* Photo by Jay McMichael

CNN White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux will receive Essence's Journalist of the Year award this evening. Essence & Southern Company are partnering to host a special awards reception as part of the 2009 Congressional Black Caucus weekend to commemorate the achievements of today's most influential politicians and architects of change.

The program will honor the accomplishments of The Honorable Congresswoman Barbara Lee with the Advocate Award; Musician & Activist Dr. Henry Panion, III with the Civic & Cultural Advancement Award; Morehouse College President Robert M. Franklin, Jr. with the Hope Award; and CNN Washington Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux as Journalist of the Year.

Congratulations to Suzanne!