Email from Office of Congresswoman Alma Adams View as Webpage The official newsletter for the Office of Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, PhD. March/April Issue Congresswoman Alma S. Adams joins Wells Fargo for Announcement of a $6 Million Investment in West Charlotte Wells Fargo Invests $6 Million in West Charlotte. Wells Fargo announced a $6 million philanthropic investment in West Charlotte at a ceremony held at Johnson C. Smith University, alongside Mayor Vi Lyles and Congresswoman Alma S. Adams. The funding will help establish Three Sisters Market—which will become the first full-service grocery store in the West Boulevard corridor in more than 30 years.  The investment reflects the kind of public-private partnership Adams has long championed: one that brings essential resources and economic opportunity directly to communities that have been historically underserved. Food access, economic vitality, and community well-being are all connected. This announcement represents a meaningful step forward for families and neighborhoods throughout West Charlotte. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams visited Billingsville-Cotswold Elementary School for Career Day Career Day at Billingsville-Cotswold Elementary. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams visited Billingsville-Cotswold Elementary School for Career Day, spending time with fifth graders to discuss the work of Congress and what it means to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Students asked thoughtful questions about the legislative process, the role of their representative in Washington, and how public service connects to their daily lives. "It was an amazing time," Adams said. "I was honored to speak with these young people."  For Adams, engaging directly with students is a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to education—and a chance to inspire the next generation of civic leaders from the communities she is proud to serve. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams joined students at the Alliance Center for Education for The Big Read Reading Opens Doors: The Big Read. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams joined students at the Alliance Center for Education for The Big Read—an initiative bringing community leaders into classrooms to read directly to students and help them connect with books from an early age. Organizers say early exposure to reading shapes everything from language development to classroom confidence.  "Literacy is really the key," Adams said. "We've got to bridge that gap." Books in the home are among the strongest indicators of future literacy success. Events like The Big Read—which welcomes corporate and civic leaders as guest readers each year—make that connection fun and memorable, helping to open doors for the next generation of Charlotte students. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams Speaks for the North Carolina Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy The Most Important Pipeline Carries People. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams addressed the North Carolina Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy for their Professional Development Conference in Charlotte, leaving energized by the talent and purpose in the room. Her remarks centered on "Building Your Personal Pipeline"—investing in knowledge, relationships, opportunity, and purpose throughout a career in energy. "The most important pipeline is not the one that carries energy," Adams told attendees. "It is the one that carries people."  If you work in energy, Adams argued, you are shaping more than an industry—you are shaping our economy, communities, and future. She thanked AABE NC President MoNiqueka Smith for the invitation and the chapter's continued leadership in professional development. Recognizing Kidney Awareness Month Recognizing Kidney Awareness Month. In recognition of National Kidney Awareness Month, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams visited the DaVita kidney clinic in Charlotte, meeting with patients and staff to hear firsthand about the challenges facing those living with kidney disease.  "These are brave residents facing difficult circumstances every day," Adams said of the visit. The conversation reinforced her belief that access to quality health care is not a luxury—it is a necessity.  Kidney disease affects more than 37 million Americans. March serves as an important opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for improved access to care and resources for patients and their families across the district and the country. Adams Hunger Initiative: Turning Insight Into Action The Adams Hunger Initiative: Turning Insight Into Action. Hunger is not an abstract issue. On March 23, the Adams Hunger Initiative convened community leaders on the front lines to address what families in the district are facing right now.  With the 2026 Farm Bill taking shape in Washington, decisions about SNAP and nutrition programs will directly determine whether families can put food on the table. The conversation was frank—leaders shared lived realities, and the stakes could not be clearer. "We have the insight. We've heard the realities," Adams said. "Now we have to act." As Congress moves forward on farm and nutrition policy, Adams remains committed to ensuring that hunger relief programs stay strong, accessible, and responsive to those who need them most. Standing for Students at the UNCF Masked Ball Standing for Students at the UNCF Masked Ball. On March 21, Congresswoman Adams attended the 12th Annual UNCF Charlotte Mayor's Masked Ball at the Charlotte Convention Center, joining HBCU presidents Dr. Paulette Dillard of Shaw University, Dr. Anthony Davis of Livingstone College, and Dr. Valerie Kinloch of Johnson C. Smith University. The evening brought together leaders, advocates, and partners united around a single goal: expanding access to higher education and strengthening communities across North Carolina. "When we invest in our students, we invest in possibility," Adams said. "And when we stand together, that impact multiplies."  The annual ball continues to raise critical funds for scholarships and student support, helping move opportunity forward for students across the state. Fighting for Black Mothers: The Momnibus Act Fighting for Black Mothers: The Momnibus Act. Black women in the United States are three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related causes. This week, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams reintroduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act alongside Representative Lauren Underwood and Senator Cory Booker.  The legislation takes a comprehensive approach—addressing every dimension of maternal mortality, morbidity, and racial disparity in care. As co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, Adams also reintroduced the Kira Johnson Act with Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock, targeting bias and racism in medical settings and promoting accountability in maternal care. "This crisis must be brought to light and addressed," Adams said. "Black maternal health must be a priority at every level of government." Read more at adams.house.gov A New Space for Healing: The Katie Blessing Center A New Space for Healing: The Katie Blessing Center. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams visited the construction site of the Katie Blessing Center in Charlotte, joining Executive Director and CEO Anthony Trotman of the Katie Blessing Foundation to mark progress on what will become a vital community resource. When completed, the KB Center will offer children with behavioral health concerns a dedicated space for peace, healing, and recovery—addressing a critical need in communities where mental health resources are often scarce or inaccessible. The center represents a meaningful investment in the emotional and mental well-being of the area's youngest and most vulnerable residents.  Congresswoman Adams remains committed to supporting mental health infrastructure and community wellness across District 12. Rep. Adams Pushes to Preserve Department of Education During Congressional Committee Meeting Congresswoman Adams introduced an amendment aimed at halting further dismantling of the Department of Education (ED). “Adult Education is not a job training program,” said Rep. Adams. “It’s an education program that is fundamentally about helping adults learn a foundational level of reading, writing, and math. The Department of Education fills a critical void in our nation’s workforce system by providing much needed expertise in adult literacy instructional delivery.” Congresswoman Alma S. Adams hosted the 8th Annual HBCU STEAM Days of Action HBCUs Deserve the Investment They've Earned. Recently, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams hosted the 8th Annual HBCU STEAM Days of Action in Washington, D.C., bringing together HBCU presidents, researchers, students, and federal agency representatives to build momentum for research infrastructure investment. HBCUs represent just 3% of colleges and universities nationwide, yet produce nearly 25% of Black STEM graduates and 33% of Black science and engineering PhDs. Despite this outsized impact, they remain persistently underfunded. "We've asked HBCUs to do more with less for too long," said Adams, who announced plans to reintroduce the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act. The bipartisan two-day event drew Representatives French Hill, Pete Aguilar, Bobby Scott, Jahana Hayes, Sanford Bishop, and Troy Carter. Adams Champions HBCUs at Arkansas Summit Adams Champions HBCUs at Arkansas Summit. On March 12, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams joined Rep. French Hill and Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders at the 2026 Arkansas HBCU Summit at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock. As founder and co-chair of the Congressional HBCU Caucus, Adams was a featured participant in a summit focused on "Building Resilient Futures for HBCUs: Infrastructure, Innovation, and Economic Mobility." Discussions covered campus infrastructure, private capital partnerships, and connecting HBCU talent to the broader economy. Keynote remarks were delivered by Asahi Pompey, Global Head of Corporate Engagement and President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation. The summit underscored the growing bipartisan commitment to strengthening the nation's historically Black colleges and universities.  (Photo credit: Sydney Bremer, Digital Assistant for Congressman French Hill, AR-02) Sixteen Years of the Affordable Care Act Sixteen Years of the Affordable Care Act In March, the nation marked the 16th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act—a landmark law that transformed American health care by protecting people with pre-existing conditions, making quality coverage more affordable, and ensuring that getting sick no longer means risking financial ruin. Congresswoman Adams celebrated the milestone while reaffirming her commitment to defending and strengthening the ACA for the millions of Americans who depend on it. At a moment when health care costs continue to strain working families, Adams remains focused on ensuring that the promise of accessible, affordable care is upheld—not rolled back. Congresswoman Adams is proud to co-sponsor House Joint Resolution 13 Limiting Presidential Pardons Congresswoman Adams is proud to co-sponsor House Joint Resolution 13, a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit the power of presidential pardons. The resolution, introduced alongside Representatives Cohen, Johnson, and Levin, seeks to establish meaningful guardrails around one of the executive branch's most consequential—and least checked—powers. At a time of heightened concern about the rule of law and equal accountability, Adams views HJR 13 as a necessary step toward ensuring that no president can use the pardon power to shield wrongdoing or undermine justice. Congresswoman Adams introduced the GRAD Act alongside Representatives Yvette Clarke to address persistent funding disparities at HBCUs The GRAD Act: Investing in HBCU Research. Congresswoman Adams introduced the GRAD Act alongside Representatives Yvette Clarke to address persistent funding disparities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions. HBCUs and PBIs serve as crucial centers of academic and social support—particularly for Black students and first-generation college students in STEM fields. Yet they continue to face systemic underfunding compared to peer institutions. The GRAD Act targets graduate-level STEM research at these institutions, aiming to close the resource gap and empower the next generation of Black researchers, engineers, and scientists. Congresswoman Adams Presses CFTC Chairman Selig Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., a member of the House Agriculture Committee, questioned Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael Selig, raising concerns about transparency, regulatory oversight, and the agency’s responsiveness to farmers, producers, and investors. “Today's (April 16, 2026) hearing raised serious and unanswered questions about the direction of the CFTC under Chairman Selig's leadership — and the American people, farmers, and investors deserve straight answers. First, I am deeply concerned that Chairman Selig has indicated a willingness to advance major new regulations without a full complement of commissioners in place. Rulemaking of this magnitude requires the full deliberative process the agency was designed to carry out — not unilateral action by a single sitting commissioner. Congresswoman Adams reintroduced the Improving Access to Nutrition Act to Expand SNAP Access Expanding SNAP Access for Vulnerable Americans. Congresswoman Adams reintroduced the Improving Access to Nutrition Act alongside Representatives Jahana Hayes, Summer Lee, and Lori Trahan, targeting a policy that cuts off SNAP benefits for vulnerable individuals after just three months.  The bill would lift that arbitrary time limit, ensuring that those who rely on nutrition assistance are not left without support at a critical moment. "This bill will put people over politics and reduce food insecurity in the United States," Adams said. As Congress debates the Farm Bill and nutrition funding, Adams remains committed to fighting for stronger, more accessible benefits for families across the district and country. Committed to Bringing Resources to the 12th District: Fiscal Year 2027 Community Project Funding (CPF) Projects Congresswoman Adams is committed to bringing federal resources home to District 12. Review the 2027 community funding project submissions at adams.house.gov. READ MORE Adams Opposes Reckless Military Action in Iran Adams Opposes Reckless Military Action in Iran. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams co-sponsored H.Con.Res. 38, a concurrent resolution directing President Trump to end the use of U.S. Armed Forces in hostilities against Iran without a formal declaration of war or congressional authorization. Adams expressed concern that the administration is engaging the country in military conflict without a clear objective or exit strategy—putting the lives of American service members at risk. "The unhinged threats of 'A whole civilization will die tonight' show a lack of leadership," Adams said. At the same time, the cost of living at home continues to rise while America's global reputation diminishes under the current administration. Congratulations to Congressional Staffer Taylor Adams, Miss Cherry Blossom North Carolina Congratulations, Miss Cherry Blossom North Carolina! Congresswoman Adams congratulates her very own staffer, Taylor Adams, on being named Miss Cherry Blossom North Carolina — a title connected to Washington, D.C.'s beloved National Cherry Blossom Festival. It is a fitting honor for someone who works every day at the heart of this city, serving the people of District 12 with dedication and grace. We are proud to have her on our team and even prouder to celebrate her achievement. Congratulations, Taylor — you represent us beautifully. Hector V. Cruz Joined Congresswoman Adams for State of Union Congresswoman Adams Hosts Hector Vaca Cruz As State of the Union Guest—an invitation that underscores the national significance of his work. Héctor Vaca Cruz, a Charlotte-based documentary photographer and “artivist,” blends creative expression with community organizing to advance social justice. As Immigrant Justice Director for Action NC, he amplifies community voices and documents movements for change through powerful, on-the-ground storytelling. Farewell to a Freedom Fighter Farewell to a Freedom Fighter. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams mourns the passing of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson—civil rights icon, North Carolina A&T Aggie, and lifelong friend. A transformational leader, Rev. Jackson spent his life confronting injustice head on, walking alongside generations of activists in the ongoing struggle for equity and justice. Adams served as co-chair of his 1984 presidential campaign in Guilford County—an honor that later inspired her first run for School Board. His example helped shape her entire journey in public service. "Rev. Jackson was a soldier who fought a good fight and prepared his troops for the battles ahead," Adams said. "Now it is time for him to rest."  Congresswoman Adams celebrates his extraordinary life, honors his enduring legacy, and recommits herself to calling out injustice wherever it appears. Condolences on the Death of Congressman David Scott (GA 13) Farewell to Congressman David Scott (GA 13). "I am deeply saddened by the news of my colleague Congressman David Scott's death. Representative Scott was the first Black Chair of the House Agriculture Committee where I had the privilege of working beside him as Vice Chair. During our time on the Agriculture Committee, we worked on policies supporting SNAP, nutrition, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Throughout his 23-year tenure in the House of Representatives, he has been a champion for HBCUs. As a proud graduate of Florida A&M University, he understood first-hand the importance of investing in our institutions. I will forever treasure our work together. Representative Scott was a trailblazer in many ways and led Georgia's 13th District with purpose. His service is indelible. I send my deepest condolences to his family members, loved ones, and constituents. May you rest in perfect peace. - Congresswoman Alma Adams Upcoming Opportunities from Rep. Adams' Office Upcoming Opportunities from Rep. Adams' Office Congresswoman Adams' office has several important opportunities for District 12 constituents now open: The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship is accepting applications from qualifying students. Students interested in attending a U.S. military service academy may apply for a Congressional Service Academy Nomination.  For full details, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines, visit adams.house.gov. Read More News at Adams.House.Gov Office of Congresswoman Alma Adams | 10815 David Taylor Drive, Suite 100 | Charlotte, NC 28262 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice