WASHINGTON—The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) expects more than 10,000 attendees at its 44th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), scheduled for Sept. 24 – 27, 2014, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. ALC is the premier conference of its kind nationwide, offering more than 70 forums on public policy issues facing African Americans. This year’s theme, “It Starts with You,” explores the strength of individual power in making a positive change in the African-American community and the African Diaspora. Reps. Sanford Bishop of Georgia and Joyce Beatty of Ohio will serve as honorary co-chairs of this year’s conference.
“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 from across the country and around the world attend ALC to explore the 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.
“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,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of CBCF. “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.
“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.”
This year’s ALC will feature the Exhibit Showcase with an on-site employment fair and procurement sessions; the Prayer Breakfast with Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, pastor of Abyssinian Baptist church in New York; and the culminating event, the Phoenix Awards Dinner, which supports the Foundation’s education, economic development, health, research and other programs.
General registration for the CBCF ALC opened on May 21. Visit cbcfinc.org to learn more.
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ABOUT CBCF
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated, established in 1976, is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute intended to broaden and elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas.
