Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Civil Rights Activist receives The George Thomas "Mickey" Leland Phoenix Award at the 41st Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. on Saturday Sept. 24, 2011 in Washington D.C (Photo by Monica Morgan/Tell Us USA News Network)

Recap: The Congressional Black Caucus Glimmers at Phoenix Awards Gala

Closing the 41st Annual Legislative Conference, the Phoenix Awards Gala recognized the hard work of the Congressional Black Caucus as well as citizens and politicians who have served the African-American community. Of course the highlight of the dinner was President Barack Obama‘s speech, which focused on jobs and eliminating unemployment as well as motivated Caucus members to pass the jobs bill. Still, there were other moving moments throughout the black-tie evening.


U.S. Representative John Lewis (left) Member of Congress & Civil Rights Legend at the 41st Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. on Saturday Sept. 24, 2011 in Washington D.C (Photo by Monica Morgan/Tell Us USA News Network)

Along with a tribute to the founders of the Caucus, George Foreman, Sr., Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery and Rep. John Lewis each nabbed Phoenix Awards for their service in philanthropy, civil rights and politics.


Administrator Lisa P. Jackson U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at the 41st Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. on Saturday Sept. 24, 2011 in Washington D.C (Photo by Monica Morgan/Tell Us USA News Network)

Scattered around the dining tables were celebrities including actress Gabrielle Union with NBA player Dwayne Wade, R&B singer Monica with husband Shannon Brown, actor Cuba Gooding, Jr., WJLA’s Cynne Simpson with Hill Harper, who also served as Master of Ceremonies along with Maureen Bunyan, Debra Lee who took her son as her date, Al Sharpton, Rev. Jesse Jackson, author Terry McMillan, publisher Donna Byrd and Roland Martin.


Mr. George Edward Foreman, Sr. Athlete, Entrepreneur and Humanitarian at the 41st Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. on Saturday Sept. 24, 2011 in Washington D.C (Photo by Monica Morgan/Tell Us USA News Network)