Maryland Black Caucus Legislative Weekend to Focus On the Post-Election Agenda for African American

Oct. 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Annapolis, Md. – With the Republican and Democratic National Conventions and the Congressional Black Caucus Weekend a distant memory, Maryland’s Black State Legislators are now formulating their post-Presidential Election Agenda for African Americans in the state.

The Maryland Black Caucus Foundation’s (MBCF) 2012 Legislative Weekend Conference takes place November 15-17, 2012 at the Sheraton Annapolis Hotel, 173 Jennifer Road, Annapolis, MD with Friday plenary and workshops at the Miller Senate Office Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD. (see attached schedule)  This year’s theme “Opening the Pipeline to Economic, Social and Political Justice” will bring together policymakers, business and industry leaders, media, innovators, educators, faith leaders and others in search of solutions to the most challenging issues facing Maryland’s African-American community.

Current data show that Maryland’s unemployment, foreclosures, drop-out, and mortality rates for African Americans dramatically exceed national averages, particularly in predominately African American legislative districts.

“We are the voice for those who continue to battle for economic, political and social justice” said new Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Delegate Aisha N. Braveboy (D-25). “Our mission is to engage those who have historically been denied access to opportunities in the public and private sectors, and give them a platform to voice their concerns and develop action-oriented solutions.”

The three-day conference kicks off with political stalwart Rev. Al Sharpton as keynote speaker at the annual Prayer Breakfast. The first two days will also offer workshops and panel discussions on green job and wealth creation, business development and access to capital, housing devaluation, education, health care, and other pressing topics.  The Conference will also feature its first annual Town Hall Meeting “The State of Black Maryland” with national and state thought leaders to be moderated by CNN Political Analyst Roland Martin.  The weekend tops out on Saturday evening with a black-tie gala with guest master of ceremony Carroll “Mr. C” Hyson, host of 96.3 WHUR’s “The Time Tunnel” along with live entertainment by Saxophonist Art Sherrod, Jr. and Band.  In addition, local hand and line dance instructors will be on hand to take attendees back down memory lane along with a local DJ.

The Maryland Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., the fundraising arm of the LBCM, is a 501 (c) 3, non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and educational resource. The MBCF is dedicated to the equitable participation of African Americans socially, economically, and educationally, in all aspects of public policy formulation and development.

For a schedule of events, to register or become a sponsor for the MBCF’s 2012 Legislative Weekend Conference, please visit:  www.2012mdblackcaucusweekend.com