Winter 2009

	CBCF News is the official newsletter of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. It is published four times a year and is intended to provide an in-depth look at how CBCF is implementing its mission. Also in each edition, various CBC members offer opinions about issues and concerns impacting the country and their districts and detail what steps they as elected representatives are taking to help make a difference.
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Departments

• From the CBCF Chairman: Rep. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida (PDF)

• From the CBC Chairwoman: Rep. Barbara Lee of California (PDF)

• From the CBCF President: Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D. (PDF)

• CBCF Spotlight: Roderick D. Gillum of General Motors (PDF)

• CBCF News & Notes (PDF)

 

Features

 

Changing of the Chair by Herbert Lowe

CBCF hosted a ceremonial swearing-in for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) of the 111th Congress on Jan. 6, 2009, renewing an honored tradition in the realm of African-American politics. Rep. Barbara Lee, a Democrat from the 9th Congressional District of California, publicly took the helm as the CBC’s 21st chairperson during the event held in the Congressional Auditorium of the new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. (PDF)

 

Saluting the New President by Herbert Lowe
CBCF saluted Barack Obama of Illinois on his becoming the nation’s first African-American president. “This is a proud moment for the Foundation and the Congressional Black Caucus,” said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., CBCF’s president and chief executive officer. “We not only witnessed a CBC member win the highest office in the land, but also one who represents our mission of educating and inspiring young people to see public service as worthwhile and honorable.” (PDF)

 

Being in the Moment by Muriel Hairston-Cooper

CBCF helped enable eight Hurricane Katrina survivors – ages 82-100 and who would otherwise not have participated in inaugural events – to travel to Washington for the People’s Inaugural Project. “I was elated that they would have an opportunity to go to Washington for the inauguration and not have to spend any money,” said Priscilla Edwards, executive director of the Central City Economic Opportunity Corp., which helped select some of the participants. (PDF)

 

Saluting the New President (Photos)
View this photo gallery of CBCF’s commemoration of President Barack Obama’s historic inauguration. The Foundation, among other things, hosted a reception honoring Mr. Obama and the Congressional Black Caucus at the Grand Hyatt Washington; produced a religious service at Metropolitan A.M.E. Church that featured a keynote by Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu of South Africa, and hosted a festive inaugural gala at the Capital Hilton. (PDF)

 

Barack Obama at ALC: 2005-2008

Senator Barack Obama of Illinois participated in CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference during each of his four years as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Whether leading revealing issue forums on Africa and climate change, or as a featured speaker at a major plenary or general session, or attending the Annual Awards Dinner, the senator supported the Foundation’s most significant yearly venture. Don’t miss this photo gallery. (PDF)

 

Wanting a Seat at the Table by Lynn C. Jennings, Ph.D.

“I wish they would stop dismissing us.” These words were spoken by an intern in CBCF’s Emerging Leaders Internship Program, a senior economics major and president of the student government association at a state university in North Carolina. The irony of this statement struck CBCF’s leadership education programs manager, who explores the sentiment while explaining how the Foundation is involving, teaching and mentoring more young African Americans. (PDF)

 

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus

• Rep. Donald M. Payne of New Jersey (PDF)

• Rep. Danny K. Davis of Illinois (PDF)

• Rep. Carolyn C Kilpatrick of Michigan (PDF)

• Rep. G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina (PDF)

• Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia (PDF)

• Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas (PDF)

• Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott of Virginia (PDF)

• Rep. Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland (PDF)

• Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay Jr. of Missouri (PDF)

• Rep. Donna Edwards of Maryland (PDF)

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