Annual Black Legislative Conference Will Focus on Jobs

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 41st Annual Legislative Conference begins Wednesday in Washington, D.C., and, organizers say, the focus will be on one of Black America’s most pressing issues: jobs.

This year’s conference, themed “iLead iServe,” will focus on education, health and economic empowerment among a broader intent to discuss the social, political and policy issues affecting the Black community. The four-day event will kick off with a town-hall meeting and the schedule boasts more than 80 engaging forums created to address the critical challenges facing the Black community. Also offered during the four-day event are free health screenings, interactive financial sessions, networking opportunities and cultural activities.

The annual conference draws African-American leaders and professionals from around the country to meet and engage in dialogue about issues facing the African-American community and how to create solutions to the most important problems. Amid the country’s economic troubles, Blacks are suffering disproportionately low numbers of employment, an issue the conference plans to tackle.

“We want people across the country and the world to join the conversations and actions to improve our economy, jobs, education, international affairs, environment, health care, intergenerational issues and legal system,” Rep. Donald M. Payne (D-N.J.), CBCF board chairman, said in a statement.

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, from the District of Columbia, plans to discuss the implications of Black political power in light of 2010 Census data that showed extensive Black migration out of major urban cities. The forum, “Black Power & the 2010 Census: Changing Faces and Changing Places in Urban Communities” will be held Wednesday.

The conference concludes with the Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner where prominent individuals are recognized for their efforts and accomplishments that have made significant contributions to society. President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak at the event this year, which will honor Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson; Rep. and civil rights activist John Lewis; athlete and humanitarian George Edward Forman Sr.; and civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery.

The mission of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public.

(Photo: AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)