We are risk-takers, change makers and creative thinkers – and we are here to make a difference.
ALC ‘20
ALC ‘20 brought together subject experts, industry leaders, elected officials and citizen activists to explore today’s issues and solutions from an African American perspective.
Welcome Message WELCOME
Dear Friends and Partners,
“People talk about this as a moment, what we all know is this a movement.”
– Vice President (then Senator) Kamala D. Harris, CBCF Policy for the People, June 2020
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, along with the rest of world, navigated unprecedented shifts in 2020. And, we embraced this movement. We worked to create safe spaces for our program participants and staff, and we took swift action as leaders in a new era of racial reckoning.
In response to systemic injustices felt around the globe, we launched our National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice providing an evidence-based approach to inform sound policies targeted to reducing racial disparities caused by racism and discrimination. The CBCF also led a Policy for the People virtual panel series featuring members of the Congressional Black Caucus and subject matter experts engaging with the public on timely issues and paths forward.
Our Leadership Institute embraced a cohort of interns and fellows who participated in hybrid and virtual experiences. CBCF programming did not cease as our mission continues. We awarded 225 scholarships totaling more than $500,000, as students experienced unique barriers to higher education in addition to the longstanding inequities for Black students.
Due to the global pandemic, the CBCF hosted the first-ever all virtual Annual Legislative Conference. New and innovating conference programming garnered 18,000 attendees and more than 24,000 unique views across 84 policy sessions and signature events broadcasted for the first time on BET networks.
We are proud to report net assets in 2020 were up more than $5 million over 2019.
I and the entire CBCF community are immensely grateful to our Board of Directors, Corporate Advisory Council, staff, alumni, community partners, and volunteers for their partnership in our continued success.
Tonya Veasey, President and CEO
Mission and Vision
Mission
Our mission of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.
Vision
We envision a world in which all communities have an equal voice in public policy through leadership cultivation, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.
Values
Mission Driven: We make day-to-day choices that are aligned with the organization.
Collaborative: We work together to achieve a common goal.
Problem-solver: We are motivated, focused, and determined to find solutions.
Accountable: We hold ourselves accountable to stakeholders, donors, scholars, and to our colleagues.
Proactive: We lead change with self-driven ambition for the success of the organization and ourselves.
Leadership Institute
Our goal is to increase the pool of Black leaders in public service careers and public policy positions through providing fellowships, internships, and scholarships.
Internship Program
CBCF’s internship programs prepare college students and young professionals to become principled leaders, skilled policy analysts, and informed advocates by exposing them to the processes that develop and implement national policies – from Capitol Hill to federal field offices.
Program participants receive housing, a stipend, office placements, and opportunities to meet and interact with professional legislators and leaders working in all branches of government.
CBCF offers four internship programs: the Congressional Internship Program, the Communications Internship Program, the Emerging Leaders Internship Program, and the Pathways to the C-Suite Internship program.
2020 INTERNS
Sharonda Adams
Abiodun Adeoye
Elaine Ansah
Iyana Arrington
Bethany Bass
Lindsey Batteast
Jordan Berry
Kidest Beyene
Jada Bounds
Elijah Bowers
Shayla Britton
Michelle Charles
Derek Collins
Ryan Collins
Elijah Conley
Celina Cotton
Danielle Countryman
Lauren Denton
Destinee Dickson
Kirstyn Dugger
Bernard Elegbede
Talia English
Raie Gessesse
Ty’Keyah Gilmore
Amaris Graham
Mikella Hansley
Shamari Harrington
Tiffany Harris
Camille Herring
Amiri Hill
Keegan Hudson
Chiquita Jackson
Jordan Jefferson
Ashley Johnson
Justin Johnson
Arianna Jones
Leon Jones III
Aleah LaForce
Oluwafunmi Lawal
Irene Lewis
Melanie Magwood
Morgan Manson
Regina Martin
Ayanna McNair Shingler
Melanie Mpanju
Natalie Nawnekwu
Allonna Nordhavn
Araoluwa Omotowa
Desiree Parker
Reine Pink
Troi Pryor
Igdalias Rivera
Romello Robinson
Jamari Rose
Nia Saunders
Jada Sherman
Jayson Singletary
Yolanda Smith
Essence Thomas
Sierra Thomas
Jessica Trowell
Tyirn Truong
Edna Ulysse
Lilian Umetiti
Leah Wardlaw
Alexis Washburn
Brianna Watson
Amel Weaver
Daniel Webster
Itunuoluwa Williams
Triniti Woodson
Justyce Yuille
Fellowship Program
The CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program equips early career policy professionals who are committed to contributing to public policy with the necessary skills to become the next generation of leaders in public service. The program is an intensive 12-month policy training and leadership development program which enables fellows to receive hands-on public policy training as full-time legislative aides and policy analysts. Fellows are paid an annual salary plus benefits. Participants must reside in or relocate to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and are responsible for their own travel, housing, and other living expenses.
CBCF fellowship issue areas include: The Donald M. Payne Foreign Policy Fellowship; Energy; Energy & Environment; Health Policy; Woman and Health Sciences; Finance and Economic Policy; Technology and Cybersecurity; and Technology and Diversity.
2020 CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWS
Leah Castleberry Sector: Technology
Rachel Gentry
Sector: Finance
Naadiya Hutchinson Sector: Health
Nkechi Ilechie Sector: Foreign Policy
Bishar Jenkins, Jr. Sector: Health
Danielle King Sector: Health
Kyle Sheppard Sector: Technology
Meagan Thompson Sector: Health (Women’s)
Cody West Sector: Energy
225
TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOLARS SUPPORTED $525,160
TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
9
LOUIS STOKES HEALTH SCHOLARS PROGRAM, SPONSORED BY UNITED HEALTH FOUNDATION
9 scholars supported
$72,000 in scholarships awarded
192 10 10
CBC SPOUSES EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
193 scholars supported
$389,910 in scholarships awarded
CBC SPOUSES PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
10 scholars supported $30,000 in scholarships awarded
CBC SPOUSES VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
10 scholars supported
$30,000 in scholarships awarded
3
CBC SPOUSES ESSAY CONTEST
3 scholars supported
$3,250 in scholarships awarded
142
TOTAL NUMBER OF ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED 101 Universities 20 Colleges 21 Historically Black Colleges and Universities
National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice
In June 2020, CBCF created the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI) in response to the historically unleveled playing field for minorities, and the national protests and police killings of unarmed African Americans. The NREI’s mission is to combat systemic injustice and advance racial equity, human rights, education, and economic development opportunities for the Black community. Housed in the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR), the NREI takes an evidence-based approach to develop sound policies targeted to reducing racial disparities caused by racism and discrimination. NREI also strives to provide solutions-driven and proactive policies and practices that produce equitable access, opportunities, treatment, and outcomes for African Americans.
The NREI framework supports the CBCF’s organizational mission of developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public with four goals:
To place Social Justice Policy Fellows in the U.S. Congress and the Center for Policy Analysis and Research for 12 months.
To award social justice scholarships to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
To create an NREI Task Force of Social Justice Ambassadors.
To serve as a centralized data and research hub on social justice issues that advance racial equity and human rights and dismantle systemic racial barriers through research, data, analysis, and public policy reform for maximum impact in Black communities.
In September 2020, the NREI welcomed three inagural John Lewis Social Justice Fellows:
Sianay Chase Clifford, Fellowship Class of 2020, Office of Rep. Ayanna Pressley: A macro social worker from Burlington, Vermont whose work focuses on how racism is embedded into the policies of public and private institutions, and how those institutions can transition from causing harm to reducing harm and eradicating the causes of harm, specifically racism and anti-Blackness. She previously worked as a financial counselor in Roxbury, Massachusetts where she researched how low-income individuals and families interact with state and federal income support services, and how perverse incentives in the welfare system affect Black residents’ physical, mental and financial health.
Jared Lewis, Fellowship Class of 2020, Office of Rep. Barbara Lee: A Chicago native, who works at the intersection of economic development, small business, public policy, and social enterprise. He was formerly a Global Program Manager for Airbnb Policy Communications, and currently serves on the board for the Social Enterprise Alliance, the largest organization in the United States supporting social enterprise organizations.
Dennis Johnson, Fellowship Class of 2020, Office of Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman: A Chicago native and a career pathway specialist who focuses on community and student development. He is one of the founders of the Black Youth Project and a member of The Peace Exchange: Chicago-Asia. His work centers around student development issues regarding systemic and structural oppression toward minority youth and education policy.
Publications
JCPAR: Journal of the Center for Policy Analysis & Research
AFRICA-AMERICA 2021 RE-ENVISIONING LIBERATION FOR THE GLOBAL BLACK DIASPORA
This edition of the biennial publication presents scholarship and perspectives that chart course for the future of Black leadership and advocacy and captures the spirit of modern Black movements. Written by scholars and practitioners for a general, non-specialist audience, the Journal of the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (JCPAR) follows the standard of a peer-reviewed, social science publication and serves as a conduit between research and policy. With just over 10 entries, this issue has a special focus on topics including in-depth and innovative approaches to help advance the study of Black identities, ethnicities and diasporas, and in turn highlights how these perspectives inform representative governance and public policy.
OPPORTUNITY ZONES: ASSESSING THE BENEFITS OF EMPOWERMENT FOR AFRICAN
AMERICANS
It is critical to examine the potential challenges and benefits Opportunity Zones may have in African American communities and what policy considerations should be assessed to ensure realized benefits and potential to maximize economic efforts in Black communities. Asset-based development ensures that communities are empowered toward economic viability and not undermined for capital gain. This report assesses the benefits of these zones and how they can be used to create communal economic change.
NEW ROUTES TO EQUITY: THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY
The U.S. transportation system is being transformed by three rapidly evolving and emerging mobility options: shared mobility, electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles. Shared mobility services and electric vehicles are already changing the transportation landscape. For instance, 84 million bike share and scooter share trips were taken in 2018. Autonomous, or selfdriving, vehicles are set to disrupt the existing transportation sector. This report explores these mobility options and their equitably benefit the Black community or, if they will perpetuate and exacerbate transportation inequities. This report highlights the on-going challenges affecting African Americans in the transportation system and provides policy recommendations for how shared mobility, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles can equitably serve the Black community.
CBC Spouses
The CBC Spouses have consistently shown their commitment to the next generation of leaders by providing educational opportunities for a diverse group of young people. The CBC Spouses laid the groundwork to establish CBCF’s internship and fellowship programs, and in 1988 the Spouses established their first education scholarship program. This collaborative work between CBCF and the CBC Spouses has provided more than $11 million in scholarships to deserving students and established a pipeline of opportunity to ultimately advance young African Americans in their career choices.
In 2020 more than 100 high school students applied to the Spouses Essay Contest, writing to the prompt:
According to research conducted by Cornel Belcher of Brilliant Corners, Millennials are less likely to go to the polls than senior citizens. During the 2012 presidential election, 72 percent of Americans 65 and older cast their ballots, while only 41 percent of those 18–24 voted. Elections are decided by the people who show up at the polls. In your view, who do you believe shows up more, and what can be done to increase participation of those who currently sit out?
The following students were selected for their submissions. In addition to a cash award, each placed recipient received a laptop from the CBC Spouses Essay Contest Issue Forum session sponsor, Microsoft:
FIRST PLACE:
Ms. Justice Guldin – Congressman Hank Johnson Stephenson High School, Stone Mountain, GA
SECOND PLACE:
Mr. Kellen Matthews – Congressman Kweisi Mfume Calvert Hall College High School, Baltimore, MD
THIRD PLACE:
Ms. Kennedy Rushing – Congressman Bennie Thompson Germantown High School, Madison, MS
ALC ‘20
Annual Legislative Conference in review
In response to the global pandemic of COVID-19, the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. moved its 2020 Annual Legislative Conference to a virtual format. With just 90 days of planning and production time, the CBCF team alongside CBC member offices, sponsors, and stakeholders produced over 76 hours of content spanning over 34 days. The process included the strategic development, production, and marketing of a 5-week conference and (7) content tracks. What is normally a 5-day event was held over the course of 34 days, from August 31 to October 11, 2020. The following data outlines the success of the conference and the insights the Events team will use to plan for future Annual Legislative Conferences.
Despite the shift to a virtual conference format, the ALC brought together experts and organizers to share accounts from the front lines of advocacy, spotlight innovative campaigns, foster support for advocacy funding and raise awareness of pathways to be informed and involved in the democratic process. More than 18,000 attendees in business, academia, government, nonprofits, and philanthropy engaged on the virtual platform.
The Annual Legislative Conference garnered $4,602,999 in corporate sponsorship from more than 106 companies and a record number of individual contributions totaling more than $48,500.
ALC ‘20 brought together 18,000+ attendees From across the nation and around the world, nearly doubling the attendee base of previous in-person conferences.
18,000 ATTENDEES +
Event content focused on CBCF’s core pillars of education, health and wellness, economic empowerment, and the environment.
84 conference sessions
24,714 unique session views
31 member issue forums
13 member-led braintrusts
8 professional development series sessions
9 CBCF sessions and events
23 third party sessions
439 registered speakers
TOTAL HOURS OF CONTENT HOURS
76 22.5 MINUTES
Complementary Registration was offered to all guests before, during, and after the conference thanks to the continued support of Toyota.
CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION / ANNUAL REPORT 2020
A Robust CBCF Production Team was formed to create standardized production workflow and offer high quality session production to session hosts with varying levels of tech savvy.
A Virtual Event Platform offered real time broadcasts and on-demand viewing options and the opportunity to experience the ALC programming attendees have become accustomed to from the comfort and safety of their homes. Additionally, the platform allowed attendees to customize their own agenda, and select from more than 80 sessions based on their interests.
Newly Designed Sponsorship Opportunities were innovated and embedded into conference content and the virtual platform to increase exposure for companies supporting the CBCF.
Record Individual Contributions were received from more than 780 attendees totaling over $48,565.00.
The Phoenix Awards and Day of Healing (formerly the Prayer Breakfast) were redesigned as television broadcasts in partnership with Black Entertainment Television (BET).
CBC Spouses and ALC
With the necessary pivot of the organization from an onsite event to a virtual platform for the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference, the CBC Spouses followed suit, with two of its members, Spouse Essay Contest Chair Simone Meeks and Dr. Sonya Horsford hosting two 2020 Virtual ALC sessions:
Due to COVID restrictions, the CBC Spouses cancelled their Community Breakfast and Health Fair and the Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts Awards, typically scheduled during the ALC.
Pre-Recorded Sessions provided session hosts the ability to choose optimal recording dates and engage speakers from multiple time zones for a real-time conversation and pre-recorded remarks and commercials from engaged stakeholders.
The Professional Development Series continued in close partnership with series sponsors to offer continuing education credits to educators and health professionals who attended virtually.
CBCF Sunday on BET served as the grand finale to the 34-day virtual conference and featured the Phoenix Awards and Day of Healing in addition to a virtual brunch hosted by minister, comedian, and recording artist Willie Moore, Jr. and The Black Party hosted by DJ Cassidy on Facebook Live.
99 Problems. Don’t Let Your Vote be One
Simone-Marie L. Meeks, Host
Discussion: What might be done to change Millennials’ & GenZ’s voting perspectives? What does this suggest for the future of the country?
How Are the Children? Black Education in the Wake of COVID
Sonya Horsford, Ph.D., Host
Discussion: National foundation program officers and education organization leaders gathered to discuss the major issues facing Black students against the backdrop of COVID and Black Lives Matter and share what their organizations and partners are doing to advance educational equity and justice in Black communities.
THE PHOENIX AWARDS
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CBCF’s iconic Phoenix Awards transitioned to a virtual program, televised as the culminating Annual Legislative Conference event on BET and BET Her. The virtual awards and entertainment program featured a lineup of notable speakers including remarks by then U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden and then U.S. Senator Kamala Harris. Additionally, the members of the Congressional Black Caucus were honored for their service, accomplishments, and efforts to eliminate the many disparities that continue to exist for millions of Black Americans. Hosted by Taraji P. Henson, the Phoenix Awards recognized extraordinary individuals who, through their efforts and accomplishments, have made significant contributions to society. Honorees received the prestigious, CBCF-commissioned Phoenix Award. Performers for the Phoenix Awards included Andra Day, Anthony Hamilton, Black Violin, Common, Cynthia Erivo, India Arie, Jonathan Traylor, Kem, Ledisi, and T-Pain. MC Lyte served as the Voice of God. Special guests included Keisha Lance Bottoms, Donna Brazile, and then Senator Kamala Harris.
2020 Phoenix Awardees included:
CBCF Chair’s Award – Attorney Ben Crump, nationally recognized trial lawyer
CBC Chair’s Award – Lonnie Bunch III, Director of the Smithsonian Institution
ALC Co-Chair’s Award – Bernice King, American minister and youngest child of Martin Luther King, Jr.
CBC Body Award – “William” Larry Lucas, Former Vice President of Governmental Affairs/Diversity Programs for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures of America (PhRMA)
The George Thomas “Mickey” Leland Award - Joe Biden, Then Former Vice President of the United States
DAY OF HEALING
(formerly The Prayer Breakfast)
In lieu of its annual traditional Prayer Breakfast, the CBCF team made the virtual shift to the televised Day of Healing in partnership with Viacomm CBS and BET. The Day of Healing, a non-denominational spiritual program aired on BET and BET Her at 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 11. Consistent with former Prayer Breakfasts, the televised Day of Healing hosted celebrities, political leaders, top gospel artists, and ministers. The program, hosted by Kirk Franklin, included a message from TD Jakes, Bishop of The Potter’s House Church and featured Donnie Simpson as the Voice of God. A Motown Gospel Revue featured musical performances by The Clark Sisters, Tye Tribbett, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Evvie McKinney.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES
In its fifth year, the Professional Development Series (PDS) continued to attract a broad segment of attendees interested in gaining industry-based credit hours while experiencing public policy sessions virtually.
The Professional Development Series For Health Professionals
SPONSOR: National Medical Association
The Professional Development Series For Educators
SPONSOR: American Federation of Teachers
Statement of Financial Position
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019
Statement of Activities
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Donate today to help us create the next generation of civic leaders and promote public policy that will make our communities stronger.
Board of Directors
CHAIR
Rep. Cedric L. Richmond U.S. House of Representatives
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Mrs. Tonya Veasey
VICE CHAIR
Ms. Lori George Billingsley The Coca-Cola Company
SECRETARY
Mr. Earle Jones
Comcast, NBC Universal
TREASURER
Ms. Janice Bryant Howroyd ACT-1 Group
Ms. Pamela G. Alexander
Ford Motor Company Fund
Rep. Joyce Beatty
U.S. House of Representatives
Mr. Ronald Blaylock
GenNx360 Capital Partners
Ms. Aisha Bowe
STEMBoard
Mr. Kevin Brown
Dell, Inc.
Rep. Dwight Evans
U.S. House of Representatives
Rep. Marcia L. Fudge
U.S. House of Representatives
Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Harvard University
Rep. Alcee Hastings
U.S. House of Representatives
Mr. Fred Humphries
Microsoft
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
U.S. House of Representatives
Mr. Leonard James III
J3 Advisory Group
Mr. Lonnie L. Johnson
Exxon Mobil Corporation, Retired
Ms. Tammy Jones
Basis Investment Group
Ms. DeDe Lea ViacomCBS
Dr. Keith Magee University College London
Dr. Troy L. Nash
Newmark Grubb Zimmer
Ms. Julia Simon
Mary Kay Inc.
Mr. Al Smith
Toyota Motor North America
Kevin Washington YMCA of the USA
Rep. Karen Bass
U.S. House of Representatives
Chaka Burgess
Empire Consulting Group
2020 Corporate Advisory Council
Chaka T. Burgess, Chairman
Empire Consulting Group
LaKeitha Anderson
RAI Services Co.
Mariko Bennett Founder, Coco B. Productions
Zafar Brooks
Hyundai Motor America
Engel Burns
AveXis
Regina K. Dillard
State Farm Insurance Companies
Micaela Fernandez
Allen
Open Society Foundations
Isaac Fordjour
Boston Scientific
E. Monique Hall
Facebook
Chanelle Hardy
Google
Robert Harris
Apple
Alethia Jackson, Esq. Walgreens Co.
Erica Johnson Diageo
Michone T. Johnson
Verizon
Maisha Leek
Translation + UnitedMasters
Jeanine Liburd
BET Networks
Marie Long
AT&T
Ramon O. Looby
Bank of America
John Mason
Altria
Keith W. McCoy
Exxon Mobil Corporation
Waldo McMillan
Charter Communications
Jesse Price
Tik Tok
Nichole Francis
Reynolds ServiceNow
Norman H. Ross, Jr.
Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Dontai Smalls
UPS
Nigel Stephens Infor
Shashrina Thomas
Versa Integrated Solutions, Inc.
Kenny Thompson
PepsiCo
Phillip Thomas-Wallace
Walmart
Shawna Watley
Holland & Knight, LLP
Daron Watts
The Watts Group
Hilary West
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Cherie Wilson
General Motors Company
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
Tonya Veasey
President & Chief Executive Officer
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Tory Williams Vice President, Marketing & Communications