CBC FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES HONORARY CO-CHAIRS FOR ALC 2008
Reps. Brown and Meeks Poised to Support Theme of ‘Embracing the Promise, Realizing the Vision’

WASHINGTON – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation today announced that U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown of Florida and Gregory W. Meeks of New York will serve as honorary co-chairs of the 38th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), set for September 24–27 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in the nation’s capital.

The co-chairs have helped select “Embracing the Promise, Realizing the Vision” as this year’s ALC theme. The four-day event features the members of the Congressional Black Caucus and is again expected to draw more than 18,000 elected officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media, emerging leaders and everyday Americans for dozens of policy forums and general sessions focusing on a wide range of issues impacting African Americans. The conference also features an awards dinner, exhibits showcase and a job fair, plus book signings and networking opportunities.

“Reps. Brown and Meeks are staunch supporters of the Foundation’s activities and outstanding choices for co-chairs,” said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., CBCF’s president and chief executive officer. “I am confident they will help plan an ALC filled with dynamic social and policy content that will leave our conference audience well informed and motivated to make a difference.”

Elected to Congress in 1992, Rep. Brown’s district stretches from Jacksonville to Gainesville to Orlando. She heads the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials.

“This year’s theme has historical significance as the nation moves forward, realizing the dreams of so many, yet envisioning the visions of the future,” she said. “This is an unprecedented time in our political inroads. As a nation, we have a renewed energy and sense of purpose for the first time in years. We have breached the plateau of complacency. Now we must harness the possibilities.”

Elected to Congress in 1998, Rep. Meeks represents Far Rockaway, Jamaica, Howard Beach and other parts of Queens, N.Y. He is a member of the House Foreign Affairs and Financial Services committees and also serves on the CBC Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“The Annual Legislative Conference is a time for the community to gather from around the country, present our shared issues, brainstorm resolutions and establish an action plan for the coming year,” he said. “We look forward to all contributions as we move forward to address the issues that disproportionately impact African Americans and other people of color.”