Celebrating Black Excellence at the White House: A Moment of Reflection and Progress

President Joe Biden gives remarks at a celebration of Black Excellence. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to participate.

Recently, the White House hosted an inspiring event to celebrate Black Excellence, bringing together hundreds of Black leaders from across the nation. The gathering was not only a celebration of individual achievements but also a recognition of the progress being made in areas like business, education, and justice under the leadership of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The atmosphere on the South Lawn was filled with pride and joy, as Black leaders from various sectors came together to reflect on the strides being made in their communities. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the first Black openly queer individual to hold the position, kicked off the event with a personal reflection. She shared a touching story about a young Black girl who had visited the White House and expressed her desire to one day be in her shoes. For Jean-Pierre, this moment reinforced the critical importance of representation.

“When we see people who look like us in these spaces, it makes a difference,” Jean-Pierre said. “Our voices matter, our perspectives matter, and our success in our community matters.”

Jean-Pierre went on to highlight key figures in the Biden administration who embody Black excellence, including Shalanda Young, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and others who have risen to historic leadership roles. She praised the administration’s commitment to filling positions of power with individuals who reflect the diversity of the country. Under this administration, Black Americans are thriving at unprecedented levels, starting businesses, creating jobs, buying homes, and pursuing educational opportunities at historic rates.

One of the most powerful aspects of the event was the emphasis on action over words. The Biden-Harris administration has not just talked about supporting Black communities — they’ve delivered tangible results. From criminal justice reform to voting rights, and from protecting Black history as a fundamental part of American history, they’ve shown that progress is possible when leadership is committed to the cause.

A standout moment came when Shalanda Young took the stage. As the first Black woman to oversee the federal government’s budget, Young reflected on her journey from Clinton, Louisiana, to the halls of the White House. She spoke with pride about managing a $7 trillion budget and how it’s being used to make real investments in rural communities like the one she grew up in. Her message was clear: progress isn’t just a talking point, it’s happening now, and it’s transforming lives.

The event wasn’t just about celebrating the present; it was also a call to action for the future. While there has been significant progress, there is still work to be done. As Jean-Pierre noted, “Tomorrow we get back to work, because we all know the most important thing: there is more work to be done.”

It was an uplifting day filled with pride and celebration, but it also served as a reminder that the journey toward equality and justice is ongoing. The leaders who gathered on the South Lawn represent the best of what America can be — a nation where opportunity, representation, and progress are available to all.

As the event came to a close, attendees were invited to take a flower from the table, a symbol of the day’s celebration. But as everyone left, there was a sense that the real work continues — building on the progress made and ensuring that the future is even brighter for the next generation of Black Americans.

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