Senator Barack Obama pays homage to those who’ve paved the way for him before receiving the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Award. Obama and his wife, Michelle, were among thousands who attended the annual awards dinner at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 27.
The night included performances by Grammy winner Patti LaBelle.
Always stunning, politically active actress Kerry Washington arrives on the red carpet.
Kerry Washington was one of several Phoenix Award winners. Washington was recognized for her humanitarian work.
The dinner was co-hosted by actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, retired NFL quarterback Rodney Peete.
The Reverend Jesse Jackson attends the 38th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) awards dinner in style.
CNN political analyst and Democratic superdelegate Donna Brazile also received a Phoenix Award. The award recognizes those who, through their efforts and accomplishments, have made significant contributions to society.
Actor Jeffrey Wright was also in attendance. You can catch him next month in theaters as General Colin Powell in Oliver Stone’s “W.”
Congressman Charles Rangel may be in the midst of a federal investigation on failure to pay his taxes but that didn’t stop him from attending the CBC gala festivities.
Soul pioneers B.B. King and Martha Reeves have a little fun at the Congressional Black Caucus gala.
Speaker of the California state assembly Karen Bass received a Phoenix Award as well. In May, she became the first African-American woman to ever hold that position.
Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick received a Phoenix award for the work he’s done in his state.
Co-hosts Holly Robinson Peete and husband Rodney close out the night after an evening of honoring the contributions of outstanding individuals.
