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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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.

The post Rep. Jeffries Celebration Reception appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Contact
Yolanda Raine
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
202-809-2011
media@cbcfinc.org

Washington, D.C. – January 4, 2023 – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) hosted the ceremonial swearing-in of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) of the 118th Congress yesterday at the Anthem Theater in Washington, D.C. The ceremony marks the beginning of the new congress and welcomes returning and newly elected caucus members.

Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, political strategist, commentator, and host of MSNBC’s “Symone,” served as the MC for the event. Throughout the ceremony, remarks were given by Democratic leader Congressman Hakeem Jeffries; Democratic Whip Congresswoman Katherine Clark; 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Marcia L. Fudge; CBC Chair, Congressman Steven Horsford; immediate CBC past chair, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty; Chair of the CBCF, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell; and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation President and CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery.

For more remarks, watch the entire ceremony here: The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. – 2023 Ceremony Swearing-In.

REMARKS

Nicole Austin-Hillery

“It is indeed a celebration, not only of the achievements of the men and women who take their sacred oath today, but also of the achievements of our foundation. Our mission has been to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public, and that we have done, and we continue to do this through an abundance of Congressional Black Caucus Foundation programs that address every public policy issue affecting Black communities.

Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell

“Every two years we come together. We come together to swear an oath to support and defend our constitution and to ensure that it protects and empowers all Americans. Today, we renew our pledge to fight the disease of racism that continues to plague our nation, to correct inequities in healthcare, criminal justice, education, voter access, and so many rights and benefits that are part and parcel of what it means to be an American. We also rejoice in our commitment, our unity and yes, our power.”

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

“It is a high honor and distinct privilege to stand before you today as we begin the 118th Congress. Throughout my journey in this institution, I’ve had the opportunity to hold a handful of titles, but there is one title that will always be incredibly close to my heart: member of the Congressional Black Caucus.”

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty

“This day is always special, but for me today is particularly meaningful. It has been an honor to serve as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. We are the single most effective caucus, articulating, representing, protecting, advancing the interest of Black people. We are the voices and the authors of pieces of legislation enacted into law, affecting all Americans.”

Congressman Steven Horsford

“51 years ago this week, 13 members founded the Congressional Black Caucus. These leaders knew then what we know today: the work of our caucus is vital to building up our community in ways that ensure we are not left out, left behind, ignored, or passed up. Today, 58 members of the CBC start the 118th Congress. This is our opportunity to advance the mission, vision and goals of those 13 founders.”

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About the 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.

The post Congressional Black Caucus United at CBCF’s Ceremonial Swearing-In appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

WASHINGTON – December 21, 2020 – Today, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) announced a partnership with TV One to broadcast the Ceremonial Swearing-In of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) of the 117^th United States Congress. The broadcast, presented by FedEx, will feature remarks from CBC and Congressional leaders, including Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Steny Hoyer, Rep. Cedric Richmond, Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. Joyce Beatty and Rep. Karen Bass. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will also speak before new and returning CBC members who will take their ceremonial oath. Viewers will be able to tune-in to TV One Sunday, January 3, at 4 PM/3C to watch the ceremony and celebrity performances from recording artists Kenny Lattimore, John Legend and Kierra Sheard-Kelly.

“We are proud to partner with TV One to broadcast this historic event, marking the 50^th anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus,” said CBCF President and CEO, Tonya Veasey. “TV One has been a long-standing partner of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and we celebrate their contribution to help us bring this event to households nationwide during these unprecedented times.”

“TV One is both proud and excited to serve as the broadcast television partner of the Ceremonial Swearing-In of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 117th United States Congress,” remarked President of TV One and CLEO TV, Michelle Rice. “We thank the CBC for its 50 years of service and advocacy in Congress on behalf of our nation’s Black citizens and salute the new and returning CBC members for their commitment to serve.”

For fifty years, the CBC has remained the voice for African Americans in Congress. Over that same period, the CBC has increasingly become a dominant force focused on social, political and economic issues impacting the global Black community. The swearing-in of congressional members is a long-standing tradition that celebrates and signifies the start of a new Congress.

To receive more information on special guest announcements and programming updates, subscribe to receive the e-newsletter and follow @CBCFinc on Twitter and Instagram using the official hashtag #CBC50SwearingIn.

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.

ABOUT TV ONE:

Launched in January 2004, TV One offers a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult black viewers. The network represents the best in black culture and entertainment with fan favorite shows Unsung, Uncensored, ATL Homicide, Fatal Attraction and Urban One Honors. In addition, TV One is the cable home of original blockbuster films including When Love Kills: The Falicia Blakely Story, Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story, Bobbi Kristina and The Bobby DeBarge Story. TV One is solely owned by Urban One, Inc., formerly known as Radio One, Inc. [NASDAQ: UONE and UONEK, www.urban1.com], the largest African-American owned multi-media company primarily targeting Black and urban audiences.

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Contact:

For CBCF, Inc.
Dr. Erica Southerland
202.263.2800
media@cbcfinc.org

For TV One
Lameka Lucas
301.502.6482
LLucas@tvone.tv

The post Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and TV One Announce Partnership to Broadcast Ceremonial Swearing-In of the Congressional Black Caucus appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Anne Williams

202.263.5709

Media@cbcfinc.org

WASHINGTON — On January 3, 2017 the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) hosted a Ceremonial Swearing-In for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) at the Warner Theatre, in Washington, DC.  At the beginning of each new Congress, the CBCF hosts this ceremonial event to honor the legacy of the CBC and mark the installation of its new and re-elected members.  Representative Cedric L. Richmond succeeds Representative G. K. Butterfield as the 25th Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. The 115th Congress is comprised of 49 CBC members, the largest in CBC history.

“Today’s ceremony embodies the CBCF’s mission, values and institutional initiatives to advance the global black community by developing leaders,  informing policy and educating the public,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of CBCF. “The CBC remains an integral part of the foundation’s leadership development programs. We know our progress over the years would not have been possible without the CBC’s courage, sacrifice and desire to help us build a platform for rising leaders in public service.”

The new members joining the Congressional Black Caucus are: Senator Kamala Harris, California; and Representatives Lisa Blunt Rochester, Delaware; Anthony Brown, Maryland; Val Demmings, Florida; Al Lawson, Florida; and Donald McEachin, Virginia.

In addition to Chair Richmond, the executive committee is comprised of Reps. André Carson, 1st Vice Chair; Karen Bass, 2nd Vice Chair; Rep. Brenda Lawrence, Secretary; and Gwen Moore, Whip.

“We’ve assembled this morning to celebrate historic achievements and acknowledge the progress of the Congressional Black Caucus as an institution,” said Rep. Richmond. “Even though it doesn’t look like it does sometimes, the arc is still bending. The 49 members of the CBC are committed to do our part. We will continue to bend the arc towards justice.”

During today’s ceremony, remarks were delivered by Democratic Leader, Nancy Pelosi; Democratic Whip, Steny Hoyer; and Assistant Democratic Leader, James E. Clyburn. The oath of office was administered by The Honorable Cleo Fields, Former Member, United States House of Representatives for the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana. The Honorable Troy A. Carter, Sr., District 7 Member of the Louisiana State Senate served as master of ceremony.

A replay of the live webcast can be viewed here.

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.

The post CBCF Hosts Swearing-In Ceremony for the Congressional Black Caucus appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Anne Williams
media@cbcfinc.org

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2017—The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) will host the ceremonial swearing-in of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for current and newly-elected members of the 115th Congress. Forty-nine members will take the oath of office—the largest in CBC history.

Because space will be limited, media credentials have been issued. However, the ceremony will be streamed live at cbcfinc.org/live

WHO:

The CBCF will honor Representative. Cedric L. Richmond (LA), and members of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 115th Congress. The ceremony will include remarks from The Honorable James E. Clyburn, Assistant Democratic Leader for the United States House of Representatives. The Honorable Troy Carter, Louisiana State Senator, will serve as the master of ceremony.

WHEN:                                  

Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 9 a.m.

WHERE:

The ceremony will take place in Warner Theatre located at 513 13th Street NW Washington, D.C.  This event is closed to the public.

*** Please RSVP for the Ceremony by 2 p.m., December 28. 2016 . ***

Visit http://cbcfinc.org and follow the CBCF @CBCFInc or https://www.facebook.com/CBCFInc for regular updates and information about the swearing-in ceremony.

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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