“The Congressional Black Caucus: The Voice For Global Understanding,” is the theme of this year’s Conference.
The ALC, founded three decades ago, and co-sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus, (CBC), and CBCF, is one of the most successful annual gatherings of African-American civic, business, religious and political leaders in the country. The mission of the ALC is to elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas, while helping to prepare a new generation for the future.
Despite the tragedy of September 11, 2001, the 2001 ALC was a resounding success, attracting over 30,000 daily participants. A highlight of the 2001 ALC was the National Town Hall Meeting, titled, “Securing Our Families and the Nation.” Carried live on C-Span, the Town Hall Meeting also received extensive media coverage internationally. The Town Hall Meeting, lead by a distinguished blue ribbon panel, addressed the CBC’s concerns about the tragedies of September 11, 2001, and its impact on our country, specifically targeting the African American community. It also addressed the economic, psychological and emotional impact the tragedy had on African Americans and U.S. Citizens as a whole.
Says Congressman Bobby Rush, (D/IL), Chair, 2002 ALC, “The theme of this year’s Annual Legislative Conference, ‘The Congressional Black Caucus: The Voice for Global Understanding,’ speaks to the Caucus’ agenda. We want to provide every conference participant with information that empowers them in our increasingly diverse nation. In so doing, the foundation for establishing dialogue, global understanding and tolerance will be laid. As in last year’s ALC, the 2002 National Town Hall Meeting and Issues Forums and Braintrusts, will address global and domestic issues important to all segments of our community. We expect that the 2002 ALC will be one of our most powerful conferences ever.”
Congressman William J. Jefferson, (D/LA), Chairman of the CBCF, concurs, “The tragic events of last year, September 11, 2001, in the form of terrorists attacks on New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, indeed on our entire country, brings this year’s theme into sharp focus. The Congressional Black Caucus, (CBC), and the CBCF have united with our national leaders and with the world community to fight terror and to restore civility and understanding around the world. The CBC and the CBCF, joined with African American civic, business, and political leaders, has led and encouraged discussions on the issues of national security, community and family security, and how to continue to protect civil rights and liberties as we work to fend off these new challenges. But beyond the issues that spring from the September 11, 2001 tragedy, the CBCF is strategically positioned to promote global understanding around the world. People of African ancestry can be found in every country around the world…Because of this, the CBCF is taking a leadership role, then, in welding together the powerful residual strength of African people around the globe to reach out to our neighbors and to the rest of the world. However, we remain focused on the important domestic issues that face the African American community and our country. As we give strong support for America’s war against terrorism, we are at the same time, redoubling our efforts to address issues that we must win on here at home as well. The 2002 ALC, will be one of our most powerful ever, as experts and leaders from around the world will join us in our dialogue.”
