(courtesy photo)
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated said they are excited to welcome 10,000 attendees at its 46th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), scheduled for September 14 – 18, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The ALC is the premier conference of its kind nationwide, offering more than 70 forums on public policy issues facing African Americans. Honorary co-chairs of this year’s conference are U.S. Representatives Karen Bass of California and William Lacy Clay of Missouri.
This year’s theme, “Defining the Moment – Building the Movement,” will highlight a culmination of social and political moments in American History that define the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the CBCF. It will also explore the critical policy issues of voter suppression, police brutality and economic opportunity-and identify forward-looking solutions that empower people to change their lives, communities and futures.
“The ALC is one of the nation’s most influential conferences of African-American entrepreneurs, business leaders, legislators and community activists. This year more than ever, it is imperative that beyond measuring the status of racial democracy and economics we take actionable steps towards equalizing those disparities,” said R. Donahue Peebles, chairman of the CBCF board of directors. “We intend for this conference to accelerate solutions to the most threatening problems facing African Americans.”
“ALC offers an interactive and engaging learning environment using a flexible platform of constructive exchanges about social justice and economic empowerment. Creating change that tackles social injustice, strengthens leadership effectiveness and uplifts populations is of monumental importance to the CBCF,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the CBCF. “As we celebrate CBCF’s 40th anniversary and reflect on our journey thus far, we realize now is the time to reassert the changes needed to contribute to a sustainable future.”
“The CBCF’s civic engagement movement is about creating a global community of active citizens,” said Rep. William Lacy Clay. “During ALC, we will learn from our history and leverage those lessons towards a movement that builds mutual understanding and can help us safeguard our contributions to the social and economic development of our communities.”
“The ALC is an opportunity to gain valuable new insights and network with professionals from across the country,” said Rep. Karen Bass. “Our goal is to move beyond the conversation and toward a foundational shift.”
The ALC will feature a variety of events including an on-site employment fair and authors’ pavilion, the National Town Hall, Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts awards ceremony, Gospel Extravaganza, Black Party, the annual Prayer Breakfast, a jazz concert, exhibit showcase, and the culminating event, the Phoenix Awards Dinner, which supports the Foundation’s mission critical programs including education, economic development, health and research.
