Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference Wrap-Up

This year’s Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative conference was steeped in the business of examining the political impact of the legislative process in the black community. However this year’s conference called attention to new voting rights laws passed since the 2010 election. The conferences National Town Hall meeting and the First Lady’s speech at the Phoenix Awards dinner held Saturday night addressed the significance of these laws.

In her keynote address Saturday night, the First Lady told the audience that no one should feel uncomfortable in the voting booth and that this issue of voting rights is the country’s most momentous civil rights issue of our day. “This is the movement of our era — protecting that fundamental right not just for this election, but for the next generation and generations to come. Because in the end, it’s not just about who wins, or who loses, or who we vote for on Election Day. It’s about who we are as Americans. It’s about the democracy we want to leave for our kids and grand kids”, she said

In addition, the Foundation distributed a voter guide toolkit on flash drives. These drives included information on voter registration the identification laws in each state and the latest developments regarding voter identification legislation.

One of the highlights of the conference this year was a panel hosted at the George Washington University law school and was hosted by Michael Hardaway & Ifeoma Ike the team behind Stars for Trayvon. The panel of leaders and celebrities included Dr. Michael Eric Dyson and an address by Congressman Danny Davis. The panel discussed social issues of the past year through the black man’s perspective and highlighted the importance of mentorship and the US Dream Academy, a non-profit organization that connects mentors with children of incarcerated parents.

As the conference came to a close, the event to not be missed was the Chicago and New York delegation party at the Mead Center at Arena stage. The party was packed with the Hills young and up and coming politicos. I look forward to next years Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, and until then keep visiting ClotureClub.com for more events!

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Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference

The 42nd Annual Legislative Conference or (ALC) hosted by the Congressional Black Conference will begin Wednesday September 19th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Convention center here in Washington DC. “Inspiring Leaders Building Generations” is this year’s mission. Representatives Gwen Moore of Wisconsin and Andre Carson of Indiana are serving as honorary co-chairs of the conference.

The conference brings together organizations, individuals and members of congress to address key issues impacting African-Americans and works to develop strategies to ensure that under-served communities are represented in government. Elected officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media, and everyday Americans participate in the Conference and its dozens of policy forums, general sessions, job fair, book signings and networking opportunities.

One of this year’s critical issues is the passing of new voting laws in several keys states that purportedly could prevent millions from exercising their right to vote in this year’s election. Thursday the conference will host a National Town Hall Meeting on Voting Rights & New Age Discrimination to be moderated by MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry.

The White House has confirmed that First lady Michelle Obama will give the keynote address at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards on Saturday September 22nd.

The President has attended the Phoenix Awards dinner in the past as the Keynote speaker and was the recipient Phoenix Award in 2008. This year the president’s campaign schedule will keep him from attending.

In addition to the forums on legislation and policy there are dozens of receptions and parties planned around the conference. The League of Conservation Voters Victory Fund will host a Countdown to Election Day Reception Wednesday, September 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Stewart R. Mott House. NASA is holding an Air and Space Museum Reception, Wednesday as well at 6:30 p.m. in the Space Race Gallery and the U.S. Capitol Historical Society will hold its 50th Anniversary Celebration September 20th, 2012 at 6:30pm in the Congressional Auditorium at The United States Capitol Visitor Center.

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Caryn Freeman is Editor-in-Chief of thecaxtonpress.com, an online political news magazine established spring 2010. Prior to joining Cloture Club Caryn worked as research associate @ Harpers Magazine online. Caryn has also received a public service award from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation for her time on Capitol Hill in Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke’s office (D-NY). Follow Caryn on twitter @CarynFreemanDC.

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Attending Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference? Here are some events!

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Congressional Black Caucus Events 2012

The Fab Empire “Insider’s Guide”

A great resource from The Fab Empire. All events and RSVP email’s included.

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Host: Young & Powerful Group

Event Details: Come celebrate the start of the Congressional Black Caucus Week.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

6:00 p.m.

Location: Bar 7

Address: 1015 1/2 7th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20001

Crowd: Black Professionals

Cover: Free with RSVP

RSVP: cbckickoff.eventbrite.com

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Congressional Black Caucus Events 2012 Event

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