The post CBCF Honors: Legacy & Leadership Gala 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.

***

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.

###

The post CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery Recognized by National Action Network on MLK Day appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

As the federal government shutdown continues, the ripple effects are being felt across communities already bearing the brunt of economic instability. For many Black families, the shutdown is not just a temporary inconvenience; it is another stark reminder of the fragility of economic security in a system where opportunity is not equally distributed. Against this backdrop, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is calling the nation’s attention to what is at stake, and what must be done.

Building Black Wealth: Policy Pathways to Economic Opportunity and Advancement is the latest installment in CBCF’s Policy for the People series. Hosted by CBCF’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR), this virtual summit will gather some of the nation’s most forward-thinking policymakers, economists, advocates, and entrepreneurs for an urgent conversation about how we move from awareness to action in closing the racial wealth gap.

Rooted in the findings of Forward Together: The Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America, a joint initiative between CBCF and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, this three-part virtual series builds on a shared vision: creating sustainable, long-term pathways for Black economic advancement. Each session will spotlight actionable policy solutions that can help families and communities weather economic uncertainty and secure lasting financial well-being. At its core, this virtual summit is both a continuation of this policy work and a rallying call for bold action.

When we think of the racial wealth gap in the United States, we must see it as a defining measure of how policy decisions shape lives. From inequities in the federal tax code and discriminatory housing practices to limited access to business capital, the systems meant to create opportunity often deepen the divide. Our virtual summit will explore three areas where targeted policy reforms can begin to change this trajectory: reimagining tax policy to promote wealth equity, expanding access to homeownership, and concrete investment in Black entrepreneurship.

Tax policy is a powerful lever for shaping opportunity, yet the current code too often limits it. More than half of all Black children are excluded from the full benefits of the Child Tax Credit, while Black taxpayers are disproportionately audited and less likely to benefit from employer-based retirement plans. As Congress debates the future of the nation’s fiscal priorities amid a shutdown, this conversation could not be more urgent. Equity-centered tax reform is not only about fairness, it’s about giving every American family a genuine chance to build wealth and security across generations.

Housing remains another cornerstone of prosperity. For decades, Black households have faced systemic barriers to homeownership through redlining, biased appraisals, and exclusionary zoning. These practices have left lasting scars that continue to limit wealth accumulation. But with intentional, equity-driven federal policy, housing can shift from being a barrier to being a bridge connecting families to stability, opportunity, and legacy.

Entrepreneurship, too, holds transformative potential. Black-owned businesses contribute billions to the economy each year, yet barriers to capital access persist. Recent funding cuts to programs like the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) threaten to stifle progress just as new generations of Black entrepreneurs are emerging in the digital economy. The Summit will spotlight how innovative policy design, public-private partnerships, and emerging technologies can help dismantle these barriers and open doors to sustained growth.

The conversations taking place during CBCF’s Policy for the People Economic Advancement Virtual Summit are not theoretical; they are essential to shaping an equitable future. At a time when millions of Americans face uncertainty due to the federal shutdown, policies must not only respond to crises but also build resilience that endures beyond them. The wealth gap did not appear overnight, and it will not disappear without deliberate, coordinated, and sustained action.

CBCF’s mission has always been rooted in advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. This virtual summit embodies that mission in real time, bringing together those who can shape the policies that will define the next generation of Black prosperity.

Join CBCF and a distinguished group of experts for the 2025 Policy for the People Economic Advancement Virtual Summit. Together, we can move from awareness to action, from vision to victory.

Register today at cbcfinc.org/events

The post CBCF’s 2025 Policy for the People Economic Advancement Virtual Summit Convenes Experts to Reimagine Black Wealth 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. — The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) mourns the passing of former U.S. Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, a distinguished public servant, educator, and trailblazer whose impact continues to shape our nation and this Foundation.

Congresswoman Kilpatrick’s journey from the classrooms of Detroit to the halls of Congress embodied a lifelong commitment to service, education, and equity. A proud daughter of Detroit, she began her career as a public-school teacher before dedicating nearly two decades to the Michigan House of Representatives, where she made history as the first Black woman to serve on the powerful Michigan House Appropriations Committee. Her leadership and advocacy opened doors for countless others to follow.

Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1996, Congresswoman Kilpatrick faithfully served the people of Michigan’s 15th and later the 13th Congressional Districts for 14 years. Guided by her deep commitment to economic empowerment, educational opportunity, and global engagement, she carried her passion for service from the Michigan State House to the halls of Congress. As a respected member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, she championed initiatives that strengthened communities in her beloved Detroit and expanded opportunities for underserved populations both at home and abroad.

As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2007 to 2009, she led with integrity and vision, ensuring that the voices and concerns of Black Americans were heard at the highest levels of government. Her enduring legacy also lives on through the Sojourner Truth Legacy Project, which she founded under the CBCF to honor and empower Black women leaders in public service – a program that continues to inspire generations of changemakers.

The CBCF extends our deepest condolences to her children, Ayanna and Kwame Kilpatrick, and to the entire Kilpatrick family. Congresswoman Kilpatrick’s life was a testament to purpose, perseverance, and profound love for her community. We honor her contributions and celebrate a life that uplifted so many.

May her legacy continue to guide us, and may she rest in eternal peace and power.

###

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 Former Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

The Do Something! Award is a recognition presented by the National Urban League and its 92 affiliates across 37 states and the District of Columbia. It honors leaders whose commitment to service and equity exemplifies the spirit of the Urban League Movement and the essential role we all play in advancing civil rights and economic parity for Black America and other underserved communities.

With a career deeply rooted in advocacy and social justice, Nicole Austin-Hillery has made significant contributions to civil rights and public policy. Prior to her role at CBCF, she served as the Executive Director of the U.S. Program at Human Rights Watch, where she focused on issues such as criminal justice, immigration, and racial justice. She has also worked as a litigator, advocating for civil rights and equality in the workplace. Throughout her career, Austin-Hillery has been a tireless champion for marginalized communities, working to advance equity, opportunity, and justice in American society. Her leadership at CBCF continues to shape initiatives that empower Black communities and address systemic disparities.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the CBCF, I am delighted to congratulate Nicole on this well-deserved recognition,” said Rep. Terri A. Sewell, Board Chair, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “Nicole’s intentional leadership at CBCF reflects her lifelong dedication to advancing justice and equity for Black communities. This award is a testament to the impact she continues to make in building pathways toward a more equitable future.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the National Urban League’s Do Something! Award,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. “The Urban League has long been a force for justice, service, and equity in our nation, and to be recognized by such a historic and vital institution is profoundly meaningful. This award reflects the collective efforts of countless individuals who are committed to creating a more just and inclusive America. At CBCF, we strive every day to amplify Black voices, dismantle systemic barriers, and build a future rooted in opportunity and progress. This recognition inspires me to continue that work with even greater resolve.”

Nicole will be honored during the reception on Friday, September 26, 2025. Please join the CBCF family in congratulating Nicole on this outstanding achievement!

The post CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery to Receive National Urban League’s 2025 Do Something! Award appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

The post 2025 Annual Legislative Conference appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

The post 2025 Alumni Awards Luncheon appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

The Program

This groundbreaking initiative offers full scholarship funding for two exceptional alumni of the CBCF Leadership Institute to pursue master’s degrees at Oxford. The scholars will not only immerse themselves in rigorous academic study but also contribute to practical policy development through the publication of issue briefs on pressing foreign policy and national security topics.

The goal is clear: to cultivate emerging Black political leaders with a global perspective, while diversifying the national security and foreign policy pipeline. By engaging with Oxford’s rich academic environment and the historic Magdalen College, this program underscores CBCF’s commitment to equity, excellence, and global leadership.

Meet the Scholars

The inaugural scholars, Emerald Garrett and Seth Washington, selected for the CBCF–Oxford program embody resilience, vision, and purpose. Both bring with them deeply personal stories of growth, gratitude, and a determination to ensure that they are not the last to walk through these historic doors.

Seth described the honor of being selected as “an immense responsibility to ensure that I am not the last.” For him, acceptance into the program is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a greater responsibility. “With this enriching experience and opportunity provided by CBCF, there is much expected of me to perform at my highest ability. It is my privilege to not only give my best, but go above and beyond to extend the knowledge I obtained at Oxford to give it back and pay it forward to the community at large that made me who I am.”

Along the way, CBCF mentors showed up not only as professional guides but as family. A small but profound moment for Seth still stands out: being warmly embraced by CBCF’s Senior Vice President, Ms. Donna Fisher-Lewis, in the middle of his interview. “This display of concern, care, and love behind the scenes is what CBCF is really about,” he reflected. “It’s an extended family.”

For Emerald, this opportunity is nothing short of a full-circle moment. She recalls her start as an Emerging Leader Walmart Intern in 2017, when the Foundation helped her refine her professional presence and make the pivotal connections that launched her career on Capitol Hill. That experience laid the groundwork for years of service in House leadership and policy—experience that has now led her to Oxford.

“On a big-picture level, being the first CBCF alumna to complete this process is both indescribably exciting and humbling,” she shared. “It means a global recognition of the caliber of professionals and scholars that the CBCF produces. Completing this process signifies my responsibility to throw open the doors behind me for countless other CBCF alumni to continue in this pipeline.”

What excites her most about the Oxford experience is not only the academic rigor of the Diplomatic Studies Program but also the opportunity to collaborate with classmates who are mid-career diplomats and global leaders in their own right. She looks forward to contributing her insights on congressional leadership’s role in U.S. foreign policy, while also learning from her peers’ diverse international experiences.

Looking Ahead

Both scholars see Oxford as a launchpad for transformative growth—professionally and personally. They spoke of embracing new cultures, exchanging ideas with global peers, and stretching beyond their limits.

“I believe this program will unlock and create new levels of opportunity that I would not have otherwise earned,” Seth shared. “This journey and experience are bigger than me—it is for the future generation of leaders.”

Emerald added “My hope after completing the program is to serve as a Foreign Service Officer. The training and reputation of Oxford will open doors, but more importantly, I hope to reinvest what I’ve learned into others coming up after me. That is one of the primary ways I enjoy serving a purpose much larger than myself.”

A Legacy in Motion

The CBCF–Oxford partnership is more than an academic exchange—it is a testament to the Foundation’s enduring mission to empower, equip, and elevate Black leaders on the world stage. By opening pathways into foreign policy and national security, CBCF is not only advancing equity but reshaping the future of global leadership.

As the first cohort embarks on this historic journey, their words serve as both a promise and a challenge: to seize every opportunity, to give back, and to ensure that the doors they walk through remain open for generations of leaders to come.

The post Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: The CBCF–Oxford Partnership 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.  — The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is proud to announce that registration is now open for the 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), the nation’s leading and influential policy conference dedicated to advancing the global Black community. Set for September 24–28, 2025, in Washington, D.C., this year’s ALC will center around the bold and timely theme, ‘Made for This Moment: Power, Policy, & Progress,‘ highlighting the strength, influence, and forward momentum of the Black community.

CBCF is honored to welcome Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Representative Joe Neguse as this year’s Honorary Co-Chairs. Their bold leadership and deep commitment to advocacy and service inspire progress and embody the transformative spirit at the heart of the conference.

“We are in a defining moment for Black America—one where our collective power, civic engagement, and policy influence are shaping the future of this nation,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of CBCF. “This year’s theme, ‘Made for This Moment: Power, Policy, and Progress,’ reflects the urgency and responsibility of this time. With leaders like Senator Alsobrooks and Congressman Neguse helping guide this year’s conference, we are poised to deliver one of the most impactful gatherings to date.”

Each year, ALC brings together thousands of policymakers, advocates, thought leaders, and emerging voices to explore legislative solutions, celebrate cultural achievements, and advance the movement for equity and justice. Featuring thought-provoking policy sessions and the return of signature events — including the National Town Hall, Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast, Community Breakfast & Health Fair, The Black Party, and the Phoenix Awards Dinner — ALC is designed to educate, inspire, and empower, while celebrating Black leadership and progress.

“The Annual Legislative Conference is a vital opportunity to come together, share ideas, and shape policies that move our communities forward,” said Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell, Chair of the CBCF Board of Directors. “By gathering leaders, advocates, and innovators from across the nation, we spark conversations and actions that advance equity, celebrate our culture, and strengthen Black leadership for generations to come.”

For decades, ALC has driven bold action and sparked real change. Now, at a time when democracy faces unprecedented challenges and the livelihood of our communities hang in the balance, the 54th ALC affirms that we are “Made for this Moment,” as we unite leaders to confront urgent issues and chart a path forward.

Registration for the 54th ALC is now open at cbcfinc.org/alc.

For media inquiries or additional information, contact media@cbcfinc.org.

###

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 Registration Opens for Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 54th Annual Legislative Conference appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.