CBCF and Rep. Danny K. Davis of Illinois released on Thursday, June 19, the results of a comprehensive report – “Breaking Barriers: Plotting the Path to Academic Success for School-age African-American Males,” by CBCF Senior Analyst Ivory A. Toldson, Ph.D. – during a breakfast forum on Capitol Hill.
Donna Edwards was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties on June 17. The first African-American woman to serve Congress from Maryland, she replaces Rep. Albert R. Wynn, who resigned May 31 after serving eight terms. Ms. Edwards will serve a full two-year term if she wins November's general election.
The Black Health Empowerment Project (BHEP) event at the Stratford Richardson YMCA featured local congressman, Rep. Melvin L. Watt, civic leaders and health experts. CBCF’s national health initiative educates African Americans about the relationship between obesity and chronic diseases. The tour’s theme is “Eat, Move and Test for Health.”
CBCF President Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., is troubled by an offensive t-shirt that was mailed to the organization following Sen. Barack Obama's Democratic presidential nomination. The shirt has a cartoon image of Curious George, the beloved children’s character, with a paper bag over his head holding a sign that says “A Truth We Can Believe in '08!!!” written underneath. Dr. Scott told “The Sleuth” blog on washingtonpost.com: “We received it as a reaction to Obama's presidential nomination.” More about Dr. Scott.
CBCF, CBC Spouses and Safeway delivered almost 5,000 crates of food to a homeless shelter for the poor in the nation’s capital. Safeway pledged quarterly donations to So Others Might Eat (SOME) at the 2007 Spouses’ Community Breakfast and Health Fair.
CBCF has welcomed 43 undergraduates from across the country to its annual summer Congressional Internship Program. The program is the largest of its kind for students of color in the nation.
CBCF marked a significant moment in its history: full and outright ownership of its headquarters. CBCF joins a select few African-American non-profit organizations to own their building in the District of Columbia. CBCF celebrated at the historic residence of the Turkish ambassador to the United States. “The acquisition of this new headquarters was indeed a landmark achievement for the organization,” said Rep. Kendrick B. Meek of Florida, the CBCF Board chairman.
U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown, FL, and Gregory W. Meeks, NY, will co-chair the 38th ALC in Washington, September 24–27. They helped select this year's ALC theme, “Embracing the Promise, Realizing the Vision."
CBCF's Congressional Fellowship Program 2008 series of public-policy forums continues with “NMTC Matters: Perspectives on the New Markets Tax Credit," 3 p.m., Thursday, April 10, Capitol Building Room HC-6. CBCF Fellow Renee Mayo, assigned to the Office of Rep. Al Green of Texas, is presenting the forum, where policymakers and practitioners will discuss the impact on community development.
CBCF, the CBC Health Braintrust and the National Minority Quality Forum are collaborating on the Spring Health Braintrust and 5th Annual Health Disparities Leadership Summit, which is themed "Health Equity and Justice Now." The event is set for April 14 and 15, 2008, at The Ritz Carlton Hotel, 1150 22nd Street, NW, Washington. Contact Britt Weinstock, senior health policy advisor, in the Office of Del. Donna M. Christensen (USVI).
CBCF President & CEO Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., reflects on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy on the 40th anniversary of his death and the Foundation’s efforts to continue his good work. “There has been much progress in America since Dr. King’s untimely death – and yet our nation still has so far to go,” Dr. Scott said.
