The annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) took place in Washington, DC at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The CBCF Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global black community. Leaders, legislators and concerned citizens engage on economic development, civil and social justice, public health and education issues. The weekends activities and events was filled with many vendors, guest speakers, dignitaries, and celebrities all coming together. Events ranged from a Gospel Brunch to Semi formal receptions,
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, in conjunction with the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), brought cast members of the STARZ’s network hit shows Power, Survivor’s Remorse, and Ash vs. Evil Dead to discuss the importance of diversity in media. A few of the main characters from Power Omari Hardwick, (Ghost) and Naturi Naughton, (Tasha) were among the guest panel as well as the cast of Survivor’s Remorse, Jessie Usher (Cam), RonReaco Lee, (Reggie) Teyonah Parris, (Missy), Erica Ash, ( M-Chuck) and Ray Santiago, (Pablo) from Ash vs. Evil Dead. The panel discussed how they received their opportunities on being offered roles on their hit shows as well as being minorities within the industry. The moderator for the event, John Gibson, Director of Diversity and Multicultural Outreach, MPAA tried to get the scoop on the last two episodes of Power, but Omari and Naturi were not falling for it. The panel was insightful and funny and they all seem to enjoy the life of a thespian and spoke great words of encouragement.
46th Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner
The main event of the caucus was the Phoenix Awards Dinner at the 46th Annual Legislative Conference, (ALC) which celebrates and honors the achievements of exceptional awardees who are subject experts, industry leaders, elected officials and citizen activists that develop ways of doing services and good for the community. This year’s event was co-hosted by Trevor Noah, (The Daily Show) and Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s Child and Actress). Among the Honorees were Robert F. Smith, Founder and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, The Emmanuel Nine Family Members, Marcia L. Fudge, United States House of Representatives, Charles Rangel, United States House of Representatives, and Hillary Clinton Former United States Secretary of State and Presidential Candidate. Each Honoree spoke words of encouragement and gratitude.
The keynote speaker for the evening was President Barack Obama. He spoke to the masses thanking them for the their support over the years. He encouraged everyone to make sure to get out and vote as this is a very crucial election year. “If I hear anybody saying their vote does not matter, that it doesn’t matter who we elect — read up on your history. It matters. We’ve got to get people to vote,” Obama said. “I will consider it a personal insult — an insult to my legacy — if this community lets down its guard and fails to activate itself in this election. You want to give me a good sendoff? Go vote.” He stated that this would be the last time that he would speak at the CBC as the POTUS, hint, hint maybe he will be an Honoree in the future. The First Lady, Michelle Obama was also in attendance and joined the President for the evening’s festivities. The CBC was not only attended by politicians but celebrities too such as Gayle King, Iyanla Vanzant, Terrence J, Susan Taylor, Trina, Towanda, and Tracie Braxton, Michael Eric Dyson and Roland Martin just to name a few.
Everyone was decked out in their finest gowns and tuxedos. The party didn’t stop there. There were various galas taking place after the dinner that night. We finished our night off by attending the Black & White Gala at the magnificent Renaissance Hotel. Guest DJ was Biz Markie with a special performance by Dougie Fresh! It was a perfect way to end a perfect night!
