By Ashlee Banks
Special to the AFRO
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual Phoenix Awards Gala drew hundreds of lawmakers, dignitaries and guests to the Washington Convention Center for an evening recognizing leadership and public service on Sept. 27. The black-tie event, which serves as the highlight of the CBC’s legislative conference, featured performances, tributes and the presentation of the organization’s highest honors, including the Phoenix Award.
The 2025 gala was co-hosted by actors Aldis Hodge and Samantha Walkes, who guided the evening’s program. The audience included Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.-08), Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), and Assistant Democratic Leader Joe Neguse (D-Colo.-02). The Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.-09), and CBCF Board Chair, Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-Ala.-07), were also part of the program. CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery participated, alongside award recipients Angela Rye and Jotaka Eaddy. U.S. Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.-05) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas-30) attended, as did other lawmakers, civil rights leaders, business figures and representatives from the arts and policy communities.
This year, Vice President Kamala Harris was among one of the Phoenix Award recipients. She appeared on stage wearing a deep purple Sergio Hudson gown.
“For more than half a century, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has not only been the conscience of Congress, but the conscience of America,” Harris said to the audience.
Her remarks came amid ongoing national political and economic issues.
“The dismantling of our democracy did not start with the 2024 election,” said the former Vice President, emphasizing the importance of leadership and civic engagement. The award offered her an opportunity to reaffirm her connection to the CBC.
U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.-04), who attended the gala, commented on Harris’s remarks, saying they reflected ongoing concerns about the national political landscape.
“It’s hard to blame her for a little bit of ‘I told you so,’” Ivey said. “You know, she laid out what he was going to do if he got elected and not only is he doing what he said, it’s worse than he said. So, I thought it was fair for her to point out how disastrous his presidency has been, especially for African Americans.”
Regarding the gala itself, Ivey noted the long-standing tradition of the event.
“They’ve pretty much been doing these galas for a while now. So, I guess they all start kind of looking the same a little bit,” Ivey told the AFRO.
“It’s nicer when you have the president of your party there to close it out. But, you know, that’s where we are now,” he added, highlighting the consistent format of the Phoenix Awards Gala over the years.
The evening included a three-course dinner served to guests before the awards presentation and speeches. Attendees were seated for a formal meal as live music played throughout the ballroom. The program then moved to awards presentations, during which Harris and other honorees were recognized for their contributions in public service, activism, and leadership.
The gala concluded with a performance by The Roots, whose mix of hip-hop, funk and soul brought the audience to its feet. The group performed a combination of classic hits and newer material, providing a celebratory conclusion to the evening.
The 2025 Phoenix Awards Gala brought together lawmakers, public officials, civil rights leaders, and members of the arts and business communities. It included speeches, awards presentations, and musical performances, and it highlighted the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s focus on recognizing leadership, service and achievement within the African-American community. By honoring Harris and other recipients, the event marked a continued tradition of recognizing public service and contributions to civic life, while providing a platform for attendees to discuss current political and social issues.