Four Black women Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Christine Darden BKA as the Hidden Figures that contributed to NASA's success in the space race were recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal Wednesday, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress.
Watch the NABJ The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in-person conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris held on September 17, 2029 at WHYY in Philadelphia.
The National Haitian-American Elected Officials Network released the following statement about JD Vance's baseless claims and lies about the Haitian community in Springfield Ohio:
The National Haitian-American Elected Officials Network (NHAEON) vehemently condemns JD Vance's inflammatory and baseless remarks about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio. As elected representatives of the Haitian American community, we are outraged by Vance's reckless rhetoric, which not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also undermines the fabric of our diverse nation.
Haitians have long been pillars of strength in American communities. Their resilience, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit have enriched our society in countless ways. From frontline healthcare workers to innovative business leaders, and educators to public servants, Haitian Americans continue to make invaluable contributions that strengthen our nation's economy and cultural landscape.
NHAEON stands unwaveringly with the Haitian community in Springfield and across the United States. We will not allow xenophobic rhetoric to overshadow the truth of our people's positive impact. We demand that Vance immediately retract his offensive statements and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the harm he has caused. “The Haitian immigrant community are not puppets for political games!” said Chairwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin.
Let us be clear: hate speech and discrimination have no place in our society, especially from those in positions of power. We call on all leaders and citizens to reject divisive rhetoric and instead work towards fostering understanding, respect, and equal opportunity for all Americans, regardless of their origin.
NHAEON reaffirms its commitment to amplifying the voices of Haitian Americans, challenging false narratives, and advocating for policies that recognize the dignity and value of every individual. We will continue to fight tirelessly for a more just, inclusive, and equitable America – one that honors its immigrant heritage and embraces its multicultural future. The strength of our nation lies in its diversity. It's time for leaders like Vance to recognize this truth and act accordingly.
As he was honored with the CBC Lifetime Achievement award at the Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner, the flagship event of the CBCF's Annual Legislative Conference, President Biden noted that his administration's achievements were bolstered by the actions of the CBC.
He said, "With the CBC, we went big and we went bold and we are better off today than we were four years ago. I'm being very sincere when I say a big reason why is because Congress boasts the highest number of Black members in American history."
Looking beyond his presidency, President Biden added, "We must show up; we must look to the future. I'm looking to you to help lead the way, to help push us forward and be the country we say we are, a country of freedom, justice and equality and proving that Black history is American history and Black excellence is American excellence."
Vice President Harris called on the CBC to leverage its history as "the conscience of the Congress" to provide a vision for the future of the country.
She said, "As a proud former CBC member I know first-hand America relies on the leaders in this room not only for a conscience but for a vision. The CBC has always had a vision for the future of our nation; a future where we can see what is possible unburdened by what has been, a future where fulfil the promise of America; a promise of freedom opportunity and justice, not just for some but for all. And today that vision is under profound threat."
She concluded, "Each of us has a job to do, and the bottom line is we know what we stand for and that's why we know what we fight for. And when the CBC fights, we win."
The winners of the 2024 Phoenix Awards are:
Speaking at the event, CBCF Board Chair Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) noted that the murder of George Floyd has sparked a renewed commitment to addressing racial inequalities across American society.
She said, "The racial reckoning, brought about by the murder of George Floyd has renewed our energy and our commitment to work for social justice and economic prosperity; and to close the racial gaps that confront all of American society – in education, in income, in home ownership, in environmental justice, in public safety, and so much more."
CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery added that this year's ALC theme, "From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices" acts as a challenge to engage, advocate, and drive change, adding that every voice and action strengthens our unity and determination, essential for achieving victory.
She said, "This year, doing what needs to be done means building the success we've achieved together. It's a long journey, but it's a journey of progress, and, as you've heard, we're closer than ever to moving from Vision to Victory, Amplifying Black Voices. And that theme is a challenge; it's a call to action to you – to all of us – to engage, to advocate, and to drive change. Each and every voice adds to our collective strength; every collective action emphasizes our unity and our determination. And all of those things are necessary to move us from Vision to Victory."
Awardee Quotes
Dr. Carla Hayden, "Some have noted that I am making history as the first woman and the first African American in this post, and that is true. As a descendant of people who were denied the right to read to now have the opportunity to serve and lead the institution that is our national symbol of knowledge is a historic moment, and receiving the Phoenix Award is truly one of the capstones of my career."
Governor Wes Moore said, "I am standing before you as probably the most improbable governor in America. I say that as somebody who had handcuffs on my wrists by the time I was 11, as someone who joined the army when I was 17, and as someone who went to a two-year college, but is now standing in front of you as the 63rd governor of my state and the first Black governor in the history of the state of Maryland. It is an exciting time for our state. It's an exciting time for our country and I'm so grateful to be your partner in the work."
Jaime Harrison said, "As DNC Chair, the third Black person and the first CBCF intern and CBCI bootcamper to ever serve in this role, I have been fortunate enough to use this platform to uplift our voices and fight for our communities but most importantly to give our people hope. My life is a testament that in America the son of a teen mom, the progeny of those who came to this country in chains, forced to pick cotton and clean houses, relegated to the back of the bus, can go on to chair the oldest and most powerful political party on the planet, and pick presidents."
For updates on ALC and CBCF, follow CBCF on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
About CBCF
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. Established in 1976, CBCF is committed to creating and maintaining an equitable society for all. To learn more, visit cbcfinc.org.
According to the National Restaurant Association's 2024 State of the Industry report, 98 percent of culinary business owners say higher labor and operations costs are an issue for their restaurant, 97 percent cite food inflation as a challenge, and 38 percent expressed their restaurants were not profitable in 2023.
Additionally, the report states competition is strong with 45 percent of operators expecting competition to be more intense than last year.
Nearly half of consumers are increasingly cautious with their spending habits. This trend is particularly evident in the restaurant industry, where patrons are less likely to spend money unless they are enticed by compelling promotions or valuable dining experiences.
In its fourth year of service, Feed the Soul Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Black Restaurant Week and Latin Restaurant Weeks, continues to address these challenges and reintroduces their cohort program to support marginalized restaurant entrepreneurs financially and professionally through the Restaurant Business Development Grant Program – awarding more than $850,000 in 2024 with additional contributions from Stella Artois.
Founded by entrepreneurs Falayn Ferrell, Warren Luckett, Derek Robinson, and Karinn Chavarria, Feed the Soul Foundation has increased its funding and expanded its reach to support marginalized culinary businesses across the nation. By securing additional resources, the organization has been able to offer more substantial grants, provide educational workshops, and create networking opportunities. These efforts help to level the playing field and promote diversity within the culinary business sector.
Through the support of presenting program partner, the Grubhub Community Fund and partner Stella Artois, Feed the Soul Foundation's grant program will award 30 small businesses with $10,000.00 financial stipends and six months of business development services, totaling a $25,000 investment per business. This initiative aims to progressively impact a broader range of communities, fostering growth and sustainability within the culinary industry.
"I am proud to announce that this year's Restaurant Business Development Program cohort marks a significant milestone, having supported over 100 marginalized culinary businesses nationwide since 2021. As small culinary businesses confront shrinking profits and labor shortages, we must continue to provide a robust support system to ensure their sustainability." stated Juana Collins, Executive Director of Feed the Soul Foundation.
We are excited to continue this work with Feed the Soul Foundation," said Brianna Morris Grubhub's senior manager of community impact. "Since 2021, Grubhub has partnered with Feed the Foundation to increase access to financial resources and business development opportunities, work made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund. We are committed to being a community partner to the diverse group of restaurants and business owners that makeup the industry and organizations like Feed The Soul that support their ability to sustain and scale their knowledge and operations."
Cohorts will work alongside subject matter experts and consultants during the six-month program that will further their growth and knowledge of the restaurant industry:
Financial literacy training and financial coaching
Business operations
Human resources
Advertising and marketing
Group consultation from industry experts
The awarded cohort includes the following businesses:
Autentica Taqueria (Miami, FL)
Black Coffee Lounge (Cincinnati,OH)
Cocina Consuelo (New York, NY)
Comfort Foodies (Houston, TX)
conVIDA Cocktail Lounge (Caguas, PR)
Cranky Granny's Sweet Rolls (Pflugerville, TX)
Darrow's New Orleans Grill (Carson, CA)
Farina Pasta and Noodle (Philadelphia, PA)
Fluffy's Sno-Balls (Long Beach, CA)
Fonda Santa Rosa (Houston, TX)
Foode (Fredericksburg, VA)
FruiTea Bubbles Cafe (Smyrna, GA)
Gold Coast Ghal Kitchen (Seattle, WA)
Kwench Juice Cafe (Apex, NC)
Luliet Creamery and Bake Shop (Spring, TX)
Lulu's Sweets Boutique (West Chester, OH)
Mamajuana (Houston, TX)
Meek's Vegan Pizza (Houston, TX)
R & R Breakfast Spot (Chino, CA)
Slutty Salsa (Memphis, TN)
Sugar Euphoria (Raleigh, NC)
Tea's Me Cafe (Indianapolis, IN)
The Jibarito Stop (Chicago, IL)
The Oven Pizzeria (Seaside, CA)
The Palm Coffee Bar (Burbank, CA)
Townie Bagels (Palm Springs, CA)
Tre's Street Kitchen (Baton Rouge, LA)
Twisted Plants (Milwaukee, WI)
Win Win Coffee (Philadelphia, PA)
Yaya Empanadas, (Austin, TX)
Since its inception in 2020, Feed The Soul Foundation has strived to create programs that provide sustainability and growth to small culinary businesses. By the end of 2023, the foundation celebrated the following milestones:
Invested $1,985,000 in financial and business development support to 84 marginalized culinary business across the nation
Aided culinary businesses across the nation with $46,000 in emergency funds to assist with unforeseen damages and natural disasters through its Emergency Relief Fund
Awarded $76,000 in scholarships to high school culinary programs, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Hispanic Serving Institutions to support culinary, hospitality, and business students
Developed an internship program and distributed $59,000 in student stipends, in addition to providing workforce training to 15 minority college students studying small business marketing, marketing research, and public relations
Feed the Soul Foundation will begin taking applications for the 2025 program in November 2024. Extending its efforts in fostering growth within the culinary community, Feed the Soul Foundation will be hosting its second annual Global Culinary Conference from January 26-29, 2025 in Houston, TX. Registration will commence in August 2024. For more information about Feed the Soul Foundation, please visit feedthesoulfou.org.
About Feed the Soul Foundation
Feed the Soul Foundation was established in 2020 to aid marginalized entrepreneurs in the culinary industry with business development resources and support to foster sustainable business growth. The Restaurant Business Development Fund supports marginalized business owners with business development scholarships and emergency funding.
