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LEGACY PROJECT

Her Wellness, Her Power: Black Women, HIV, and the Fight for Health Justice

TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET

Capital Hilton, Federal Ballroom–1001 16th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back and get it right-side up again.

Sojourner Truth

Dear Friends and Supporters

Welcome to the 2025 Sojourner Truth Legacy Project (STLP) Panel Discussion and Reception. It is an honor to gather with you as we celebrate the legacy of Sojourner Truth and the countless Black women whose leadership, resilience, and advocacy have changed the course of history.

For generations, Black women have been at the forefront of progress—challenging injustice, shaping policy, and paving the way for a more equitable future. From trailblazers like Shirley Chisholm to Vice President Kamala Harris, these leaders have embodied Sojourner Truth’s fearless spirit, ensuring that our communities have the rights, representation, and access needed to thrive. Their unwavering commitment to justice continues to inspire us all.

This year, the Sojourner Truth Legacy Project proudly highlights the critical importance of protecting Black women in the fight against HIV. Black women continue to face disproportionate health disparities, and addressing the HIV epidemic requires urgent action, advocacy, and systemic change. Through education, policy reform, and community-driven solutions, we must ensure that Black women have access to life-saving healthcare, prevention resources, and the support needed to safeguard their wellness and their futures.

As we engage in critical conversations tonight, we are reminded that the fight for justice is ongoing. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) remains steadfast in our commitment to amplifying Black women’s voices and ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain priorities—not just on Capitol Hill, but in boardrooms, classrooms, and communities across the nation.

We are also proud to recognize Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a true champion for Black women’s health, particularly in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Her leadership in securing vital funding through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has saved lives and strengthened communities, even as recent policy shifts threaten its progress. Tonight’s discussion will shed light on these challenges and mobilize us toward solutions that protect the well-being of Black women.

Thank you for joining us for this important event. Your presence and engagement help drive meaningful change. Let us continue working together to uplift, empower, and advance Black women—today and every day.

With warmest regards,

Nicole Austin-Hillery President and CEO

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

The Sojourner Truth Legacy Project (STLP) recognizes women leaders making a positive difference in the lives of the communities they serve in the spirit of Sojourner Truth’s fearless, courageous, visionary spirit for freedom, justice, and equality. The STLP addresses issues affecting Black American women and the community, mobilizes women committed to engaging in these issues and creating positive change, and builds a community of women. Through a series of programs, STLP connects a dynamic, national, intergenerational network of Black American and multicultural women committed to harnessing the power of women to better their communities and impact change.

OVERVIEW

The 2025 STLP examines critical health issues for Black women in the area of HIV and AIDS. Championed by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has long been a cornerstone in the fight against HIV and AIDS, providing life-saving treatment and prevention services Recent executive actions from the White House Administration have created funding challenges and policy restrictions within USAID that threaten PEPFAR’s reach and effectiveness. This panel will explore the impact of executive actions and funding shifts on NGOs and community organizations working on the frontlines, particularly those supporting women, girls, and marginalized communities. Experts from global health organizations, advocacy groups, and affected communities will discuss what’s at stake, the policy debates shaping the future, and how to mobilize for continued investment in genderresponsive HIV and AIDS programs. During this year’s STLP, the Congressional Black Caucus will also recognize and honor Congresswoman Barbara Lee for her work in the area of women’s health, particularly on HIV and AIDS.

Schedule

5:00PM – 6:40 PM Program

WELCOME REMARKS

Nicole Austin-Hillery President & CEO CBCF

Rep. Terri A. Sewell Chair, CBCF Board

Rep. Yvette D. Clarke Chair, Congressional Black Caucus U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Emilia Sykes U.S. House of Representatives

Jessica Friend Manager, Federal Government Affairs Genentech

SESSION MODERATOR

PANELISTS

Rep. Robin Kelly U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Barbara Lee

Former Congresswoman, U.S. House of Representatives

Valerie L. Rochester Chief Health Equity & Impact Officer, Creating Healthier Communities and Chief Advisor, The Women’s Collective

CLOSING REMARKS

Jennie Patterson Program Manager CBCF

6:40PM – 7:45PM Reception

Donna Fisher-Lewis Senior Vice President CBCF

Honoring

FORMER CONGRESSWOMAN Barbara Lee

FOR HER SERVICE AND CONTRIBTUTIONS

Barbara Lee has spent her life fighting for justice and opportunity, bringing results to Oakland. From her days as a single mother attending Mills College and UC Berkeley to representing Oakland in the State Legislature and Congress for nearly three decades, Barbara’s leadership has always been rooted in the needs of our community. For example, in Congress, Barbara secured billions of dollars to improve Oakland’s neighborhoods and quality of life. She’s secured funding for 15 police officers and 35 firefighters, delivered $15.8 million for community safety programs, $70.8 million for safer and greener streets, $87.3 million to uplift small businesses, and $400 million to expand and green the Port of Oakland. Barbara understands our struggles because she’s lived them. She overcame domestic violence, navigated public assistance, raised her two sons while earning her degrees; and as a teenager, she risked her life having a back-alley abortion when abortion was illegal. When every other member of Congress voted to give the president unlimited war powers after 9/11, Barbara cast the sole no vote, unafraid to stand up for accountability and justice.

Thank You

TO OUR SPONSORS

Acknowledgements

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Sojourner Truth Legacy Project and Reception in celebration of the unsung sheroes who show their fearless, courageous, and visionary spirit for freedom, justice, and equality—making an undeniable difference in communities across the country.

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Board of Directors

CHAIR

Rep. Terri A. Sewell

U.S. House of Representatives

VICE CHAIR

Chaka T. Burgess Nation Strategies

SECRETARY

Alethia Jackson

LaDavia Drane Amazon

Noni Ellison Tractor Supply Company

Pamela Everhart Fidelity Investments

TREASURER

Markus Green

Rep. Joyce Beatty

U.S. House of Representatives

Courtney Billington

Natalie Brunson-Wheeler State Farm Insurance Companies

Dale Burnett Big Equity Investors LLC

Rep. Troy Carter

U.S. House of Representatives

Uri Clinton Boyd Gaming Corporation

Isaac Fordjour Walgreens

Felicia Hale The Coca-Cola Company

Quita Highsmith, MBA Genentech

Colette Honorable Exelon

Rep. Steven Horsford

U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Glenn Ivey

U.S. House of Representatives

Broderick Johnson Comcast Corporation

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Board of

Directors

Rep. Robin Kelly

U.S. House of Representatives

Marcus Sebastian Mason The Madison Group

Rep. Lucy McBath

U.S. House of Representatives

Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett

U.S. House of Representatives

Nichole Francis Reynolds, Esq.

Martin Rodgers Accenture

CBC CHAIRPERSON

Rep. Yvette D. Clarke

U.S. House of Representatives

CBC SPOUSES

CHAIRPERSON

Rev. William Coleman

DIRECTOR EMERITUS

Former Congressman Kendrick Meek

Lisa Osborne Ross

Dontai Smalls UPS

Jesse Tyson

The National Black MBA Association, Past President

Rondu Vincent Bristol Myers Squibb

Rep. Frederica S. Wilson

U.S. House of Representatives

DIRECTOR EMERITUS

Former Congressman Cedric Richmond

CAC CHAIRPERSON

John Mason Altria

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Corporate Advisory Council

CHAIRPERSON

John Mason

Altria

Sanders L. Adu Wells Fargo

LaKeitha Anderson Eli Lilly

Kevin J. Armstrong Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Keenan Austin Reed Alpine Group

Rontel Batie Batie Consulting

Benjamin Branch

Zoe Cadore Calpine

Kwame Canty

Edison Electric Institute

Patrick Edmond CSX Corporation

Cachavious English Ford Motor Company

Fenimore Fisher Aramark Corporation

Heather Foster

Karis T. Gutter Corteva Agriscience

Phil A. Hancock Norfolk Southern

Ashley Hayes Charter Communications

Edward W. Hill ViacomCBS (Paramount)

Cory C. Horton Entergy

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Corporate Advisory Council

Mervyn L. Jones II

MLJ Strategies

Francesca Jordan

Dell Technologies

Jackie Kelly, Jr.

FedEx Corporation

Adrienne Marks

Visa

Waldo McMillan

Cisco Lamell McMorris

Virgil A. Miller

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Ashli Nelson McDonald’s

Katelyn J. Nnake

Chris Randle

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 119th Congress

In order of seniority

Delegate

Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)

Representative Maxine Waters (CA)

Representative Sanford D. Bishop (GA)

Representative James E. Clyburn (SC)

Representative Bobby Scott (VA)

Representative Bennie G. Thompson (MS)

Representative Danny K. Davis (IL)

Representative Gregory D. Meeks (NY)

Representative David Scott (GA)

Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO)

Representative Al Green (TX)

Representative Gwen Moore (WI)

Representative Yvette D. Clarke (NY)

Representative Hank Johnson (GA)

Representative André Carson (IN)

Representative Frederica S. Wilson (FL)

Representative Terri A. Sewell (AL)

Representative Joyce Beatty (OH)

Representative Hakeem Jeffries (NY)

Representative Marc Veasey (TX)

Representative Robin Kelly (IL)

Senator Cory Booker (NJ)

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 119th Congress

In order of seniority

Representative Alma Adams (NC)

Representative Stacey E. Plaskett (VI)

Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ)

Representative Dwight Evans (PA)

Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE)

Representative Steven Horsford (NV)

Representative Jahana Hayes (CT)

Representative Lucy McBath (GA)

ASSISTANT

DEMOCRATIC LEADER

Representative Joe Neguse (CO)

Representative Ilhan Omar (MN)

Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA)

Representative Lauren Underwood (IL)

Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD)

Representative Nikema Williams (GA)

Representative Ritchie Torres (NY)

Representative Marilyn Strickland (WA)

Senator Raphael Warnock (GA)

Representative Troy Carter (LA)

Representative Shontel Brown (OH)

Representative Sheila Cherfilus McCormick (FL)

Representative Jasmine Crockett (TX)

Representative Don Davis (NC)

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus of the 119th Congress

In order of seniority

Representative Valerie Foushee (NC)

Representative Maxwell Frost (FL)

Representative Glenn Ivey (MD)

Representative Jonathan Jackson (IL)

Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA)

Representative Summer Lee (PA)

Representative Emilia Sykes (OH)

Representative Jeniffer McClellan (VA)

Representative Gabe Amo (RI)

Representative Lamonica McIver (NJ)

Senator Angela Alsobrooks (MD)

Representative Wesley Bell (MO)

Representative Janelle Bynum (OR)

Representative Herb Conaway, MD (NJ)

Representative Cleo Fields (LA)

Representative Shomari Figures (AL)

Representative Lateefah Simon (CA)

Representative Sylvester Turner (TX) Deceased