FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 4, 2023
Contact
Yolanda Raine
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
202-809-2011
media@cbcfinc.org
Washington, D.C. – January 4, 2023 – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) hosted the ceremonial swearing-in of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) of the 118th Congress yesterday at the Anthem Theater in Washington, D.C. The ceremony marks the beginning of the new congress and welcomes returning and newly elected caucus members.
Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, political strategist, commentator, and host of MSNBC’s “Symone,” served as the MC for the event. Throughout the ceremony, remarks were given by Democratic leader Congressman Hakeem Jeffries; Democratic Whip Congresswoman Katherine Clark; 18th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Marcia L. Fudge; CBC Chair, Congressman Steven Horsford; immediate CBC past chair, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty; Chair of the CBCF, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell; and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation President and CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery.
For more remarks, watch the entire ceremony here: The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. – 2023 Ceremony Swearing-In.
REMARKS
Nicole Austin-Hillery
“It is indeed a celebration, not only of the achievements of the men and women who take their sacred oath today, but also of the achievements of our foundation. Our mission has been to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public, and that we have done, and we continue to do this through an abundance of Congressional Black Caucus Foundation programs that address every public policy issue affecting Black communities.
Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell
“Every two years we come together. We come together to swear an oath to support and defend our constitution and to ensure that it protects and empowers all Americans. Today, we renew our pledge to fight the disease of racism that continues to plague our nation, to correct inequities in healthcare, criminal justice, education, voter access, and so many rights and benefits that are part and parcel of what it means to be an American. We also rejoice in our commitment, our unity and yes, our power.”
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
“It is a high honor and distinct privilege to stand before you today as we begin the 118th Congress. Throughout my journey in this institution, I’ve had the opportunity to hold a handful of titles, but there is one title that will always be incredibly close to my heart: member of the Congressional Black Caucus.”
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty
“This day is always special, but for me today is particularly meaningful. It has been an honor to serve as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. We are the single most effective caucus, articulating, representing, protecting, advancing the interest of Black people. We are the voices and the authors of pieces of legislation enacted into law, affecting all Americans.”
Congressman Steven Horsford
“51 years ago this week, 13 members founded the Congressional Black Caucus. These leaders knew then what we know today: the work of our caucus is vital to building up our community in ways that ensure we are not left out, left behind, ignored, or passed up. Today, 58 members of the CBC start the 118th Congress. This is our opportunity to advance the mission, vision and goals of those 13 founders.”
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About the CBCF
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF), established in 1976, 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.