The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) will recognize musician Stevie Wonder, Time Warner Inc., and former Rep. Carrie P. Meek of Florida during its fourth annual Avoice Heritage Celebration (Avoice: African American Voices In Congress) on February 26, 2013 from 8:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. at the Howard Theatre, 620 T Street, NW. Included in the program will be a musical tribute to Stevie Wonder by music legend Dionne Warwick; hip hop artist Doug E. Fresh; French musician and harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet; singer Maysa Leak and gospel Stellar Award winner Maurette Clark Brown.
In 2006, CBCF developed the Avoice Virtual Library to serve as the premier source for capturing the contributions and participation of African Americans in the U.S. Congress. Avoice is designed to document the rich history of political and legislative contributions of African Americans for future generations. The Avoice Heritage Celebration will serve as a fundraiser for the Avoice project.
“African-American members of Congress have helped shape this nation through legislation that has enhanced the American experience for everyone,” said A. Shuanise Washington president and chief executive officer for CBCF. “Our awardees are being honored because they embody the spirit and mission of Avoice. Each has worked to preserve the legislative accomplishments of African Americans, and are committed to cultivating minority civic engagement and public discourse on African-American history.”
The 2013 awardee categories are:
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 |
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| Stevie Wonder
The 2013 Distinguished Individual Award |
The Honorable Carrie Meek
The 2013 Elder Statesperson Award |
Time Warner Inc
The 2013 Distinguished Corporation Award |
The Avoice library includes eight digital archive exhibits that focus on the following:
- Criminal Justice
- Education Policy
- Environmental Justice
- Origins of the Congressional Black Caucus
- Voting Rights Act
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Bill
- Anti-Apartheid Movement
- Women of the CBC
“Avoice offers users access to a unique collection of content on the role of African Americans in shaping democracy in the United States,” said Marjorie Innocent, Ph.D., vice president of Research and Programs for CBCF. “In keeping with CBCF’s mission to develop leaders, inform policy and educate the public, the site promotes civic engagement among youth through interactive learning tools which highlight the history of African-American political involvement in Congress as well as housing policy issues that are important to researchers, academics, educators and students.”
The archive also features interviews with six of the original 13 Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) founders including Representatives John Conyers of Michigan, Charles Rangel of New York, William Clay of Missouri, Louis Stokes of Ohio, Ron Dellums of California and Delegate Walter Fauntroy of Washington, D.C.