President Obama, First Lady to Attend Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Awards Dinner

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) today announced President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are scheduled to attend the Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner Saturday, September 26, as part of the 2009 Annual Legislative Conference. President Obama is scheduled to address more than 3,000 expected attendees at the evening’s event.

Six distinguished individuals will receive this year’s prestigious Phoenix Awards: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan E. Rice; President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Calvin Smyre; Humanitarians and Actors Danny Glover, Cicely Tyson and Sheryl Lee Ralph and Musician and Humanitarian Wyclef Jean. President Obama received the award in 2008, which is awarded for efforts and accomplishments that have made significant contributions to society, and symbolizing the immortality of the human spirit and an eternal desire to reach its full potential.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and other dignitaries and special guests will attend the star-studded event. Actor Jeffrey Wright and Susan Taylor, Founder and CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement will serve as the dinner’s co-hosts.

“The Administration played a critical role in contributing to the policy discussions, issue forums and town hall meetings taking place at this year’s ALC,” said Rep. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida. “That level of engagement will continue at the Annual Awards Dinner as the President and first lady set forth how we can reinvest, rebuild and renew our nation.”

This year’s theme, “Reinvest. . .Rebuild. . .Renew” provides guidance for meeting the challenges and opportunities facing the country and presents a new way forward. Each year the ALC draws more than 15,000 people to Washington from across the country to participate in dozens of policy forums, general sessions, exhibits, job fairs, book signings and networking opportunities.

“Each year, ALC offers a chance to discuss important issues facing our community,” said Elsie L. Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer for CBCF. “It also is our premier fundraising event, and we thank everyone for supporting our scholarship, research and education programs.”

Pictured: U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wait for arriving leaders at the Phipps Conservatory for an opening reception and working dinner for heads of delegation at the Pittsburgh G20 Summit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania September 24, 2009. AFP PHOTO / Pool / PHILIPPE WOJAZER (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE WOJAZER/AFP/Getty Images)