Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Holds Grand Opening Celebration and Tour of New Facility

(Washington, DC) Under overcast skies that miraculously held back their thundershowers, the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. inaugurated its new facility located among think-tanks and academic institutions in downtown Washington, DC.

More than two hundred guests attended the afternoon event that started with speeches and a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Members of the CBCF, Inc. Board of Directors, lead by Chairman William J. Jefferson, MC, and President Weldon J. Rougeau, were joined by CBC Chair and Board Member Elijah E. Cumming, MC, and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton.

CBCF President Weldon J. Rougeau presided over the ceremony saying, “CBCF is pleased to be at this location in the most powerful city in the world, surrounded by prestigious Think Tanks and Educational Institutions. The organization is focused on its strategic role as an information broker and developer of strategic partnerships. This building allows CBCF to fulfill its mandate of working as a catalyst for change in four major areas, education, economic development, public health, and African Globalism.”

Mr. Rougeau then introduced CBCF Chairman William J. Jefferson, MC, who said, “Whenever a nonprofit takes on a project of this magnitude, the strength of its leadership is surely tested. I want to thank the Members of the CBCF Board who supported us when we sought to move our operation to this location. It is a major step in the reshaping of this organization as a world-class resource for information on the economic and social well-being of citizens who make up the African Diaspora.”

Representing the 39-Member Congressional Black Caucus, Chairman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), noted that this accomplishment would place the CBCF, Inc. in its rightful place in history. “Long after we are gone, those who come after us will know that the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. was here to do the business of the people, to create educational opportunities, and to make sure we have the knowledge and means to create wealth in our communities,” he said.

DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton welcomed the crowd on behalf of her constituents in the District of Columbia, and praised the insight of the Board Members who made the bold move to relocate in this prestigious community.

The CBCF, Inc. has three major programs to address education and economic development: The Congressional Intern and Fellow Programs allow young people to work in government office and on Capitol Hill, and the “With Ownership, Wealth” (WOW) Initiative, and “Student Homeownership Opportunity Program” (SHOP) are both dedicated to building wealth through homeownership.

The first floor of the building holds the Reception Area, the main Board Room and the Multi-purpose Room. The Lower floor holds the Department of Information Technology, the kitchen, and the Mail Room. The Office of the President including Media Relations and Communications, WOW, SHOP, and the Office of The Vice President for Resource Development are on the second floor. The third floor holds Human Resources, Accounting, and the CBC Spouses Program. On the top Floor, the Office of Education and Outreach including CBCF’s conferences services is located.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the guests were taken on a tour of the ten-thousand-plus square foot building, and they were urged to enjoy the musical selection and refreshments. The Open House was sponsored by Entergy, a firm that is represented on the CBCF,Inc. Board of Directors.

The CBCF is a Section 501 (c) (3) organization, and serves as a nonpartisan, policy-oriented catalyst to educate future leaders and promote collaboration among community and business leaders, minority-focused organizational leaders, and organized labor to effect positive and substantive change in the African American community.