The Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) will celebrate 35 years of operation with National BPIA Week starting on Sept. 7 and will culminate by honoring U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, as well as model and Goodwill ambassador Sabriana Elba.
The events serve as a celebration that will highlight and honor the contributions Black professionals have made in international diplomacy.
Lee has represented California’s 12th District (formerly 13th) since 1998. She is the highest-ranking Black woman appointed to Democratic leadership, serving as co-chair of the Policy and Steering Committee.
Cherfilus-McCormick has represented Florida’s 20th congressional district since 2022 and holds the distinction of being the first Black woman to serve in this role.
Elba is known for her advocacy of social causes and involvement in global initiatives.
The Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 1989 on a mission to increase the involvement of African Americans and those of African descent in international affairs.
