Spiritual Renewal, Celebration and Discussion
on Tap at Annual Prayer Breakfast
Gospel Extravaganza and Issue Forums at 38th Annual Legislative Conference

WASHINGTON -- The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) will host its annual Prayer Breakfast from 7:30 to 10 a.m., on Saturday, September 27, as part of the 38th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

The Prayer Breakfast will feature a keynote message from the Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake, the senior pastor of Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York, president of Wilberforce University in Ohio, and a former congressman from Queens, N.Y. With more than 20,000 members, Greater Allen A.M.E. and its entities operate expansive commercial and residential projects, a 700-student private school and various social service enterprises, placing it among the country's most productive religious and urban development institutions.

The Prayer Breakfast is among the most popular events each year at ALC. This year's program will also feature acclaimed gospel singer Maurette Brown Clark, who garnered the 2000 Stellar Award for "Best New Artist" and the 2008 Stellar Award for "Praise and Worship CD of the Year."

Produced by CBCF, ALC '08 will begin on Wednesday, September 24 at the convention center. More than 18,000 people focusing on issues impacting African Americans and the African diaspora attend ALC annually. The four-day conference is headlined by the 42 members of the CBC and features dozens of policy forums, general sessions, exhibits, a job fair, book signings and networking opportunities. It ends with the star-studded awards dinner and an after-dinner gala. Registrants include elected officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media, emerging leaders and everyday Americans.

On Thursday, September 25, Reps. James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi, Sanford Bishop of Georgia and G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina will host their annual Gospel Extravaganza featuring gospel choirs from their respective districts.

Two CBC members will lead issue forums focusing on the intersection of faith and politics. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida, chairman of CBCF's Board of Directors, will host one a titled "Faith and Politics Under 40" on Thursday, September 25. Rep. Al Green of Texas will present a forum titled "The Impact of Race and Religion on Politics in America" on Friday, September 26.

Following the Prayer Breakfast, Reps. Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland and Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri will co-host an invitation-only ministers' roundtable discussion on current events.

"After three full days of discussing legislative issues and strategic planning, most attendees welcome this time during the Prayer Breakfast as one of inspiration and renewal," said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., the Foundation's president and chief executive officer. "We are looking forward to Rev. Flake's words of inspiration and Maurette Brown Clark's musical ministry."

The Coca-Cola Company is once again the title sponsor for the Prayer Breakfast.

"We say Coca-Cola exists to refresh the mind, body and the spirit -- and the spirit is certainly refreshed during the Prayer Breakfast," said Ingrid Saunders Jones, the company's senior vice president of global community connections and another member of CBCF Board of Directors. "We pray for the governance of the country, for the members of Congress and the members of the CBC."

To purchase individual and group tickets for the Prayer Breakfast, visit www.alc2008.org or call (866) 861-9136. To register for the 38th Annual Legislative Conference, visit www.alc2008.org or call the ALC Hotline at (202) 263-5708.

For more information about the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, visit www.cbcfinc.org.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc. (CBCF) was established in 1976 as a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute intended to broaden and elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas.