Vice President and Democratic nominee for President Kamala Harris made a radiant entrance at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual Phoenix Awards dinner on Saturday evening in Washington. The ceremony honors the work of the CBCF, which seeks to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.
Following keynote speaker President Joe Biden, Harris took the stage in a sequined LaQuan Smith column gown, accessorizing with black pumps.
Vice President Kamala Harris during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards on Sept. 14 in Washington. Getty Images for Congressional B
“For the last four years, I’ve been honored to stand by a true partner who’s helped us lead to the horizon of freedom,” Biden said ahead of Harris’ speech. “Kamala Harris meets the highest standards of character. I’ve served with her, I know her, I trust her and I’ll be proud to stand on the steps of the United States Capitol and watch her take the Oath of Office as President of the United States of America.”
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In her address, Harris spoke of the importance of the CBC’s support in winning the election in November.
“The Congressional Black Caucus has served as the conscience of the Congress and of our nation, and as a proud former CBC member, I know first-hand America relies on the leaders in this room, not only for a conscience, but for a vision,” she began.
President Joe Biden introduces Vice President Kamala Harris during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards on Sept. 14 in Washington. Getty Images
The Vice President drew comparisons between her campaign and that of President Donald Trump’s, touting her plans for preserving reproductive rights, healthcare and building “an opportunity economy.
“We know what we stand for, and that’s why we know what we fight for,” Harris concluded. “And when the CBC fights, we win.”
On Tuesday, Smith debuted his latest collection during New York Fashion Week. Per WWD’s Layla Ilchi, his spring 2025 line “showed the designer’s understanding of his bold client, one who knows she’s the center of attention.”
Vice President Kamala Harris during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Phoenix Awards on Sept. 14 in Washington. Getty Images
Inspired by “animalistic glamour,” Smith used an earthy color palette of browns, khakis and yellows, transforming snake prints onto sheer leather and chiffon.
“I was really inspired by a lot of the palettes of wildlife, so I was thinking the New York woman and she’s in the concrete jungle in New York in the spring season wearing LaQuan. How does she then live her life on the global scale?” he told WWD.
