CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS SPOUSES TO HONOR TYLER PERRY: This year, CBCF's theme is 'Reinvest ... Rebuild ... Renew.'

Sept. event will feature an appearance from Yolanda Adams; Ed Gordon to moderate Town Hall meeting.

     The four-day event, which kicks off September 23 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, will include a series of forums led by CBC members that focus on issues such as education, health care, the environment, economic  development, criminal  justice, housing, transportation and international affairs.

     CBC spouses will honor entertainment mogul Tyler Perry, along with author, producer, screenwriter and visual artist Sam Gilliam, September 23 during a celebration of leadership for the visual and performing arts.

     Other ALC events include the CBCF’s Emerging Leaders series and its annual prayer breakfast. Conference goers and emerging professionals will have access to multiple sessions at the series that offers discussions on topics ranging from higher education funding, entrepreneurialism in urban communities and mental health and wellness. The series, which runs from September 24 – 26, will also include a networking luncheon and the premier of BPX 1.0 - The Black Party Xperience.

     In addition, "Our World with Black Enterprise" host Ed Gordon will be on hand to moderate the CBCF’s national town hall meeting on September 24 with Philadelphia’s NBC 10 News anchor Renee Chenault Fattah. The meeting, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the convention center, will focus on economic recovery and opportunity via a panel discussion on methods for surviving and thriving in today’s financially turbulent times with policy makers and experts from the corporate and business world.

     For Elsie L. Scott, the town hall meeting serves as a vehicle for uniting “a diverse group of African Americans who have come from across the country to collectively discuss common issues and concerns.”

     “There is hope in the midst of America’s economic crisis,” the CBCF president and chief executive officer said in a statement. “It is critical to remember that as we move forward in facing and defeating the many obstacles Americans are facing today.”

     The CBCF’s prayer breakfast will start the final day of the conference with musical praise from Grammy winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams and the Pine Forge Academy Choir as well as an inspirational message from Bishop Richard Franklin Norris.

     News of the ALC comes amid Thursday’s (Aug. 13) announcement from the CBC that U.S. Reps. Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania and Yvette Clarke of New York will serve as honorary co-chairs for the 39th annual event.

     Nearly 18,000 officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media and emerging leaders are expected to attend the conference, among others. A job fair as well as book signings and networking opportunities round out the ALC, which will conclude September 26 with an awards dinner honoring various individuals for their contributions to the community and nation.

     For more information on the 39th annual CBCF annual legislative conference, visit www.cbcfinc.org.