WASHINGTON, -- The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) will focus on a renewed sense of responsibility and purpose at its National Town Hall Meeting from 8:30-11:45 a.m., on September 24 during its 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.
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. James Clyburn of South Carolina; Charles Rangel of New York and Maxine Waters of California 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, Ph.D., 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.
U.S. Reps. Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania and Yvette Clarke of New York will serve as honorary
co-chairs of the 39th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), from September 23-26 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in the nation's capital. This year's conference theme is "Reinvest. . .Rebuild. . .Renew." The web site is www.alc2009.org
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 September 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:
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CBCF ALC Opportunities for All -- Pathways Out of Poverty Summit. The current economic crisis has caused many Americans to see just how vulnerable they are to losing their standard of living and becoming destitute. In response, CBCF will host an in-depth summit from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on September 23 on Capitol Hill defining what poverty looks like in 2009, what demographic groups easily fall into this category and how to create opportunities for pathways out of poverty. In addition, an afternoon session will focus on creating more diversity on Capitol Hill. Democrat & Republican leadership staff and senior African-American staffers will share information about employment resources and advise on best practices when seeking a Hill career. Simultaneously, resumes will be reviewed and collected to add to the CBC resume bank and other resume banks throughout the Hill.
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Celebration of Leadership for the Visual and Performing Arts. The CBC Spouses will honor Tyler Perry, author, producer and screenwriter and visual artist Sam Gilliam at the National Museum of Women in the Arts from 8-10:30 p.m., on September 23. The next morning, the CBC Spouses and CBC members will provide food, clothing and health services at a homeless shelter in Northwest Washington.
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Emerging Leader Series. CBCF will present its popular Emerging Leaders Series from September 24-26. The series will offer multiple sessions connecting the nation's powerbrokers with emerging professionals to discuss 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.
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Annual Prayer Breakfast. Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, presiding bishop of First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of Philadelphia, Pa., will deliver an inspirational message on September 26. Grammy Award Winner Yolanda Adams and the Pine Forge Academy Choir will lead the audience in musical praise.
To Register or for more information, visit www.cbcfinc.org or call (202)263-2800
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., was established in 1976 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and education institute to help improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.
CONTACT: Priscilla Clarke, +1-202-723-2200, pclarkepr@aol.com, or Muriel Cooper, +1-202-263-2829,mcooper@cbcfinc.org, both of Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
