Essay Contest and Issue Forum

Conducted each year during the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference, this event focuses on an issue that bears a heavy impact on the lives of African Americans. The CBC Spouses choose subjects for the issue forum, such as civil rights, the American criminal justice system, the detection and treatment of HIV/AIDS and others that are of great interest to their constituency.

High School and college students from the districts of Congressional Black Caucus members are invited to participate and are asked to submit an essay on the chosen topic. The submissions are judged by a special committee of CBC Spouses and the top three winning essays are eligible for a monetary award. The winners and their families are invited to Washington to present their essays in person to congressional members, business leaders and leading policymakers during ALC.