Former Vice President Kamala Harris and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore urged members of the Congressional Black Caucus to remain resilient and take action in the nation’s challenging political climate during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 54th annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner on Saturday.

Harris, recipient of the evening’s CBCF Board Chair and CBC Body Awards, delivered a forceful message to the 61 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, warning against complacency and urging Democrats to defend constitutional checks and balances. 

“The United States Congress has equal power to the executive branch in our constitutional government. Your work, now, is more important than ever, especially as your colleagues bend the knee and fail to uphold their constitutional duty,” Harris said. “A time such as this demands that the leaders in this room remind the people of their power. We must win the midterms and enforce checks and balances on this unchecked, incompetent, unhinged president.” 

Moore emphasized the power of the CBC and its historical role in defending Black communities. 

“The Congressional Black Caucus was built for this moment, because the Congressional Black Caucus was built in moments like these,” he said. “History is not going to remember this administration well. But also, to those that are sitting down and doing nothing, to those that are capitulating — history will remember you worse.” 

Other speakers included House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, CBC Chair Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery, and award recipients Angela Rye and Jotaka Eaddy. They highlighted the CBC’s role in advancing equity, economic development and policy solutions for Black communities. 

“The founders of the CBC gave us a charge from the very beginning,” Jeffries said. “At all times, we should be charged with standing up for the safety and well-being of our community and of the country.” 

Clarke, who heads the largest Congressional Black Caucus in history, emphasized the caucus’ ability to drive progress. 

“We have the power to meet this moment,” she said. “Aided by the CBCF, its research and the young leaders it is developing, we have concrete measures to advocate for equity and the economic development of Black communities.” 

Austin-Hillery praised the CBC’s ongoing leadership and reiterated the foundation’s support. 

“I pledge to them and to you that the CBCF will continue to support and sustain them in the struggle,” she said. 

The Phoenix Awards Dinner, co-hosted by Aldis Hodge and Samantha Walkes, capped the CBCF’s annual conference under the theme “Made for This Moment: Power, Policy, & Progress,” celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to Black communities, culture and the nation.