The White House just threw down the gauntlet with a celebration that’s got the whole Black community buzzing. We’re talking about the Celebration of Black Excellence Brunch, and it was everything!
Picture this: The St. Augustine Gospel Choir, decked out in their finest, blessing the South Lawn with their heavenly voices. And that was just the beginning. The White House was packed with our people – actors, writers, activists, you name it. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill Black History Month event. No, ma’am. This was history in the making.
Today, we honor the simple truth: Black history is American history, Black excellence is American excellence
President Biden, rocking his signature aviators, showed up and showed out. He made it clear – the Black community’s always had his back, and he’s got ours.
As the president delivered his closing remarks, Biden adamantly reaffirmed his affinity for the Black community.
“Today, we honor the simple truth: Black history is American history, Black excellence is American excellence, and folks, we don’t erase history like others are trying to. We make history. I know it because I’ve seen it.”
Actress and film producer Marsai Martin delivers remarks during a brunch held to celebrate Black Excellence on the South Lawn of the White House on Sept. 13, 2024 in Washington, D.C. President Biden hosted the brunch during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual Legislative Conference this week to recognize achievements in the Black community.
And let’s not forget about the squad he’s assembled. We’re talking Kamala Harris as VP, Ketanji Brown Jackson on the Supreme Court, and Karine Jean-Pierre holding it down as Press Secretary. Black excellence isn’t just a hashtag in this administration; it’s the whole vibe.
Now, you know representation matters, right? Well, Senator Warnock broke it down for us. Under Biden and Harris, Black unemployment is down, our businesses are getting that investment love, and HBCUs are seeing record funding. We’re not just at the table; we’re running the whole dang restaurant!
And can we talk about the guest list? Iyanla Vanzant, Anthony Anderson, David Banner (who will be in Austin on Sept 28th as a part of the Wealth and Power Conference) – it was like the BET Awards meets the Congressional Black Caucus. Even our own Mayor Donya L. Sartor from Jonesboro was in the mix.
But here’s the tea—his celebration wasn’t just about looking good (though we always do). It was about showing America who we really are. As April D. Ryan put it, it’s crucial that they see Black people who rise above, especially when certain candidates are out here painting us with some ugly brushes.
So, as we’re sipping our coffee and planning our next moves, let’s remember this moment. The White House just showed us that Black excellence isn’t just welcomed – it’s celebrated. And that’s not just good for us; it’s good for all of America.
Now, what are you doing to keep this excellence going in your neck of the woods? Because the bar has been set, and it’s our job to keep raising it. Let’s get to work!
