Work of Foundation to be Highlighted during Four-Day Session

WASHINGTON, May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) will host its 40th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) from September 15-18 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This year's conference theme is Celebrating The Vision, Continuing The Journey, Advancing The Mission.

ALC provides an outlet to highlight the mission of CBCF – to develop leaders, to inform policy and to educate the public. It also provides more than 70 forums to address the critical challenges facing the African-American community. The Foundation will offer numerous session tracks to present high level, thought-provoking, engaging and useful information. Also offered during the four-day event are free health screenings, a job fair, interactive financial sessions, networking and cultural activities.

"During ALC, attendees will hear success stories from our interns and fellows whom we have prepared to change the landscape on Capitol Hill," said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer for CBCF.  "We will bring together policy-makers, educators, businesspeople and civil rights leaders for our national town hall meeting to discuss education reform and how these reform efforts will bring better and additional jobs to our communities. This is an extension of some of our programmatic forums previously held around the country.

"There are 13 session tracks covering everything from economic security to health and wellness to education and emerging leaders. Also included is an entrepreneurship series that will offer entrepreneurs and would-be-entrepreneurs the tools they need to become successful," she said.

U.S. Reps. Elijah Cummings of Maryland and Diane Watson of California are serving as honorary co-chairs of ALC.  The conference is expected to draw nearly 15,000 officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media, emerging leaders and everyday Americans. The conference also includes a fundraiser awards dinner, exhibit showcase, book signings and community outreach in volunteering at a local homeless shelter.

"ALC is recognized as one of the most important gatherings of African-American leaders in the nation," said Rep. Donald M. Payne, chair of CBCF's board of directors. "In addition, attendees recognize the importance of what CBCF accomplishes in the community and have supported our efforts to provide scholarships, internships and fellowships, to improve economic parity and to decrease health disparities," he said.

Early registration is open, and attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the early discounts at www.alc10.org. Media registration will open May 31 at www.alc10.org/media.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., was established in 1976 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and education institute to help improve the  socio-economic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.

SOURCE Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.