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September 7, 2024 - September 13, 2024 The Afro-American A5
Volume 123 No. 20–22 Volume 133 No. 6
THE BLACKwww.afro.com MEDIA AUTHORITY • AFRO.COM
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SEPTEMBER 7, 2024 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2024
AP Photo / Stephanie Scarbrough; AFRO Photo / A.J. Johnson ; AP Photo/ Brian Witte
Each year the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation holds its Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. This year’s convention takes place Sept. 11-15, highlighting the need for Black people to amplify their voices and take action on everything from voting rights, to housing and economic equality. The annual meet serves as a time for Black legislators from around the country to convene and join on one accord with members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) around the issues and a plan of action. Shown here, Tenn. State Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville); Nevada U.S. Rep. Stephen Horsford (center), chairman of the CBC, and Maryland Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D- District 20) (right), chairwoman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.
Black voices key to 2024 Annual Legislative Conference By Ashlee Banks Special to the AFRO
afro.com
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) will hold its 53rd Annual Legislative Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Sept. 11-15. The convention, which is themed “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” will focus on issues facing the Black community such as affordable housing, voting rights and the use of artificial intelligence. The CBCF defines the conference as a “unique platform” that provides leaders, legislators,
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influencers and citizens with a stage to address issues and “promote the political, economic, and social advancement of Black communities.” U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (DMd.) told the AFRO that he is looking forward to this year’s conference. “It’s great for CBC members to have a chance to really highlight a particular issue or issues of importance to them that might not get the spotlight that these issues deserve, especially when we’re in the minority,” said Ivey. “It’s also great to have it happen at a time when so many people are coming together from around the country for CBC weekend. It’s a party and a celebration,
but it’s kind of a party with a purpose,” added the Democratic lawmaker. U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) told the AFRO that the CBCF conference historically propels the Black community forward. “The CBCF legislative conference is where members of Congress, along with local public officials, community and religious leaders, creatives, influencers and the private sector intersect for the uplift and advancement of our communities and country,” said Rochester. “Our caucus has been at the forefront of some of the biggest wins of this administration,” she added. “From infrastructure funding, the Safer Communities Act,
“The CBCF legislative conference is where members of Congress, along with local public officials, community and religious leaders, creatives, influencers and the private sector intersect for the uplift and advancement of our communities and country.” supporting small businesses, the CHIPS and Science Act, to advocating for student debt relief, CBC delivers.” U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.) told the AFRO that the conference is a muchneeded experience that drives
policy to advance political, economic and social agendas. “The [conference] is an unrivaled forum that gathers thousands of thought leaders, legislators, influencers and citizens together to champion causes and find solutions to
issues that deeply affect the overall Black community,” said Mfume. He added that this year is historic because “America has the opportunity to elect its first female, AfricanAmerican president in Kamala Harris” and this conference will “help steer this momentum forward.” Rep. Rochester told the AFRO that “everything is at stake” as it pertains to the November election and that this year’s conference could impact the election results. “As my dear friend Congressman Jim Clyburn reminds us, this election is not just the most important of our lifetime, it’s the most consequential,” said Rochester. “CBC is rising to meet this moment together.”
Signature events return with 2024 CBCF legislative conference By Ariyana Griffin AFRO Staff Writer agriffin@afro.com The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) will host its 53rd annual legislative conference on Sept. 11-15 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, located at 801 Allen Y. Lew Place in Northwest, Washington, D.C. The multi-day convention will host over 80 events around Washington, D.C. providing networking opportunities, and a chance to hear from leaders in everything from agriculture and artificial intelligence to politics and more. Each year, the organization hosts a variety of signature events such as the Phoenix Awards and the Day of Healing, which serves as a time for legislators and stakeholders in the Black community to come together with a message of unity and strength as they chisel away at challenges facing the African-American community. Special musical guests for the 2024 day of Healing include both Zacardi Cortez and Pastor Beverly Crawford. Bishop Paul S. Morton will deliver a keynote address at the event, which
takes place on Sept. 14 at 7:30 a.m. inside of the convention center. Take a look at some of the other social events that will take place during the week below!
Networking opportunities, mixers and receptions 2024 Presidential Election Debate Busboys and Poets’, 2021 14th St NW Washington, D.C., will broadcast the 2024 presidential debate with VP Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on Sept. 10. The watch party is free and open to the public from 9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
its 20th year in operation at Howard University’s Blackburn Center. The Hip Hop Caucus has a full day of events planned, including a town hall and reception where speakers like Dr. Roger Mitchell Jr., Lita Rosario-Richardson, Dawn Richard and Paige Hurd will be in attendance. The Respect My Vote! Block Party will take place from 2 to 5:30 p.m., featuring DJ Akademiks on the ones and twos.
ALC Welcome Reception On Sept. 11 the ALC Welcome Reception will be hosted by the American Investment Council (AIC) and the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) from 4 to 6 p.m. inside of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 146.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter will host their annual Congressional Black Caucus mixer on Sept. 11 at The Park at Fourteenth, located at 920 14th Street Washington, D.C. The event begins at 5 p.m., with legislators such as Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-5), Congressman Al Green (TX-9), and Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-3) all confirmed to be in attendance.
Hip Hop Caucus On Sept. 11 the Hip Hop Caucus will celebrate
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