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Beatty Receives Prestigious BWA President’s Award

September 16, 2016

Beatty Receives Prestigious BWA President’s Award

Recognized for her commitment to advancing, securing and protecting

the rights of African-American women and families

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) received the President’s Award at the Black Women’s Agenda, Inc’s (BWA) 39th Annual Symposium. Beatty was honored for her leadership on issues affecting Black women, as well as her advocacy and commitment to empowering Black women and families.

"Each year, The Black Women's Agenda, Inc. presents its President's Award to an individual who has worked tirelessly to secure, protect and advance the interests of African-American women and their families,” Gwainevere Catchings Hess, President, BWA, said. “Congresswoman Beatty has not only established an outstanding track record in this regard, but she has been a strong supporter of our efforts to educate, empower and encourage Black women around the world."

In addition to recognizing Congresswoman Beatty, BWA also honored Chirlane McCray, First Lady of New York City and Chairman of Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City; Michelle Banks, President of Essence Communications; and Suzanne Clark, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Siebert Brandford Shank and Company. Previous BWA award recipients include Maya Angelou, celebrated poet and author; Rev. Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, Chair and President Emerita, National Council on Negro Women Inc.; Melissa Harris-Perry, professor and political commentator; and Susan Taylor, Editor-in-Chief, Essence Magazine.

“I am honored to be presented with the BWA’s President’s Award, “Beatty said. “For four decades, BWA has championed for greater rights and opportunities for minority women and I am humbled to be included among the many distinguished recipients of this much-heralded award.” Beatty continued, “As a tireless defender of equal rights for all Americans, I pledge to continue to do everything in my power to advance the priorities that are critical to Black women and to the nation—because when women succeed, America succeeds. Thank you, BWA, for all that you do, and for this tremendous honor.”

BWA was founded in 1977 in Washington, D.C. by ten women who saw the need for greater discussion on the rights of minority women. Two years later, in 1979, the leaders of forty-three Black women’s organizations met with the ten founders and pledged their full support for BWA’s mission and programs. That same year, in June 1979, BWA held its first issues workshop on Capitol Hill and, since that time, BWA has hosted numerous significant events including town hall meetings with presidential candidates, as well as the annual symposium held in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with Congress.

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