Black Conservative Federation Celebrates Trump’s Inauguration
The Black Conservative Federation gained national attention last year when Trump delivered a speech at its gala in South Carolina.
The Black Conservative Federation (BCF) organized an event at Arena Stage in Washington on January 19 to commemorate President-elect Donald Trump’s election win and his forthcoming inauguration.
Among the politicians present at the BCF Legacy of Freedom Ball were Reps. Burgess Owens (R-Utah), Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), and Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears.
“Trump is focusing on border security, safety, economic growth, lowering inflation, and ensuring our children receive a proper education,” Owens stated to The Epoch Times. “Education is one of the most crucial national security matters. We must teach our children to believe in our country.”
The BCF ascended to national recognition last year following Trump’s speech at its gala in South Carolina.
Donalds expressed hope that Trump would foster a thriving economy and ensure national security.
“If he accomplishes those two objectives, we will attain what is necessary for us to be exceptional as we are,” he told The Epoch Times.
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Approximately 500 attendees, primarily composed of business owners, elected officials, political candidates, lobbyists, and donors, gathered for the formal event, where the Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) brass band provided entertainment.
“President Trump performed exceptionally well during his previous term,” remarked Timothy Beard, the president of Florida A&M University (FAMU), to The Epoch Times. “We believe he was very effective economically.”
In 2019, Trump made a permanent commitment of $255 million in annual funding for historically black colleges and universities, including FAMU and MVSU.
Vincent Peters, who spent three years in compliance for Elon Musk at SpaceX and Starlink, is eager for Trump to reinstate “America First” policies.
“America First policies benefit us by reducing billions of dollars sent to other nations that disregard America or the interests of black Americans,” Peters explained to The Epoch Times.
This Miami-based individual recently founded his own company, Inheritance AI.
The attendees enjoyed a gourmet meal featuring oysters, shrimp, brisket, mashed potatoes, pasta, champagne, and a selection of appetizers.
“Housing is critical, but we believe workforce housing will be even more significant,” remarked Karl Cureton, CEO of the Council Exchange Board of Trade, which represents 65,000 minority-owned tech businesses, to The Epoch Times.
The MVSU brass band performs at the BCF event in Washington on January 19, 2025. Juliette Fairley/The Epoch Times
Norman Brooks, 40, a firefighter and entrepreneur, is one of the black men who maintain conservative principles and voted for Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
“I don’t believe that ‘wokeness’ benefits black people, particularly diversity and equity initiatives (DEI),” Brooks articulated to The Epoch Times. “DEI benefits everyone except black individuals. I cannot align myself with Democrat programs.”
Laverne Cook, 55, based in Los Angeles and founder of the nonprofit organization Light of Life, hopes Trump will emphasize Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) funds.
“I want President Trump to streamline the process for CDFI funding for conservative nonprofits,” Cook expressed to The Epoch Times. “CDFI funds in California are allocated by Democrats.”
Despite only 7 percent of black women voting for Trump in the 2024 elections—compared to 90 percent for Harris, as per the Navigator poll—numerous women at the BCF event applauded Trump and his cabinet members.
Norman and April Brooks attend the BCF event in Washington, on January 19, 2025. Juliette Fairley/The Epoch Times
“I am an American black whose family has long been part of this land, and ‘America First’ signifies that we prioritize the heritage of our nation, including black individuals,” said Carson Hicks, 41, to The Epoch Times.
Shana Gray, 40, a business owner who flew in from Milwaukee to participate in the inauguration and BCF event, expressed her happiness over Trump’s election and her enthusiasm for his upcoming administration.
Shana Gray and Jarrel Nickols attend the BCF event in Washington, on January 19, 2025. Juliette Fairley/The Epoch Times
“’Make America Great Again’ holds a different meaning for everyone,” Gray shared with The Epoch Times. “For me, it embodies the return of jobs to the United States, securing our borders, prioritizing Americans, and reinstating compassion and empathy for one another.”
