Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Year

Marking five decades of legacy, leadership, and progress in the Black community

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) has officially launched its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, honoring five decades of advancing equity, cultivating leadership, and shaping public policy to improve the lives of Black communities and all Americans. Guided by the theme 'Rooted. Ready. Rising.', the milestone year reflects both continuity and momentum as the Foundation honors the past, confronts the present, and invests boldly in the future.

Why it matters

The CBCF has become a premier nonpartisan, nonprofit institution at the center of Black political leadership, policy innovation, and civic engagement over the past 50 years. This anniversary celebration not only honors the visionaries who built a durable infrastructure for Black political influence, but also asserts the Foundation's ongoing role in shaping the future and driving progress for the Black community and the nation.

The details

Throughout the anniversary year, the CBCF will activate its legacy through a series of signature events and initiatives that bring the 'Rooted. Ready. Rising.' theme to life and engage communities nationwide. This includes the CBCF Honors: Legacy and Leadership Gala, a marquee event recognizing visionary leaders and changemakers, as well as '50 Cities, 50 Acts of Service: Legacy in Motion', a nationwide initiative mobilizing communities to honor the Foundation's history through collective action and service. The Foundation will also convene thought leaders and policymakers through mini Annual Legislative Conferences and a Policy Summit in Chicago, all leading up to the culminating Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC in September.

  • The CBCF officially launched its 50th anniversary celebration recently.
  • The yearlong celebration will include events and initiatives throughout 2026.
  • The culminating Annual Legislative Conference will take place September 16-20, 2026 in Washington, DC.

The players

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)

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.

Nicole Austin-Hillery

President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“This is not simply a celebration of longevity, it is a declaration of purpose. For 50 years, CBCF has helped transform representation into real power by developing leaders, advancing ideas, and driving policies that expand opportunity and protect our democracy. As we honor the legacy that brought us here, we are clear about the work ahead and committed to leading with courage, clarity, and conviction into the next generation.”

— Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (northdallasgazette.com)

What’s next

The CBCF will continue its regular programming, such as the Scholarship Classic in June and the Annual Legislative Conference in September, while also activating its legacy through the series of signature events and initiatives planned throughout the 50th anniversary year.

The takeaway

The CBCF's 50th anniversary celebration is a testament to the Foundation's enduring impact and commitment to advancing equity, cultivating leadership, and shaping public policy to improve the lives of Black communities. As it enters its next chapter, the CBCF remains grounded in its legacy, prepared to confront the challenges of today, and energized by a rising generation ready to lead.