Maryland
Governor Wes Moore, the late
Sheila Jackson-Lee, Dr. Carla Hayden and Jaime
Harrison honored at gala ceremony that closes out the
53rd Annual Legislative Conference
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The work of the Congressional
Black Caucus (CBC) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
(CBCF) was honored tonight by President Joe
Biden and Vice-President Kamala
Harris – noting that these bodies have helped advance
freedoms for all Americans that are now under threat ahead of
November's Presidential elections.
As he was honored with the CBC Lifetime Achievement award at the
Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner, the flagship event of the CBCF's
Annual Legislative Conference, President Biden noted that his
administration's achievements were bolstered by the actions of the
CBC.
He said, "With the CBC, we went big and we went bold and we are
better off today than we were four years ago. I'm being very
sincere when I say a big reason why is because Congress boasts the
highest number of Black members in American history."
Looking beyond his presidency, President Biden added, "We must
show up; we must look to the future. I'm looking to you to help
lead the way, to help push us forward and be the country we say we
are, a country of freedom, justice and equality and proving that
Black history is American history and Black excellence is American
excellence."
Vice President Harris called on the CBC to leverage its history
as "the conscience of the Congress" to provide a vision for the
future of the country.
She said, "As a proud former CBC member I know first-hand
America relies on the leaders in this room not only for a
conscience but for a vision. The CBC has always had a vision for
the future of our nation; a future where we can see what is
possible unburdened by what has been, a future where fulfil the
promise of America; a promise of freedom opportunity and justice,
not just for some but for all. And today that vision is under
profound threat."
She concluded, "Each of us has a job to do, and the bottom line
is we know what we stand for and that's why we know what we fight
for. And when the CBC fights, we win."
The winners of the 2024 Phoenix Awards are:
- President Joseph R.
Biden, Congressional Black Caucus Lifetime Achievement
Award.
- Governor of Maryland
Wes Moore, Congressional
Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference Honorary
Co-Chairs' Award
- The late Sheila
Jackson-Lee, former U.S. representative for Texas's 18th congressional district,
Congressional Black Caucus's Body Award
- The 14th Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden, Congressional Black Caucus
Foundation Chair's Award
- Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison, Mission In Action Award
Speaking at the event, CBCF Board Chair Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) noted that the murder
of George Floyd has sparked a
renewed commitment to addressing racial inequalities across
American society.
She said, "The racial reckoning, brought about by the murder of
George Floyd has renewed our energy
and our commitment to work for social justice and economic
prosperity; and to close the racial gaps that confront all of
American society – in education, in income, in home ownership, in
environmental justice, in public safety, and so much more."
CBCF President and CEO Nicole
Austin-Hillery added that this year's ALC theme,
"From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices" acts
as a challenge to engage, advocate, and drive change, adding that
every voice and action strengthens our unity and determination,
essential for achieving victory.
She said, "This year, doing what needs to be done means building
the success we've achieved together. It's a long journey, but it's
a journey of progress, and, as you've heard, we're closer than ever
to moving from Vision to Victory, Amplifying Black Voices. And that
theme is a challenge; it's a call to action to you – to all of us –
to engage, to advocate, and to drive change. Each and every voice
adds to our collective strength; every collective action emphasizes
our unity and our determination. And all of those things are
necessary to move us from Vision to Victory."
Awardee Quotes
Dr. Carla Hayden, "Some have
noted that I am making history as the first woman and the first
African American in this post, and that is true. As a descendant of
people who were denied the right to read to now have the
opportunity to serve and lead the institution that is our national
symbol of knowledge is a historic moment, and receiving the Phoenix
Award is truly one of the capstones of my career."
Governor Wes Moore said, "I am
standing before you as probably the most improbable governor in
America. I say that as somebody who had handcuffs on my wrists by
the time I was 11, as someone who joined the army when I was 17,
and as someone who went to a two-year college, but is now standing
in front of you as the 63rd governor of my state and the
first Black governor in the history of the state of Maryland. It is an exciting time for our
state. It's an exciting time for our country and I'm so grateful to
be your partner in the work."
Jaime Harrison said, "As DNC
Chair, the third Black person and the first CBCF intern and CBCI
bootcamper to ever serve in this role, I have been fortunate enough
to use this platform to uplift our voices and fight for our
communities but most importantly to give our people hope. My life
is a testament that in America the son of a teen mom, the progeny
of those who came to this country in chains, forced to pick cotton
and clean houses, relegated to the back of the bus, can go on to
chair the oldest and most powerful political party on the planet,
and pick presidents."
For updates on ALC and CBCF, follow CBCF on Facebook, Instagram,
LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
About CBCF
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
(CBCF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the
global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and
educating the public. Established in 1976, CBCF is committed to
creating and maintaining an equitable society for all. To learn
more, visit cbcfinc.org.
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SOURCE Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
