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

Statement from Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, on the five-year anniversary of the death of George Floyd:

“Today marks another solemn anniversary of the murder of George Floyd — a moment that galvanized a global movement for racial justice, police accountability, and long-overdue systemic reform in our country.

George Floyd’s life mattered. And at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), we remain committed to ensuring that his legacy lives on through meaningful action. In the wake of his death, CBCF established the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice — a dynamic and urgent initiative designed to equip leaders, institutions, and communities with the tools to dismantle systemic racism and build a more equitable future. The Institute stands as both a tribute to his memory and a vehicle for the change so many have called for.

Our mission at CBCF — to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public — continues to be our driving force. We know that justice must be pursued in every corridor of power, and our work is centered on that pursuit each and every day.

That mission has taken on renewed urgency following the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent decision to curtail federal oversight of police departments in cities like Minneapolis and Louisville — cities forever marked by the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. These moves risk halting meaningful progress toward accountability and reform in the very communities where change is most needed.

The road to justice is long, and the struggle is far from over. But we at CBCF will not waver. We will continue to prepare the next generation of Black leaders, convene critical conversations, and advance solutions rooted in equity and accountability.

Today, we remember George Floyd. Tomorrow, and every day thereafter, we recommit ourselves to the fight for equity and justice — until the promises of America are real for all.”

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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.

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

“The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) solemnly recognizes the third anniversary of the tragic and untimely death of George Floyd. On this day, we honor the memory of George Floyd, whose life was cut short on May 25, 2020, as a result of police brutality and racial injustice. As an organization dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of Black communities, we continue to stand against systemic racism and violence in all its forms.

The death of George Floyd serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues plaguing our nation. His murder ignited a global movement and shined a spotlight on the urgent need for comprehensive police reform, accountability, and meaningful change within our criminal justice system. It underscored the urgent and ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice that Black communities have faced for generations.

We commend the activists, organizers, and communities who have tirelessly fought for justice and equality since George Floyd’s death. We recognize the strength and resilience of the Black community and its allies, who continue to push for meaningful reforms and demand an end to the violence and discrimination faced by Black Americans daily.

As the CBCF, we remain committed to advocating for change and pushing for comprehensive police reform at the federal, state, and local levels. We support legislation that addresses police misconduct, promotes accountability, and works toward rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

On this solemn anniversary, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of George Floyd, whose pain and loss we can never fully comprehend.

Together, let us work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their race or background, can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence. We must turn the collective pain and anger into meaningful change, ensuring the legacy of George Floyd inspires us to build a better and more inclusive America.”

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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.

The post Statement from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation on the Third Anniversary of the Death of George Floyd appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

George Floyd should still be alive.

Until we become radically honest with the callousness of policing in the United States, we will never reach justice. Until we call out the implicit hatred and dispassion towards Black bodies and lives in America, we will never achieve equity.

Just three years ago, the video of George Floyd’s murder spread nationwide, spurring an uprising for racial justice. As we honor George Floyd’s memory today, we must stop to observe what progress we have made.

On April 20, 2021, Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges against him for the murder of George Floyd and sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. It was one of the few times that the actions of a police officer met accountability. Historically, charges against officers who employ excessive force are rare, and convictions of severe charges are even rarer. While Chauvin’s verdict invoked a sense of progress and confidence in justice, lest not forget that days before the judgment, a police officer shot Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in Minnesota. And on the same day of the verdict decision, Ma’Khia Bryant, a 16-year-old girl, was fatally shot by an Ohio police officer.

“To protect and to serve.”

The number of fatal police shootings has risen over the years. Police killed 1,096 people in 2022—the highest number of people on record. In D.C. alone, police have killed two people this year, including a 17-year-old Black teen. Despite comprising only 13% of the country, Black people face 21% of police contact and 33% of those behind bars. Even more disturbing—but not surprising—is that Black Americans are killed at a much higher rate than whites. While public outrage and protests have led to modest change, there remains a systemically racist barricade thwarting real progress. Yes, bias exists in policing practices, but it also permeates our American legal systems.

Many losses, but let’s count the wins.

Since 2020, we’ve seen many legislative and policy wins across the nation. While these wins are incremental improvements, they do not absolve the fight for more change.

• Indiana passed a policing alternatives and collaboration bill that permits law enforcement with reasonable grounds to believe an individual has a mental illness to apprehend and transport them to the nearest appropriate facility.
• Maryland repealed its Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights — becoming the first state to do so.
• New York City Council passed a bill limiting qualified immunity and making it easier to sue police officers for illegal searches or using excessive force.
• San Francisco launched crisis response teams to respond to behavioral health calls instead of police.
• Washington state adopted 12 new laws that ban chokeholds, require officers to announce their presence before raiding a home and call for exhaustive de-escalation techniques before resorting to force.

It’s not lost on me that fixing our criminal legal system and uprooting the years of systemic racism is a long fight that requires interdisciplinary effort. Yet, it brings optimism to see the number of states that have passed police oversight bills, overhauled archaic laws, and increased police accountability.

Passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2021

The George Floyd bill, re-introduced in the 117^th Congress in February 2021, promotes restricting certain policing practices, enhancing police transparency and data collection, and establishing the best practices and training requirements for police. Though the bill passed the House, it was blocked in the Senate in September 2021. This is the first-ever, valiant piece of legislation aimed at combatting racial discrimination and excessive use of force in law enforcement; therefore, its opposition comes as no surprise. In the rise of police killings, we must continue the work to change the culture of policing, build trust between communities and law enforcement, and hold the criminal legal system accountable.

National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice

As the inaugural director of the CBCF’s National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI), I am reminded daily of George Floyd. His death is personal to me and the work that I do. His killing stirred the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to bolster its position in advancing racial equity. His killing fortified our commitment to combating systemic injustice and the structural and systemic barriers of racism.

As we approach the third anniversary of the NREI, I am grateful for what we’ve accomplished and where we are headed. We’ve produced over 15 pieces of research to inform policy, tackling issues from welfare benefit bans for people with prior felony drug convictions to exploring reparations in Evanston, Illinois. We’ve awarded over $600,000 to 67 HBCU scholars committed to advancing equity, freedom, and justice for Black communities. We’ve accepted over a dozen John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellows, building a pipeline of young, Black professionals to address social justice on the Hill, in academia, in corporate spaces, and more. We’ve held nationwide community conversations, summits, and policy briefings on topics that center the marginalized, expose the broken system, and push for action-oriented solutions.

My work at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is forever tied to George Floyd’s legacy. Three years later, I am proud of the accomplishments of the NREI. Yet, I know that the fight is not over and that the work remains.

The post George Floyd: Three Years Later, The Work Remains appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

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

On Friday, January 27, 2023, the City of Memphis released video footage of Tyre Nichols’ arrest. Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO, CBCF, issued the following statement:

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Tyre Nichols, and to the entire Memphis, Tennessee community. As a national organization with the mission to advance the global Black community, we feel the weight of the enormous responsibility that our powerful mission carries, particularly at a moment when another Black life has been lost due to police brutality.

We have seen this type of tragedy before. Unfortunately, Tyre Nichols is just one of countless other Black lives lost to police violence like George Floyd and Philando Castile. The family of Tyre Nichols, the community and the nation deserve better.  There must be transparency and accountability to help bring about real justice and systemic reform to prevent tragedies like these from happening again. It is imperative that we work in partnership with others to create a criminal justice system that is equitable for all.  The gross display of excessive force that ended the life of Tyre Nichols requires us to not only look at issues  and concerns with the criminal justice system but also to continue examining the deepening generational disparities in health, wealth, education and housing that place the Black community at the center of unequal treatment and outcomes.

Through the National Racial Equity Initiative (NREI), CBCF is committed to combatting systemic injustice and advancing racial equity, human rights, education and community/economic development opportunities for the Black community. Housed in CBCF’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR), the NREI takes an evidence-based approach to inform sound policies targeted to reducing racial disparities caused by racism and discrimination. NREI also strives to provide solutions-driven and proactive policies and practices that produce equitable access, opportunities, treatment, and outcomes for African Americans.

In this moment, CBCF recommits to serving as a resource for convening the nation’s top thinkers, policy makers, and community members  to identify reforms and tools that strengthen the community and to developing the next generation of leaders who will work collectively to ensure better outcomes for all Black lives.

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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.

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CONTACT:
Tory Hairston
202.263.2812
media@cbcfinc.org

WASHINGTON — In a joint statement, Donna Fisher-Lewis, co-interim president and CEO and senior vice president of resource development, along with Paul Dumars, co-interim president and CEO, CFO, and COO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF), released the following statement on the jury decision of manslaughter by former Brooklyn Center, Minnesota police officer Kimberly Potter in the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright. 

“The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. is satisfied that the Hennepin County, Minnesota jury gave justice to Daunte Wright and his surviving family as they reached a guilty verdict in both counts of manslaughter. While we applaud the verdict, we continue to collectively grieve with the family for their loss—a sense of grief that is only compounded as the holiday season approaches.  

Along with the just verdicts in the murder of George Floyd and the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, today’s verdict demonstrates that sustained collective action and civic engagement can make a difference. 

Today’s verdict is another step for accountability and for ending disparities in consequences within our justice system. Yet it is just one more step. We must continue to make even more steps. It is another reason why CBCF continues its unwavering commitment to the critical work of racial equity and social justice as a critical component of advancing the global Black community.

The work continues, the resolve is unwavering, and the commitment remains steadfast.”

To receive updates on CBCF news, research, programs, and events, subscribe to receive the e-newsletter and follow @CBCFinc on Twitter and Instagram. 

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.

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The African-American body is undervalued and unappreciated in America. Even more so, the life of the African-American man, as precious as it is, is in constant danger of being eradicated. As I organized my thoughts to write this piece, I had to ask myself: Why exactly are you mad?

The constant display of rioters by the 24-hour news cycle has distracted people from the issue at hand: American police officers are killing black men. The initial issue is being lost in the jargon of riots and looting. It is amazing how a corner store burning took on more importance than the life of Freddie Gray in the national media.

Freddie Gray, a 25 year old Black man died on April 19, 2015 from injuries sustained in his arrest a week earlier. Though his family requested peace and no violence, rioting broke out all over the city of Baltimore. The idea of violence vs. non-violence is a perplexing concept. There were no riots for the death of Trayvon Martin, and George Zimmerman, who stood trial for the murder of Trayvon, walked free. On the other hand you have Michael Brown of Ferguson, Missouri who was left for dead in the street for hours, who was rioted for, yet his killer, Officer Darren Wilson, was not even indicted by the grand jury. Let us also not forget the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Eric Garner, John Crawford, Tamir Rice, and Tony Robinson; no one has been brought to justice for their tragic deaths. It saddens me that after each Black man is killed we must ask ourselves, “Will the next one be the last one?”

If you are not vehement at the current state of black America, then the problem is not the looters and the rioters, the problem is you. You are failing to realize the harsh parallels between slavery and the present, between Jim Crow and James Crow, Esq. History is taught in an effort to encourage avoiding the mistakes of the past, but also in a way that makes it hard to realize the manifestation of history in different forms.

Malcolm X once said, “Our objective is complete freedom, justice, and equality by any means necessary.” It is apparent that law enforcement protects themselves and their own by any means necessary, but when will we do the same? I urge my readers to do their research, and study black history in conjunction with American history.  Our story is one that others can manipulate if we are not conscious to their efforts. I believe in my black people. I believe in our strength and willpower to fight in solidarity against a law enforcement system that was not meant to protect us but instead to destroy us.

Kelsea is a native of Mesquite, TX and a graduating senior at the University of Texas-Austin where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a minor in African and African diaspora studies.  Kelsea is interning in the Office of Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. 

The post “CBCF Perspectives” OPINION: The Issue is Police Brutality, Not Rioting appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

WASHINGTON—A. Shuanise Washington, the president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Black Caucus, Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF), today released the following statement after Baltimore’s chief prosecutor charged six police officers in the death of Freddie Gray.

“Today’s indictment of six Baltimore police officers in the death of Freddie Gray sends a strong message to a community that is both anguished over the senseless tragedy and suspicious after years of reported police misconduct.

“The charges, including murder and manslaughter, are serious and disturbing. Let us hope that justice is ultimately served.

“Our thoughts are with Freddie Gray’s family and the citizens of Baltimore.”

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WASHINGTON—A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF), released the following statement in response to the Baltimore riots.

“On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., I extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Freddie Gray and to the residents, families, business owners and civil servants in Baltimore.

“The community outcry is valid and can be heard around the globe. However, the violence and destruction that disrupted Baltimore yesterday is counterproductive. It is important to remain peaceful in protest and encourage productive dialogue while we await the findings of the Department of Justice investigation.

“The CBCF joins with other community leaders who are committed to exploring solutions that enhance community trust and address the conflicts in modern, urban policing.”

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Every 28 hours a black man, woman, or child is killed by police or vigilante law enforcement. News accounts about this startling statistic have forced a national dialogue on the ongoing tension between law enforcement and communities of color. The emotional outburst that erupted in Ferguson, Missouri after the death of Michael Brown as well as the fatal shooting of Walter Lamar Scott of Charleston, South Carolina has led the nation to the realization that our criminal justice system needs reform.

It is now more evident than ever that policing in America needs more effective policies to end the systemic pattern killings of black persons by law enforcement. No one is better positioned to enact such new and effective practices than the nation’s top law enforcement officer, The Department of Justice’s Attorney General. There is one problem, however: Senate Republicans refuse to confirm Loretta Lynch as the first African American woman Attorney General of the United States.

On November 8, 2014, President Obama nominated Loretta Lynch, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York as the next Attorney General of the United States, to succeed Eric Holder. A Harvard Law graduate, prosecutor and U.S Attorney, Loretta Lynch possesses not only the academic and professional credentials for the job, but also a strong record demonstrating her commitment to equal and impartial Justice. To her, all lives matter including black lives. In 1997, she led the prosecution of the officers accused of assaulting Abner Louima, a Haitian who, after being arrested in Brooklyn, New York, was assaulted, brutalized and sodomized with a broom handle by officers of the New York City Police Department. The main perpetrator involved received a 30-year prison sentence. Justice was served in part because Loretta was there.

After the Staten Island grand jury investigating Eric Garner’s death decided not to indict the officer who killed him, Loretta Lynch led a federal civil rights investigation into the chokehold death and met with Garner’s family, demonstrating sympathy.

Last year, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) hosted a conference with law enforcement officials, civil rights activists, academic experts, community leaders, and policy makers that focused on building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Loretta Lynch suggested that there is a strong effort needed to ensure police and communities of color are truly seen and truly understood. She explained, “To say that the minority community has a conflicted relationship with law enforcement is a profound understatement. But if you listen closely, you can hear how often both groups are saying the same thing: ‘Don’t look at me and just see the uniform.’ ‘Don’t look at me and assume the worst.’ There is a mutual desire to be understood. We can find commonality from this common ground”.

The Attorney General heads the Department of Justice and is the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government. The Attorney General represents the United States in legal matters generally and is the main legal advisor to the President and to the heads of the executive departments of the Government when so requested. The Attorney General has executive responsibility for law enforcement, public prosecutions or even ministerial responsibility for legal affairs generally.  The DOJ is the central agency for enforcement of federal laws.

By delaying Loretta Lynch’s confirmation for U.S. Attorney General, resolution of our broken justice system will be prolonged. As Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee, stated last month, “They’re stopping the workings of government by blocking the chief law enforcement officer of the United States of America- they can’t step away from that”.

Loretta Lynch is the change we need to reform nationwide policing practices. She has a long history of working with the New York Police Department and understands the situations they experience on a daily basis. She understands the racial tension amongst law enforcement and the African American community. She has proven to be a fair and unbiased legal champion of the justice system.  Loretta Lynch has demonstrated that she is not going to stand for injustice. America needs Loretta Lynch to be confirmed as Attorney General of the United States.

Kenya Metters is a native of Oakland, CA and a recent graduate of Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice and a minor in political science. On campus, she served as members of the Howard University Democrats and Students against Mass Incarceration.
Kenya is currently serving in the office of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18)

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Like so many others, I anxiously awaited the decision as St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch read for what seemed like millions of pages. And then it was announced, no probable cause exists to indict Officer Wilson. Oddly enough, I did not know what to say, I was speechless. Like in most cases when I’m in a state of shock, I quickly became delusional and started to doubt what I heard so I decided to check my social media timeline. Once I saw the uproar with frustration and disappointment on social media, the reality sank in and it was true.  Snapping back to my senses even with my tablespoon of hope, I was disappointed but not surprised.

My attention quickly turned away from my personal emotions as I could not help but to think about the mother, father and family of Mike Brown and the agonizing pain and anger they were enduring at that very moment. I couldn’t help but think about Ferguson and the boiling anger that was about to catapult into the city. I couldn’t help but think about the black young males around the country who watched this unfold before their eyes and now question whether or not their lives matter in this great country we call the United States. What do we tell our boys of color when they witness the same vivid narrative over and over again?

Filled with a bowl of emotions, I am angry, but also I am very much sad.  I am disappointed of the rising epidemic of police brutality and killings of our boys of color around the country but I could not help the tears running down my face as I watched the residence of the city of Ferguson looting, burning down and destroying their own community. I believe in the philosophy of the non-violence movement to protest and advocate. Like President Obama stated, I’ve yet to see a legislation move base on looting or the burning down of one’s community.

However, again, with a bowl of emotions, I play the devil’s advocate, what do you tell a community that has been vividly plagued with the same narrative time and time again.

The reality is, I have never lost my son at the gun of a police officer, and I have never seen my murdered son’s body lying in the street for hours bleeding to Earth as if he was less than human. I dare not say I know the pain and anger that the family of Mike Brown and the Ferguson community because I’ve personally have never endured such pain myself. But from what it looks like, it hurts to the inner soul.  Folks are tired of being sick and tired, they want to be heard and they want to see change now. Again, I don’t condone the violent protests but given the long drag of this justice process, from the four hours of someone son’s body lying dead in a puddle of blood, to the build up of this grand jury decision, to declaring a state of emergency hours before the announcement of the decision, I pose the question, what did you expect to happen on that evening?

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