WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation kicked off its annual meeting yesterday and continues today with a national town hall meeting, which aims to focus on “a renewed sense of responsibility and purpose.”
The town hall forum begins today at 8:30-11:45 a.m., and leads a host of sessions planned for the Caucus’ 39th Annual Legislative Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Under the title “Economic Recovery and Opportunity,” the panel will feature policy makers and experts from the corporate and business world who will discuss methods on how to survive and thrive in these financially turbulent times. The panel is a reflection of the conference overall theme Reinvest…Rebuild…Renew, organizers said.
Ed Gordon, host of Our World with Black Enterprise, and Renee Chenault Fattah, anchor for NBC 10 News in Philadelphia will moderate the panel discussion. Melody Barnes, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council; John Bryant, founder of Hope Economic Development in Minority Communities; George Burrell, executive vice president of PRWT Services; Alfred Liggins, chief executive officer for Radio One; Julianne Malveaux, president of Bennett College and Reps. JamesClyburn of South Carolina; Charles Rangel of New York; Maxine Waters of California; Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania and Yvette Clarke of New York will join in the discussion.
“The town hall meeting brings together a diverse group of African Americans who have come from across the country to collectively discuss common issues and concerns,” said Elsie L. Scott, president and chief executive officer for CBCF. “There is hope in the midst of America’s economic crisis. It is critical to remember that as we move forward in facing and defeating the many obstacles Americans are facing today.”
Overall, more than 15,000 people focusing on issues impacting African Americans and the African Diaspora attend ALC each year. The four-day conference features dozens of policy forums, general sessions, exhibits, a job fair, book signings and networking opportunities. It ends with a star-studded awards dinner. Registrants include elected officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media, emerging leaders and everyday Americans.
Headlining ALC will once again be the 42 members of the CBC. They will lead forums on education, health care, the environment, economic development, criminal justice, housing, transportation and international affairs throughout the conference. On Sept. 26, thousands of people will join the CBCF and CBC in honoring the contributions of outstanding individuals for their contributions to the community and the nation at the awards dinner.
Other ALC ‘09 highlights will include:
Emerging Leaders Series
CBCF will present its popular Emerging Leaders Series from September 24-26. The series will include strategies for community and personal development throughout the conference. Topics will include higher education funding, entrepreneurialism in urban communities, mental health and wellness, a networking luncheon and the premier of BPX 1.0 – The Black Party Xperience – a soulful fusion of music, art, culture and performance.
