The Black Women's Agenda's 48th Annual Symposium & Awards Luncheon Sells Out in Minutes, Honors Trailblazers, and Inspires

Surprise Guest Former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris Delivers Compelling Remarks

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 sold out within minutes, 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 Town Hall discussions that ignited spirited dialogue and calls to action.

The first panel, "The Change of Menopause and Women's Health," tackled misconceptions about Black women's health, highlighting statistics showing Black women often experience menopause symptoms longer than peers. Actress and philanthropist Jayne Kennedy shared her personal journey, encouraging women to bring spouses and loved ones to medical visits to help entire households understand what to expect. Audience questions added urgency and depth to the conversation.

The second panel, also titled "Lifting Every Voice," was moderated by Symone Sanders-Townsend, co-host of MSNBC's The Weekend. Panelists, including Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Judy Smith, and Michael Blake, addressed civic engagement, leadership, and voting rights. The exchange emphasized the power of Black women's voices and the urgency of protecting democracy.

The program's momentum was punctuated by a surprise appearance from former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who thanked attendees for their unwavering support. "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 BWA. "This year's theme speaks to the urgency of protecting our democracy and elevating issues like women's health that shape our communities' futures. We are proud to honor these trailblazers whose lives and work embody resilience, innovation, and hope."

Honoring Excellence: 2025 Awardees

• Maya V. Martin, Fayetteville State University graduate and law student.
   
• Kimberly A. Blackwell, Founder & CEO, PMM Agency.
   
• Desiree Rogers, Co-Owner & CEO, Fashion Fair Cosmetics and Black Opal Beauty.
   
• Sylvia Y. Cyrus, longtime Executive Director, Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
   
• Candi Castleberry, Vice President, Inclusive Experiences and Technology at Amazon.
   
• Denise Brooks-Williams, Executive VP & COO, Henry Ford Health.
   
• Kim Cliett Long, Ed.D., cultural curator, Jonathan Green Maritime Cultural Center.
   
• Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, first woman elected bishop in the AME Church; President/General Secretary, National Council of Churches.
   
• Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

About the Symposium

The BWA Symposium is a premier convening during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, attracting more than 1,500 attendees annually. It provides a platform for dialogue on issues impacting Black women and their families and for honoring leaders who move the community and nation forward.

About The Black Women's Agenda, Inc.

Founded in 1977, 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, in partnership with the National Presidents of 24 Collaborating Organizations whose combined membership exceeds three million women worldwide.

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

Contact: Cheryl Procter-Rogers, [email protected], 847-454-7400

SOURCE Black Women's Agenda