The White House South Lawn turned into a family-style celebration in honor of Black excellence. President Joe Biden welcomed more than 100 visitors mostly wearing all white to the inaugural event, held Friday, Sept. 13, during the Congressional Black Caucus’ 53rd Annual Legislative Conference. The celebration welcomed politicians, community leaders and famous faces, who gathered for music, food and camaraderie. NewsVision reporter Skyler Winston was there. (Video and Featured Image: Skyler Winston/HUNewsService.com)
Family Is ‘Everything,’ Biden Says
By Jordyn Britton
Howard University News Service
What started as a small group of friends getting together at his mother’s house grew into a company for Trell Thomas, who now hosts brunches nationwide in celebration of Black excellence. But the biggest brunch was on the South Lawn of the White House, hosted by
President Biden and his administration on Friday.
The guest list featured notable celebrities and politicians, including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the Rev. Al Sharpton, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and actors Marsai Martin and Kyla Pratt.
The Black Excellence Brunch series, founded in 2017, is rooted in the African American tradition of Sunday dinner. Thomas’ goal is to consistently give people a safe space for camaraderie and fellowship — where “our community can feel seen and express ourselves freely.”
“I want to say a personal thank you to President Biden for seeing and investing in [these spaces] and for seeing and investing in us.”
The St. Augustine Gospel Choir performed as guests continued to arrive on the South Lawn in all-white attire.
“It’s truly the honor of a lifetime for me,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in her opening remarks. “But what really inspires me as a mom who is raising a young Black girl is walking through the White House and seeing people who look like me, seeing people who look like us.”
Shalanda Young, director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, praised the president’s commitment to invest in the Black community.
“This administration can ensure that the government shows up in places that have been left behind for Black Americans and communities,” Young said. “This also means historic federal investments in our HBCUs, new economic opportunities and good-paying jobs in Black communities, and lower health-care and child-care cost.”
“I’m incredibly proud to work for President Biden and Vice President Harris, who have fought relentlessly to create opportunity, advance equity and fight for families.”
Following Young, actress and producer Marsai Martin approached the podium to introduce President Biden.
Sharing an anecdote about a recent personal health challenge, Martin commended President Biden and Vice President Harris on their commitment to ensuring fair and accessible health care for all.
“While I’m proud of my work, my family and my friends mean everything to me,” she said. “They’ve been my backbone, always reminding me to take care of myself both mentally and physically, and that’s something I really appreciate about the Biden-Harris administration as well.”
“They’ve been champions for reproductive rights, ensuring that we all are taken care of in every single way,” Martin said. “And on a personal note, I’ve had my own health challenges like when I had my surgery for an ovarian cyst.”
“Knowing we all have leaders who care about making health care accessible and protecting our rights is something that brings me comfort. It’s that kind of leadership that ensures that the next generation of Black women like me and like all of us can thrive.”
As President Biden made his way to the podium, the crowd applauded while chanting in unison, “Thank You, Joe.”
Biden talked about the importance of family. “Our dad taught us that family is the beginning, the middle, and it’s the end. It’s everything.”
The president also acknowledged and thanked Thomas and executive chef Kwame Onwuachi, who is on the Forbes 30 under 30 list and became the James Beard Foundation’s “Rising Star Chef of the Year” in 2019.
Biden remained firm on the ideals of his administration and its commitment to inclusivity.
“I made a commitment my administration would look like America, and it does,” he said.
“This historic day today recognizes that this nation would not exist — and this is literal —without the blood, sweat and tears, without the determination, dreams and contributions of Black Americans. That’s a fact,” he said, pointing behind him directly at the White House. “This place wouldn’t exist.”
He closed by thanking the guests for their support.
“The bottom line is the Black community has always had my back, and I’ve always had yours,” President Biden proclaimed.
“So, thank you for all you’ve taught me. Thank you for all the love you’ve extended to me. I also wanted to host this brunch, because we have progress to celebrate. Together, we’re making the most significant investments in Black America in all of American history.”
Following the president’s address, guests mingled as award-winning singer Monica performed.
“This is my first time at the White House, and I’m honored to be here,” said actor and singer Quincy Brown. “Black excellence, there’s nothing more important. You know, the unified power that we have is really, really, really undeniable, and I’m glad to be here. I’m glad to see a lot of familiar faces. Marsai, I watched her grow up, and to see her it’s really a priceless moment, for real.”
Sharpton praised President Biden’s efforts.
“It was a great event for the president, who’s not looking to get votes now, to give his appreciation to Black America,” the civil rights and social justice activist said. “What he’s done is what every president should do. It’s a historical event.”
Sharpton also discussed his thoughts on the presidential election in November. “We got to turn out,” he said. “We got to come out and vote. It’s not about an election. It’s a selection — which way this country’s going to go.”
Jordyn Britton is a reporter for HUNewsService.com.
