ICSC Hosts 2026 Congressional Black Caucus Retail Real Estate Reception

On June 12, ICSC hosted the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Week Retail Real Estate Reception at the EQX Café in New York City and presented this year’s Impact Awards.

The event honored Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY-5) and David Bramble, managing partner & co-founder of MCB Real Estate, for their achievements, and also celebrated OPEN ACCESS US INC. and The Commercial Real Estate Group at Georgia State University (CREG).

More than 100 people attended the reception, including students, members of Congress and their staff, members of the ICSC Board of Trustees and the ICSC Foundation Board, as well as other industry leaders. 

“This event brings together retail real estate executives, policymakers and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of Black industry trailblazers and highlight the partnerships that are essential to creating more inclusive marketplaces. And, hosting it in New York City this year brought a special vibrancy,” ICSC President and CEO Tom McGee said. “The reception also recognizes the importance of engaging the next generation of talent, which is central to our mission.”

In addition to ICSC Impact Award winner Representative Meeks, other members of Congress in attendance at the event included Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-6), Christian Menefee (D-TX-18), Robin Kelly (D-IL-2), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Shomari Figures (D-AL-2) and DCCC Chairwoman Suzan Delbene (D-WA-1). 

“The ICSC-CBC Retail Real Estate Reception reflects what is possible when industry leaders, policymakers and emerging talent come together with a shared commitment to strengthening communities,” ICSC Senior Vice President of Public Policy Abby Jagoda said. “The energy in the room was remarkable, and it was inspiring to see meaningful connections formed among members of Congress, industry executives and students exploring careers in commercial real estate.”

Approximately $31,000 was raised by event sponsorships to support the ICSC Foundation’s mission. Sponsors included Acadia Realty Trust, DLC Management, First American, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, Resorts World, Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust and RAPPAPORT. 

“The ICSC Foundation is committed to expanding awareness of the many career paths available within commercial real estate,” ICSC Foundation President Jazmen Johnson said. “Watching students connect with industry professionals and elected officials who were eager to share their experiences and advice was a powerful reminder of why this work is so important.”