Mayor Ras Baraka, Denise Rolark Barnes, and Tommy Ford to Address the 34th Annual Conference of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida
Orlando, FL – Newark, NJ Mayor Ras Baraka, chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and publisher of the Washington Informer, Denise Rolark Barnes, and actor, Tommy Ford are among the featured speakers for the 34th Annual Conference of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida (DBCF). The conference will take place April 1-3, 2016, at the Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819.
“This is the year for strategic planning with the stakeholders of our community about the importance of legislating and voting,” says Henry Crespo Sr., president, DBCF. The theme this year is “Speak to Our Issues,” and it is significant and critical, because the candidates seeking our votes must address our issues.
The keynote speaker at the DBCF Conference is the Honorable Mayor of the City of Newark, New Jersey, Ras Baraka; son of the late Amiri Baraka, the famous poet, playwright, and political activist. He was previously a member of the Municipal Council of Newark and the principal of the city’s Central High School. An outspoken activist while attending Howard University, Mayor Baraka is credited with helping to create a resurgence of business in downtown Newark.
Actor, producer and director, Tommy Ford, will share his unique style of humor as special guest speaker. Ford is a Hollywood veteran who became famous for his role in the syndicated sitcom Martin as Martin Lawrence’s best friend and side-kick “Tommy”. He recently completed four seasons on TV One’s hit show, Who’s Got Jokes hosted by Bill Bellemy, as the hilarious Pope of Comedy.
With over 18 chapters statewide, the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida, represents over 1.2 Million Black voters registered as Democrats in Florida (app. 30% of the Florida Democratic Party as a whole). Affectionately referred to as the “Soul of Party,” the DBCF was established in 1983 to unite and increase the political power for Black Democrats who were marginalized and under-served in the state. The Caucus is an integral part of the Florida Democratic Party’s infrastructure, which unites talent with opportunity to facilitate voter building through educational forums effecting voter registration drives, get out the vote, voter action network, vote by mail, and support qualified candidates approved by the Black Caucus. For more information visit www.dbcflorida.org.
