Trailblazers Angela Rye and Jotaka Eaddy were also honored at the closing ceremony of the CBCF 54th Annual Legislative Conference
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Saturday night, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) closed out its 54th Annual Legislative Conference with its Phoenix Awards Dinner, celebrating the work of extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to Black communities, culture and the nation. This year’s program featured strong remarks from former Vice President Kamala Harris, recipient of the evening’s CBCF Board Chair and CBC Body Awards, as well as Maryland Governor Wes Moore. The program was co-hosted by the stars of Prime Video’s Cross, Aldis Hodge and Samantha Walkes. Throughout the night, leaders from the CBCF and the Congressional Black Caucus reminded the audience, which included political, business, and cultural leaders, that despite the challenges faced, those gathered were made for this moment.
In addition to former Vice President Kamala Harris and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, the audience heard from the Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), the CBCF 54th Annual Legislative Conference Honorary Co-Chairs Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Representative Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and the CBCF Board Chair, Representative Terri A. Sewell (AL-07). CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery kicked off the night’s program, with additional awardees including CBC Chair Awardee Angela Rye and CBCF ALC Honorary Co-Chair Awardee Jotaka Eaddy.
The evening took place amidst a constantly shifting political environment, where Black leaders in Washington and cities across the country are battling to protect the diverse and marginalized communities they serve.
The energy in the room was palpable and messages were loud and clear:
Vice President Kamala Harris:
Addressing the sixty-one members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Harris said, “The United States Congress has equal power to the executive branch in our constitutional government. Your work, now, is more important than ever, especially as your colleagues bend the knee and fail to uphold their constitutional duty.” She continued, “CBC, what I did not predict was the capitulation. The universities, law firms, media corporations, the titans of industry that have been so quick to kneel before a tyrant.”
“I’ll tell you who refuses to capitulate, the people,” she continued to say, “A time such as this demands that the leaders in this room remind the people of their power. A time such as this demands that we win the midterms and enforce checks and balances on this unchecked, incompetent, unhinged President.”
“Democrats, we have so many stars and many of them are in this room right now. You are the leaders who are up for the fight. You are leaders who have courage. You are the leaders who will speak truth; the leaders who know that at a time such as this, it demands one thing for sure: we must fight fire with fire.”
Governor Wes Moore:
“I’m not interested in talking about how powerful the President is, or how powerful he thinks he is. I’m interested in talking about how powerful we are. I’m interested in talking about how the Congressional Black Caucus was built for this moment, because the Congressional Black Caucus was built in moments like these.”
“At a time when we are watching the President attempting to gerrymander Black leaders out of office, I want to be very clear – while these other states are determining whether or not they have their maps, so will Maryland.”
“History is not going to remember this administration well. But also, to those that are sitting down and doing nothing, to those that are capitulating – history will remember you worse.”
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries:
“The Founders of the CBC gave us a charge from the very beginning. At all times, we should be charged with standing up for the safety and well-being of our community and of the country.”
“Trouble is all around us. We want to move the country forward; they want to turn back the clock. We’re fighting hard to bring people together; they are tearing us apart. We fight for the people; they fight for the privileged. We believe in truth and reconciliation; they want to erase our history.”
Representative Yvette D. Clarke
“We have the power to meet this moment. We are not only the largest Congressional Black Caucus ever; we are the largest caucus in Congress. We have the policies to meet this moment. Aided by the CBCF, its research, and the young leaders it is developing, we have concrete measures to advocate for equity and the economic development of Black communities. And we look upon this moment as an opportunity for progress.”
CBCF President and CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery
“At the CBCF, we have been providing the data – the hard facts and evidence – that our Representatives and Senators need to combat those who would turn back the hands of time – and bring back the handcuffs of the past. I am proud of the way our leaders have been speaking up and speaking out – and I pledge to them and to you that the CBCF will continue to support and sustain them in the struggle.”
All speakers emphasized the importance of united action in the face of national challenges, aligning with this year’s conference theme, “Made for This Moment: Power, Policy, & Progress,” and setting the stage for continued commitment to a more equitable future.
For updates on ALC and CBCF, follow CBCF on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For the 2025 CBCF ALC media kit, see HERE.
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SOURCE Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
