FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 3, 2025
Media Contact
Yolanda Raine, CBCF, VP Marketing and Communications
Email: Media@cbcfinc.org
Phone: (202) 809-2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) proudly hosted a ceremonial swearing-in at The Anthem in Washington, D.C, honoring the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) of the 119th Congress. The momentous event welcomed returning and newly elected CBC members as they take on their critical mission to prioritize the needs of the people and champion equity, civil rights, and access for all—especially within the global Black community.
“We’re here to celebrate the members of the Congressional Black Caucus and mark our Foundation’s achievements with our mission to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public,” said CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery. “The Congressional Black Caucus has never been in a stronger position than it is today with the strength to meet every challenge and make a lasting impact.”
The ceremony featured White House Correspondent April Ryan, for the Grio, as the mistress of ceremonies and welcomed special guests, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and New York Attorney General Letitia James. It celebrated a historic milestone with the swearing-in of 62 CBC members—the second consecutive year the CBC has reached a record number of members. The event also observed outgoing CBC Chair Rep. Steven Horsford for his leadership as he passed the torch to newly elected CBC Chair Rep. Yvette D Clarke.
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the 28th Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, and I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues and to all of you and our supporters across the Nation for the trust and confidence you have placed in each of us to serve,” said Rep. Steven Horsford. “We’ve always focused on justice, equity, and opportunity issues for the communities we serve. The legacy that we work to uphold is a testament to the power of our unity as a people, the importance of our collective action, and the belief that change through public service is still possible.”
“We have fresh ammunition in our fight. In addition to our long-serving members, we have new representatives and senators with new ideas, new enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives that will help us now and in the long run — because we know this is a long struggle,” said CBC Chair Rep. Yvette D. Clarke. “As that work continues, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to play a part in it, for the support of my colleagues, and the strength of all our people.”
Attendees included prominent leaders, advocates, and supporters nationwide, reflecting the widespread commitment to advancing justice and opportunity. The ceremony highlighted the CBC’s collective vision of serving as champions for the voiceless and catalysts for transformative change. Newly sworn-in CBC members were charged with ensuring the work of the people remains their utmost priority, igniting a renewed call to action for equity and justice.
“Today, we renew our pledge to fight the racism that continues to plague our nation, to correct inequities in health care, criminal justice, education, voter access, and so many rights and benefits that are part and parcel of what it means to be an American,” said CBCF Board Chair Rep. Terri A. Sewell. “We also celebrate and welcome the new voices joining the Congressional Black Caucus. They are a critical part of our work. Now more than ever, we need the new ideas and fresh energy of our new CBC members to continue to move us forward.”
“The CBC is a family filled with phenomenal public servants standing on the shoulders of giants; while the cast of characters might change, the cast’s character never changes,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. “We are called again to rise to the occasion with the leadership of the CBC, who has been steadfast and unwavering.”
“This is a history-making CBC, and yet this is a body that understands that making history is not the assignment, said Governor of Maryland Wes Moore.“At times when the ground below us was shaky, the CBC provided us the stability that we need now as much as ever.”
To view the full ceremony, visit the CBCF’s official YouTube Channel.
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ABOUT THE CBC
Since its establishment in 1971, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has been committed to using the full Constitutional power, statutory authority, and financial resources of the federal government to ensure that African Americans and other marginalized communities in the United States have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. The Caucus is Chaired by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. As part of this commitment, the CBC has fought for the past 48 years to empower these citizens and address their legislative concerns.
ABOUT THE CBCF
Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org.