This Week’s CBCF-ALC to Focus on the Power of 'You' By Hazel Trice Edney

Sept. 21, 2014

This Week’s CBCF-ALC to Focus on the Power of 'You' 
By Hazel Trice Edney

cbcf pres. shuanise washington
CBCF President/CEO Shuanise Washington

chaka fattah
CBCF Chairman Chaka Fattah

(TriceEdneyWire.com) - More than 10,000 people from across the nation are expected to converge on Washington, D.C. this week for what has become known as the largest annual gathering on African-American issues.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 44th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), set for Sept. 24-27 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, will include more than 70 public policy forums. This year, the conference, themed, “It Starts With You”, will focus on the power of individual action “in making a positive change in the African-American community and the African Diaspora,” says a statement.

"ALC has long been acknowledged as one of the most important gatherings of African-American leaders in the nation," said Rep. Chaka Fattah, chairman of the CBCF board of directors. "The sharing of experiences and ideas among policymakers, community activists, and people from all walks of life on what has worked in terms of moving African Americans forward—and what has not—will be a very valuable outcome from this conference."

People who attend the conference come to explore both “challenges and opportunities facing African Americans and the diaspora through a series of policy panels on education, economic development, public health, immigration, the environment, networking sessions, a town hall meeting and more,” the release says.

In addition to the issues forums, there are dozens of side parties, networking receptions and plenty of evening glitz to balance the panel discussions, debates and educational atmosphere during the day. This year's ALC will also feature the annual Exhibit Showcase and an on-site employment fair and procurement session.

"As we embark on the 44th year of organizing our annual legislative conference, we hope to explore not just the challenges, but more importantly, the opportunities that exist for African-Americans in terms of STEM education and careers, economic empowerment and community development," says CBCF President/CEO A. Shuanise Washington. "ALC is the place where we challenge people and ourselves to engage in the difficult conversations about social justice and economic empowerment, among many issues—and begin the hard work of creating sustainable solutions to the issues Black people face every day.”

Among the highlights:

  • The 18th Annual Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts was set to honor actress and director Phylicia Rashad; acclaimed author Dr.Alvin Poussaint, and Grammy-award winning musician Bill Withers on Wednesday evening.
  • The National Town Hall Meeting Thursday morning is themed “Voting for Change and Equal Opportunity: Midterm Elections and the State of Black America.” The goal will be to focus on the “power, impact and importance” of the Black vote. The moderator will be journalist Jeff Johnson with a panel featuring U. S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.); former NAACP/LDF Director Council Elaine Jones; civil rights leader Wade Henderson and U. S. Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.)
  • The Annual Prayer Breakfast on Saturday morning will feature Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, pastor of Abyssinian Baptist church in New York.
  • President Barack Obama will once again address the star-studded Phoenix Awards Dinner Saturday night. Award recipients are TV and Radio One founder Cathy Hughes; civil rights leader Wade Henderson, president/CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights; journalist Susan L. Taylor, editor-in-chief Emerita of Essence; and entrepreneur Dr. Robert Wright chairman/CEO of FE Holdings Inc.

For event details or ticket information, visit www.cbcfinc.org/alcevents or call 877.585.6018.

Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-Ga.) and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) will serve as honorary co-chairs of the conference.

"ALC offers the unique opportunity for the world to engage today's African-American leaders with a focus on workable solutions and actionable items," said Rep. Sanford Bishop. "Our goal is to move beyond the conversation and toward resolution of some of the long-standing disparities faced by African Americans and the African Diaspora."

"During ALC, attendees will have an opportunity to interface with industry executives, community leaders, lawmakers and celebrities who are engaged actively on issues affecting our diverse communities," said Rep. Beatty. "The Conference theme, 'It Starts with You,' is befitting; every voice is critical to this collective discourse as we exchange ideas, capitalize on best practices, and focus on actions that will help advance educational opportunities, ensure voting rights, and spur wealth creation."