It's that time of the year when African American political, business, civic, academic and entertainment elites gather in the nation’s capitol for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference.
Back in the day, “the CBC,” convened at the Washington Hilton Hotel. The joint was usually cheek to jowl but it felt like a family reunion. Now, the CBC is held at the cavernous Walter E. Washington Convention Center, where 18,000 people are expected to attend.
While the ALC is no longer an intimate gathering of the black elite, the issues forums and braintrusts are more substantive and timely. Indeed, this year’s town hall meeting, “Foreclosure Crisis: Repercussions, Reasons and Real Solutions,” will focus on the subprime mortgage crisis, “its causes, recommended next steps and providing resources to those in need.”
The town hall meeting will be moderated by Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. The discussion will be led by Reps. Barney Frank, Elijah E. Cummings, Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters. The panelists will Franklin Raines, the former Fannie Mae chief who allegedly cooked the books at the mortgage giant.
Dr. Elsie Scott, president and CEO of the CBCF, said:
This housing crisis has a trickle-down effect that is affecting millions of Americans every day. We will be hearing very personal, very real stories of what is going on beyond Washington. That is why we will have critical breakout and call-for-action sessions in the convention center following the town hall meeting.
This year’s theme, “Embracing the Promise, Realizing the Vision,” is particularly meaningful given that a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Sen. Barack Obama, is the Democratic presidential nominee. The “Presidential Debate Watch” party on Friday will give new meaning to “party with a purpose.”
For more info about the CBCF 38th ALC, please go here. To register for the conference, click here.
