka Fattah, CBCF board chairman. “Through Avoice, we are able to accurately portray the important role that African Americans have played in shaping our nation’s public policies, which have helped to move our nation forward.”

“Capturing and chronicling the history of African-American legislators is a chief part of our mission to educate the public,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the CBCF. “We are developing a new generation of leaders that understand the lessons of our past and are fully equipped to participate in solutions that improve our future.”

Rep. Conyers, who received the Elder Statesperson Avoice Heritage Award for Distinguished Leadership, celebrates 50 years in Congress and is the first African American to serve as dean of the House of Representatives. Conyers introduced the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Act, which led the way to Dr. King’s birthday becoming a national holiday in 1983.

“I’m honored and moved by this tribute from the CBCF. I’m looking forward to our continued partnership, to win the battle for social and economic justice and the unfettered right to vote for all people. The CBCF is more critical than ever, and we in Congress couldn’t have a better partner.”

Rep. Charles B. Rangel received the Elder Statesperson Avoice Heritage Award, Distinguished Pioneer. Rep. Rangel, who made history as the first African American member of Congress to lead the powerful Ways and Means Committee, was the prime sponsor of President Barack Obama’s signature Affordable Care Act. He is now serving his 23rd term in the House of Representatives.

“I am greatly honored to receive this recognition from the CBC Foundation. Inspired by Dr. King’s dedication to service, I ran for office to fight for equality and help pave the way for others. Since 1971, I am proud to have served alongside tireless members of the CBC in fighting for the shared interests of the Black community. The work is far from over but our efforts have certainly paid off. Given how far we have come and the strength we have built, I cannot wait to see the progress we will continue to make in the future.”

Toyota received the final award of the night, the Distinguished Corporation Award.

“Toyota is honored to receive the Distinguished Corporate Award,” said Jim Colon. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the CBCF and encouraging civic engagement among all citizens.”

Past honorees include Grammy award winner Stevie Wonder, the Coca-Cola Company, and former Reps. Carrie P. Meek and Louis Stokes.

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Feb. 26, 2014–The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) hosted its Fifth Annual Avoice Heritage Celebration tonight at The Hamilton, 600 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC. Anheuser-Busch Companies was the presenting sponsor.

The Avoice Heritage Celebration is the Foundation’s official Black History Month observance and the primary fundraiser for the Avoice Virtual Library project. This year’s theme, “Civil Rights in America,” honored the 50th anniversary of the signing of landmark civil rights legislation.

“Through Avoice, CBCF is preserving an important aspect of African-American history-and our nation’s history,” said U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah, chairman of CBCF’s board of directors.” I am proud of the efforts we are making to tell the stories about African-American contributions to America’s democracy for current and future generations.”

“The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. is committed to chronicling the robust and diverse contributions of Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) members who helped to shape our nation’s public policies,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of CBCF. “The work of Avoice must continue, gathering legislative documents, photographs and historical letters, to ensure we portray an accurate account of African-American impact on our nation’s progress.”

Members of CBC joined White House and government officials during the Celebration, which featured an awards program honoring individuals and institutions that embody the spirit and mission of Avoice. The Foundation presented the following awards:

•CBC Member Archives Award: Rep. Eva Clayton (NC) as a former Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) member who has made great strides in preserving papers for future generations and her commitment to sharing this important history with a global audience.

•Distinguished Corporation Award: Comcast NBCUniversal for its work to decrease the digital divide through its Internet Essentials program and its commitment to cultivating minority civic engagement, public discourse on African-American history and the preservation of important historic artifacts.

•Distinguished Organization Award: Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library for its work in preserving documents chronicling President Johnson’s role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and in making legislative history accessible to communities nationwide.

“Receiving this award from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is especially meaningful to me given the Foundation’s rich legacy of advocating for equality and justice for all Americans, as well as its promotion of participation by informed citizens,” said Rep. Eva Clayton of North Carolina.

“We were honored to receive the Distinguished Corporation Award for Comcast’s work to promote digital literacy and applaud the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s continued focus on preserving the rich history of the contributions of African Americans at the Annual Avoice Heritage Celebration,” said David L. Cohen, executive vice president of Comcast Corporation.

“President Lyndon Johnson would be honored that the LBJ Presidential Library has received the Distinguished Organization Award from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation,” said Mark K. Updegrove, the LBJ library director. “President Johnson dedicated his political life to the promotion of freedom, justice, and a deeper respect for human dignity. This year, as we observe the 50th anniversary of the signing of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, we remember the words he spoke when he signed this historical bill, ‘Let us close the springs of racial poison. Let us pray for wise and understanding hearts. Let us lay aside irrelevant differences and make our nation whole.'”

The Avoice Virtual Library also features interviews with six of the original 13 CBC founders, including Representatives John Conyers of Michigan, Charles Rangel of New York, William Clay of Missouri, Louis Stokes of Ohio, Ron Dellums of California and Delegate Walter Fauntroy of Washington, D.C. through its Avoice in Action series.

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The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) will host its fifth annual Avoice Heritage Celebration, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26, at The Hamilton, 600 14th Street NW, Washington, DC. Andrea Roane WUSA TV9 morning anchor, will serve as emcee.

The Avoice Heritage Celebration is the Foundation’s official Black History Month observance and the primary fundraiser for the Avoice Virtual Library Project. The Project preserves the rich history of the political and legislative contributions of African Americans for future generations.

The event features an awards program honoring individuals and institutions that embody the spirit and mission of Avoice.

WHO: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.
WHAT: Avoice Heritage Celebration
WHEN: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2014
WHERE: The Hamilton, 600 14th Street NW, Washington, DC

The Foundation will present the following awards:

CBC Member Archives Award: Rep. Eva Clayton from North Carolina, former CBC member who has made great strides in preserving papers for future generations and her commitment to sharing this important history with a global audience.

The award will be presented by Rep. G.K. Butterfield and accepted by Rep. Eva Clayton.

Distinguished Corporation Award: Comcast NBCUniversal for its commitment to cultivating minority civic engagement, public discourse on African-American history and the preservation of important historic artifacts through philanthropic or programmatic support.

The award will be presented by Rep. Chaka Fattah, chairman of CBCF’s Board of Directors and accepted by Bret Perkins, vice president of external and government affairs for Comcast Corporation.

Distinguished Organization Award: Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library for the work that has been done in preserving President Johnson’s role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and in making legislative history accessible to communities nationwide.

The award will be presented by Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson and accepted by Mr. Mark Updegrove, director for the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum.

Media capacity is limited. Please RSVP to media@cbcfinc.org

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In 2006, CBCF developed the Avoice Virtual Library to serve as the premier source for capturing the contributions and participation of African Americans in the U.S. Congress. Avoice is designed to document the rich history of political and legislative contributions of African Americans for future generations. The Avoice Heritage Celebration will serve as a fundraiser for the Avoice project.

“African-American members of Congress have helped shape this nation through legislation that has enhanced the American experience for everyone,” said A. Shuanise Washington president and chief executive officer for CBCF. “Our awardees are being honored because they embody the spirit and mission of Avoice. Each has worked to preserve the legislative accomplishments of African Americans, and are committed to cultivating minority civic engagement and public discourse on African-American history.”

The 2013 awardee categories are:

Stevie Wonder The 2013 Distinguished Individual Award	The Honorable Carrie Meek The 2013 Elder Statesperson Award	Time Warner Inc The 2013 Distinguished Corporation Award

The Avoice library includes eight digital archive exhibits that focus on the following:

•  Criminal Justice
•  Education Policy
•  Environmental Justice
•  Origins of the Congressional Black Caucus
•  Voting Rights Act
•  Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Bill
•  Anti-Apartheid Movement
•  Women of the CBC

“Avoice offers users access to a unique collection of content on the role of African Americans in shaping democracy in the United States,” said Marjorie Innocent, Ph.D., vice president of Research and Programs for CBCF. “In keeping with CBCF’s mission to develop leaders, inform policy and educate the public, the site promotes civic engagement among youth through interactive learning tools which highlight the history of African-American political involvement in Congress as well as housing policy issues that are important to researchers, academics, educators and students.”

The archive also features interviews with six of the original 13 Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) founders including Representatives John Conyers of Michigan, Charles Rangel of New York, William Clay of Missouri, Louis Stokes of Ohio, Ron Dellums of California and Delegate Walter Fauntroy of Washington, D.C.

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