CBCF Marks 50th Annual Phoenix Awards Honoring Viola Davis and Andrew Young
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) announced its 2026 Phoenix Awards honorees, marking the 50th presentation of the awards at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The milestone black-tie event serves as the culminating program of the 55th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), honoring leaders who have advanced Black communities and shaped the nation.
Five Decades of Honoring Leadership
The Phoenix Awards carry particular significance in 2026 as the organization marks half a century of recognizing courage, service, and achievement. Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of CBCF, stated that the organization has spent 50 years investing in leaders, informing policy, and expanding opportunity for Black communities. As the Foundation’s premier recognition and fundraising event, the dinner generates crucial support for nonpartisan research, education, leadership development, fellowship, and scholarship programs.
The evening’s program will be hosted by actress La La Anthony and actor Amin Joseph. The event begins at 6 p.m. on September 18 at the convention center, bringing together leaders across government, business, philanthropy, advocacy, and culture to celebrate past achievements and state the purpose for future work.
2026 Phoenix Awards Honorees
This year’s slate of honorees comprises four figures whose careers have left lasting marks on American culture, law, civil rights, and public administration:
- Viola Davis will receive the CBC Chair’s Award. As an EGOT winner, Davis has shaped the cultural landscape through performances marked by emotional truth and depth, while her memoir Finding Me and community partnerships have advanced systemic change.
- Joyce Beatty will receive the CBC Body Award. The longtime public servant and former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus has championed policies expanding opportunity and prosperity for historically underserved Americans.
- Ambassador Andrew Young will receive the CBCF Board Chair Award. A central figure in the civil rights movement who later served as a U.S. Congressman, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and Mayor of Atlanta, Young has demonstrated principled leadership across more than six decades.
- L. Douglas Wilder will receive the ALC Honorary Co-Chairs Award. Breaking a historic barrier as the first African American elected governor of a U.S. state, Wilder’s service in Virginia has reflected a sustained commitment to civil rights and representative government.
The Annual Legislative Conference Context
The Phoenix Awards Dinner anchors the final evening of the Annual Legislative Conference, which stands as a leading policy forum addressing issues affecting African Americans and the global Black community. The conference features more than 70 public policy forums covering health, education, economic empowerment, the environment, and civic engagement, alongside an Exhibit Showcase, National Town Hall, Celebration of Leadership in Fine Arts, Gospel Extravaganza, Black Party, and Prayer Breakfast.
Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation continues its mission of developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public to create and maintain an equitable society.