With the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference’s theme “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” Hakeem Jeffries stands as a central figure in the ongoing effort to elevate and empower Black communities across the nation. As House Democratic Leader, Jeffries embodies the vision and resolve that have driven the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for over half a century.
At the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Jeffries delivered a powerful speech that showcased his rhetorical brilliance and his commitment to challenging the forces that seek to undermine progress. With characteristic wit, he likened former President Donald Trump to an “old boyfriend” who “just won’t go away,” using this metaphor to underscore the resilience of the American people in moving beyond a tumultuous chapter in history.
“Donald Trump is like an old boyfriend who you broke up with, but he just won’t go away,” Jeffries quipped to roaring applause. “He has spent the last four years spinning the block, trying to get back into a relationship with the American people. Bro, we broke up with you for a reason.”
With even more biting critiques, Jeffries took aim at Trump’s 2018 tax bill, branding it a “scam” that benefited the wealthy at the expense of working families. He condemned Trump’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a catastrophic failure and denounced his role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol as an assault on democracy itself. Jeffries reminded the audience that Trump’s tenure represented a step backward, particularly for marginalized communities.
But Jeffries did more than critique—he inspired. In a moment that captivated the convention, he laid out a plan of action that was infused with hope and resilience, calling on his audience to “Strategize on Sunday, meet the moment on Monday, take it to ’em on Tuesday,” and continue this cycle until “joy, joy, joy comes in the morning.”
The call to action reflects Jeffries’ broader legislative agenda and commitment to justice and equality.
Representing New York’s diverse Eighth Congressional District, which includes parts of Brooklyn and Queens, Jeffries has steadfastly advocated for policies that uplift Black Americans and other underserved communities. His rise to Democratic Leader in November 2022 marked a significant moment in American politics, as he became the highest-ranking Black lawmaker in the House of Representatives.
Throughout his six terms in Congress, Jeffries has championed issues central to the CBC’s mission, from criminal justice reform to economic equity. He played a pivotal role in the passage of the FIRST STEP Act, a landmark bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that addresses sentencing disparities and expands re-entry programs. His peers noted that the work is emblematic of Jeffries’ dedication to dismantling systemic racism and creating pathways to opportunity for all.
Jeffries’ influence extends beyond the halls of Congress. He has been instrumental in securing critical funding for projects in his district, particularly those that serve Black and brown communities. His efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including securing billions of dollars for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and expanding testing in hard-hit neighborhoods, highlight his commitment to health equity and economic justice.
Jeffries’ leadership will undoubtedly be a focal point as the CBC Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference kicks off on Sept. 11. The conference, which brings together thought leaders, legislators, and activists, is a powerful platform for amplifying Black voices and advancing the vision of a more just and equitable society.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Jeffries now counts as a formidable force in Washington.
His leadership represents a new generation of Black political power rooted in community, driven by justice, and committed to securing a better future for all Americans.