(( BLACK PR WIRE) ( September 26, 2008) WASHINGTON -- The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) will bestow this year's prestigious Phoenix Awards upon Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois and five other distinguished individuals at the 38th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) awards dinner on Saturday, September 27, 2008, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
In addition to Senator Obama, the Democratic nominee for president and the U.S. Senate's only African-American member, the other 2008 Phoenix Award winners will include: Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and New York Gov. David A. Paterson; California Assembly Speaker Karen Bass; actress and humanitarian Kerry Washington and Eleanor M. Josaitis, co-founder of Focus: HOPE, a civil and human rights organization in Detroit. 

All of the awardees have been invited to receive their awards at the gala dinner. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and other VIPs and celebrities will attend the star-studded event after their red-carpet arrival at the convention center.

"The Phoenix Award recognizes those who through their efforts and accomplishments have made significant contributions to society, and it symbolizes the immortality of the human spirit and an eternal desire to reach its full potential," said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., the Foundation's president and chief executive officer. "Our winners continue to inspire and we proudly honor them." 

Actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, retired NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, will serve as the dinner's co-hosts. Grammy Award-winning songstress Patti LaBelle is expected to perform.

The Annual Legislative Conference is a four-day event that annually draws more than 18,000 people to Washington for dozens of policy forums, general sessions, exhibits, a job fair, book signings and networking opportunities. The ALC '08 theme, "Embracing the Promise, Realizing the Vision," recognizes the Congressional Black Caucus' role in helping to lead the nation forward, even as the dreams of so many are being realized -- yet still envisioning great hopes for the future. 

"Each year, ALC offers a chance to discuss important issues facing our community," said Rep. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida, the Foundation's board chairman. "It also is our premier fundraising event, and we thank everyone for supporting our scholarship, research and education programs."

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. was established in 1976 as a nonpartisan,
nonprofit, public policy, research and education institute to help improve the socio-economic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.