September 21, 2011
Private: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference Calls for Leaders, Service
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
By Congressman Donald Payne, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.
Today, thousands of people from all walks of life will descend upon the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC for the 41st Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF). This year’s legislative conference entitled, “iLead | iServe,” will be held on September 21-24, 2011.
Founded in 1976 and based in Washington, D.C., CBCF organizes and hosts the most significant public policy conference of its kind. CBCF is a non-profit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute whose mission is to develop leaders, inform policy and educate the public. The conference gives CBCF an opportunity to showcase its stellar interns and fellows programs – which have been noted as changing the landscape on Capitol Hill.
This year’s theme – “iLead | iServe” – acknowledges the importance of individual responsibility for improving the quality of life in the African-American community. With over 80 policy sessions, the conference will focus on critical issues impacting the African-American community by drawing on the knowledge of noted experts and the input of a wide range of community interests.
On Thursday, September 22, 2011, the National Town Hall Meeting will convene the legislative conference. With an unemployment rate of 16.7 percent for African Americans, the Town Hall will focus on economic opportunity and job creation. It promises to be a productive discussion as President Obama’s proposed “American Jobs Act” frames the national debate on the nation’s economy. The Town Hall is open to the public, and will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
On Saturday, the conference will conclude with the Phoenix Awards Dinner where President Barack Obama will address the audience. The awards dinner is a celebration of the contributions of African-American members of Congress and government, civic, cultural and business leaders. It is an inspirational high point of the conference that motivates participants to return home and lead and serve in their communities.
CBCF looks forward to seeing you at the conference. You can register on-site in the lobby of the Washington Convention Center. For further information on ALC 2011 or to register on-line, please visit http://www.cbcfinc.org/alc-2011.html.