Surprise Guest Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris Delivers Compelling Remarks that Bring the Theme “Lifting Every Voice” to Life

(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) once again drew a sold-out crowd to its 48th Annual Symposium Town Hall and Awards Luncheon, held September 27 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. Tickets were gone within minutes of release, underscoring the event’s reputation as a must-attend gathering of leaders, advocates, and influencers from across the country.

This year’s theme, “Lifting Every Voice,” framed two dynamic Town Hall discussions that sparked spirited dialogue, audience participation, and calls to action.

The first panel, “The Change of Menopause and Women’s Health,” explored misconceptions about Black women’s health, including statistics showing Black women often endure menopause symptoms longer than their peers. Actress and philanthropist Jayne Kennedy shared her personal journey, urging women to bring spouses and loved ones to doctor visits to educate entire households on what to expect. The conversation broke long-standing silences around women’s health, with audience questions adding depth and urgency to the dialogue.

The second panel, “Lifting Every Voice,” moderated by Symone Sanders-Townsend, co-host of MSNBC’s The Weekend, focused on leadership, civic engagement, and the future of democracy. Panelists issued a call to action on protecting voting rights and amplifying Black women’s voices in the national dialogue. Spirited exchanges with attendees underscored the urgency of civic engagement, voter education, and collective advocacy.

The program’s momentum was punctuated by a surprise appearance from former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who delivered powerful remarks of gratitude for the unwavering support of the more than 2,000 women—and a few men—in the room. “You are the light that cannot be diminished or extinguished by an election or a circumstance,” Harris said. “Thank you for being the light in the darkness. Let’s fight like we know how.”

“The Symposium and Awards Luncheon is more than an event — it is a reflection of our mission to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements of Black women and their families,” said Gwainevere Catchings-Hess, President of The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. “This year’s theme, ‘Lifting Every Voice,’ speaks to both the urgency of protecting our democracy and the imperative to elevate issues like women’s health that directly shape our communities’ futures. We are proud to honor these trailblazers whose lives and work embody resilience, innovation, and hope.”

2025 Symposium Panelists and Moderators

Panel: “The Change of Menopause and Women’s Health”

• Moderator: Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, BWA Vice President of Administration
• Panelists:

Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, CEO, AARP

Yesmean Wahdan, MD, Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. and        

North America Medical Affairs at Byer Healthcare

Reed Tuckson, MD, Managing Dir., Tuckson Health Connections, LLC

Jayne Kennedy, American actress, model, producer, corporate spokeswoman, and sports broadcaster

Panel: “Lifting Every Voice”

• Moderator: Symone Sanders-Townsend, Co-Host, MSNBC’s The Weekend
• Panelists:

The Honorable Michael Blake, Founder and CEO, KAROS Democracy Project, former New York State Assemblymember, former Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee

Judy Smith, Founder & CEO, Smith & Company

Celina Stewart, CEO, League of Women Voters of the U.S.

The Honorable Lauren Underwood, Congresswoman, Illinois 14th Congressional District

Honoring Excellence: 2025 Awardees

Bright Futures Award – Maya V. Martin: Recent Fayetteville State University graduate, now pursuing a law degree, recognized for her promise as an emerging leader.

Corporate Award – Kimberly A. Blackwell: Founder & CEO of PMM Agency, one of the nation’s leading Black-owned, female-owned communications firms.

Economic & Business Award – Desiree Rogers: Co-Owner & CEO of Fashion Fair Cosmetics and Black Opal Beauty, former White House Social Secretary.

Education Award – Sylvia Y. Cyrus: Longtime Executive Director of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), steward of Black history preservation.

Excellence in Technology Award – Candi Castleberry: Vice President, Inclusive Experiences and Technology (IXT) at Amazon, a pioneer in inclusive innovation.

Health Award – Denise Brooks-Williams: Executive VP & COO of Henry Ford Health, championing equitable access to healthcare.

Historian Award – Kim Cliett Long, Ed.D.: Educational and cultural curator at the Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center, preserving African American maritime history.

Trailblazer Award – Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie: First woman elected bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church; current President/General Secretary of the National Council of Churches.

Dolly Desselle Adams President’s Award – Lonnie G. Bunch III: Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, noted historian and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

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About the Symposium

The BWA Symposium has become a premier convening during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, attracting more than 1,500 attendees annually and consistently selling out in minutes. It is a platform for dialogue on issues impacting Black women and their families and for recognizing leaders whose contributions move the community and nation forward.

About The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc.

Founded in 1977, The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing, securing, and protecting the rights and well-being of Black women and their families. BWA delivers programs and advocacy in education, health, economic empowerment, and social justice, partnering with the National Presidents of 24 National Collaborating Organizations whose combined membership exceeds three million women worldwide.

 For more information, visit www.bwa-inc.org.

PHOTO CAPTION:  

Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and recipient of the BWA Dolly Desselle Adams President’s Award, stands with former Vice President Kamala Harris and Gwainevere Catchings-Hess, president of The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc., during BWA’s 48th Annual Symposium Town Hall and Awards Luncheon on Sept. 27, 2025, in Washington. The event took place during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.

Photo credit: Monica Morgan