NBLSA at CBC ALC & CHH Leadership Retreat
September 15‐18
An overview of NBLSA’s involvement in the 2010 Congressional Black Caucus Annual Leadership Conference and Networking Opportunities for Members and Alumni. On‐line registration is now open at www.nblsa.org/cbc.
Keeping you Connected.
Contents Chair’s Welcome ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 2010 CBC Overview .................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 NBLSA at CBC ALC: Events at a Glance ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Thursday, September 16, 2010 .................................................................................................................................................... 5 Friday, September 17, 2010 ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 Saturday, September 18, 2010 ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
.......................................................................................................................................... 8 NBLSA Recommends: A Guide to the CBC ALC ............................................................................................................................... 8 "Emerging Leaders Town Hall Meeting" ................................................................................................................................. 8 "Roundtable with Young Elected Officials and the Obama Administration" ..................................................... 8 "Young, Gifted, and Black" ............................................................................................................................................................... 8 "Criminal Justice Reform Braintrust" ....................................................................................................................................... 8 "The Youth Promise Act: A Look at Girls in the Juvenile Justice System" ............................................................ 8 "The Changing Tides and Fates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities" ........................................... 8 "Social Networking: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" .......................................................................................................... 9 "Ready. Set. Engage." .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9 "A. Leon Higginbotham Memorial Voting Rights Braintrust: Get Ready to Fight 2011 Redistricting."......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
.................................................................................................................. 10 Hotel Accommodations .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Transportation: Metro Guide ............................................................................................................................................................... 10 Quick Reference for NBLSA CBC ALC Event Metro Stops ............................................................................................ 10 Contact Us..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Networking Events ................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 2 | Page
Chair’s Welcome
Kathryn Jackson NATIONAL SECRETARY Rhonda Jones NATIONAL TREASURER
Brian Roy NATIONAL DIRECTOR-FREDERICK DOUGLASS MOOT COURT COMPETITION Kara Akins NATIONAL DIRECTOR-THURGOOD MARSHALL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION Georgette Countee NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE Ashlyn Shockley ATTORNEY GENERAL Randolph Wiggins WESTERN REGIONAL CHAIR
Starr Brookins MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CHAIR Sir Williams MIDWEST REGIONAL CHAIR Shetera Patterson NORTHEAST REGIONAL CHAIR
Andre Bennin ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGIONALCHAIR Van Freeman SOUTHERN REGIONAL CHAIR Ruby Brown NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT Elisabeth Epps CHIEF OF STAFF Robert Elliott COLLEGE STUDENT DIVISION NATIONAL CHAIR Sharonda Jackson NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Chibundu Nnake NATIONAL CONVENTION COORDINATOR Christopher Hollins NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RELATIONS Monique Brown NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT Sakisha Jackson NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY Jenerra Crenshaw NATIONAL HISTORIAN Alexander Simpson NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS COMPETITION Maya Yette INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CHAIR Stacia Robinson NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Pia Winston NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN Jeree Harris NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING Erica Washington NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Germaine Austin NATIONAL SOCIAL ACTION CHAIR Charles Tucker, Jr., Esq. NATIONAL MOOT COURT ADVISOR A.J. Cooper, Esq. IN-HOUSE COUNSEL
NATIONAL BLACK LAW STUDENTS ASSOCIATION 1225 11th Street. N.W., Washington, DC 20001
Melinda Hightower NATIONAL CHAIR Calvin Lowery NATIONAL VICE-CHAIR
Dear NBLSA Leaders, Members, Family, and Friends: On behalf of the National Executive Board of the National Black Law Students Association
(NBLSA), it is my sincere pleasure to invite you to join NBLSA in Washington, DC from September 15‐18, 2010 during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference (CBC ALC). In keeping with our 2010‐2011 theme, “A Legacy of Empowerment,” NBLSA continues to serve as a catalyst for change, championing issues critical to Black law students and the Black community. Our pursuit of enduring, meaningful change includes judicial, legislative, professional, and grassroots solutions. We support our youth by providing mentorship and advocating for criminal and juvenile justice reform. We secure the right of every American to be heard through their vote through our efforts to eliminate felony disenfranchisement. We position Black law students for success as lawyers and leaders by creating opportunities to cultivate professional networks and develop core leadership skills. The CBC ALC presents you with a unique opportunity to support NBLSA’s tradition of excellence and service. We encourage you to participate in the following efforts to empower Black law students and the communities in which they live: Congressional Kids Day | September 16. NBLSA visits Washington, DC public schools to educate students about democracy and how to fully participate in the political process. Judiciary Issues Forum | September 16. NBLSA partners with Congresswoman Maxine Waters to discuss racial disparities in the criminal justice system and their impact on communities of color. Social Action Rally | September 17. NBLSA teams up with community and political leaders to support the Democracy Restoration Act (DRA). The DRA would restore the right to vote in federal elections to millions disenfranchised Americans, including 13% of Black men, who have been released from prison and are living in the community. Chapter Leadership Summit | September 18. NBLSA’s Charles Hamilton Houston Chapter Leadership Summit provides an opportunity for chapter leaders to connect with national leadership and discuss best practices for fundraising, chapter management, and implementing NBLSA programming. Our panels addressing career paths and professional development help chapter leaders explore programming possibilities. Networking Events | September 16, 17, and 18. NBLSA hosts several events during CBC ALC to help you build relationships and extend your personal network. On September 16th, connect with other Black professionals over cocktails at District Restaurant and Longue. Interact with members of Congress, attorneys, and fellow law students September 17th at our 7th Annual CBC Reception. On September 18th, meet NBLSA alumni and experience incredible views of Dupont Circle at our exclusive Alumni Networking Reception. For more information about these events and the CBC ALC, visit www.nblsa.org/cbc or give us a call at (202) 618‐2572. We look forward to seeing you in our nation’s capital. Best regards, Melinda M. Hightower 3 | Page National Chair, 2010‐2011 National Black Law Students Association
2010 CBC Overview NBLSA leaders, members, family and friends are encouraged to attend this year’s 2010 Congressional Black Caucus Annual Leadership Conference (CBC ALC). This year's CBC ALC theme is "Celebrating the Vision, Continuing the Journey." The conference engages more than 12,000 officials, business and industry leaders, community leaders, media, emerging leaders, and everyday Americans in policy forums and general sessions. To learn more about CBC, please visit http://www.cbcfinc.org/alc‐2010.html. This year, NBLSA members will be provided with numerous opportunities to attend panels and workshops on issues of importance to Black communities, advocate for reforms in institutional representation by participating in the Social Action Rally, network with law students from across the country and young professionals at the Black Professional Network‐DC Happy Hour, and honor the contributions of Congressional Black Caucus members at NBLSA's Seventh Annual CBC Reception at Reed Smith LLP. Please visit our website, www.nblsa.org/cbc, where you will find hotel information, a list of panels and workshops that further NBLSA's 2010‐2011 initiatives, invitations for several CBC events, along with other helpful information.
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NBLSA at CBC ALC: Events at a Glance
Thursday, September 16, 2010 9:00 am 12:00 pm Congressional Kids Day 4:00 pm5:50 pm Judiciary Issues Forum with Congresswoman Maxine Waters Walter E. Washington Convention Center Room 146‐B 801 Mount Vernon Place Northwest Washington, DC 20001 METRO: Mt. Vernon Square 7th St‐ Convention Center (Yellow) The forum will focus on current disparities in criminal justice. Despite incremental gains, ongoing racial disparities within our criminal justice system continue to exacerbate tensions between law enforcement and communities of color. This session will provide community leaders, legal professionals, and public officials with an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about statutory reforms needed to ensure equal protection under the law. 6:00 pm9:00 pm Happy Hour with the Black Professional Network DC District 2473 18th Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20009 Friday, September 17, 2010 9:30 am 11:00 am Social Action Rally: Unity Event This is an opportunity for rally supporters to to greet one another during breakfast in preparation for the rally. Rally supporters will also have the opportunity to make signs; NBLSA will provide materials but chapters are free to bring their own signs and materials.
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12:00 pm 3:00 pm Social Action Rally on Felony Disenfranchisement Students, community leaders, and policy officials will rally in support of the Democracy Restoration Act. 6:00 pm8:30 pm Seventh Annual CBC Reception with Reed Smith LLP Reed Smith LLP 1301 K Street, Northwest Suite 1100‐ East Tower Washington, DC 20005 METRO: McPherson Square (Blue) or Metro Center (Red/Blue/Orange) Speakers: Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D‐CA) and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D‐TX)
Saturday, September 18, 2010 8:30 am 3:30 pm Charles Hamilton Houston Chapter Leadership Retreat Jones Day 51 Lousiana St NW Washington, DC 5:00 pm 7:00 pm Alumni Mix & Mingle Reception The Dupont Hotel Level Nine ‐ Penthouse Suite 1500 New Hampshire Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20036
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NBLSA Recommends: A Guide to the CBC ALC
The CBC ALC is filled with many exciting events and forums. Below please find a list of events and forums that the NBLSA Executive Board encourages individuals to attend: "Emerging Leaders Town Hall Meeting" The Emerging Leaders Town Hall is designed to engage political leaders, corporate executives, community activists, entertainers, and other young professionals in discussions that acknowledge the state of affairs in Black America. The 4th annual Town Hall will focus on the significant contributions that African Americans have made to the public and private sectors. In addition, the importance of dispelling the notion of "young versus old" while developing and advancing an agenda to improve communities will be discussed. "Roundtable with Young Elected Officials and the Obama Administration" This brunch will enable young elected officials and policy professionals 40 and under, as well as a select group of African‐American leaders from the White House and federal agencies, to engage in this timely discussion. "Young, Gifted, and Black" Congresswoman Maxine Waters hosts this annual session on the issues affecting young communities and the role that youth play in effectuating change. Young, Gifted, and Black often features celebrity panelists. "Criminal Justice Reform Braintrust" Sponsored by Representative John Conyers, the Criminal Justice reform braintrust will focus on the Democracy Restoration Act and the End Racial Profiling Act. "The Youth Promise Act: A Look at Girls in the Juvenile Justice System" The Youth Prison Reduction through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support, and Education Act seeks to address youth violence by providing resources to communities to pursue comprehensive evidence‐based prevention and intervention strategies to decrease juvenile delinquency and criminal street gang activity. Sponsored by Representative Robert Scott, this panel will explore the unique challenges that girls face in the juvenile justice system. "The Changing Tides and Fates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities" A panel on the relevance of HBCUs in today's society. Factors that support or threaten the existence of HBCUs in a "post‐racial society" will be examined.
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"Social Networking: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" A session on how social networking sites can be an asset or a liability to a young professional's personal and professional aspirations. "Ready. Set. Engage." This panel explores different forms of civic activism. Elected officials, nonprofit executives, and proven effective community organizers will explore various examples of civic engagement to outline effective strategies and draw inspiration that will help attendees affect change in their communities. Session participants will obtain the tools they need to get organized, get heard, and get results. "A. Leon Higginbotham Memorial Voting Rights Braintrust: Get Ready to Fight 2011 Redistricting." Sponsored by Congressman Mel Watt, this braintrust will focus on strategies for completing the 2010 Census with the most accurate count possible and strategies for preparing for the expected redistricting fights in 2011.
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Hotel Accommodations The Dupont Hotel 1500 New Hampshire Ave, Northwest Washington, DC 20036 (202) 483‐6000 METRO: Dupont Circle (Red Line) $ 139/night Book by September 1, 2010 using "NBLSA CBC"
Transportation: Metro Guide Metro is a convenient and stress‐free way to get around the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Each person needs his/her own farecard or pass to ride Metrorail. A pass or farecard cannot be shared with another person. Farecards hold between $1.60 and $45 and are available at fare vending machines in Metrorail stations.
Quick Reference for NBLSA CBC ALC Event Metro Stops •
Lodging: The Dupont Hotel (Metro: Red Line ‐ Dupont Circle Station)
Judiciary Issues Forum with Congresswoman Maxine Waters (Metro: Yellow Line: Mt. Vernon Square
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Station 7th Street ‐ Convention Center) •
Seventh Annual CBC Reception with Reed Smith LLP (Metro: Blue Line ‐ McPherson Square Station, Red/Blue/Orange Lines ‐ Metro Center Station)
Contact Us If you need additional information please contact us at cbc2010@nblsa.org.
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Networking Events
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Charles Hamilton Houston
Chapter Leadership Summit During the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation始s Annual Legislative Conference
Registration www.nblsa.org/cbc
Date September 18, 2010
Time 8:30am-3:30pm
Location Jones Day 51 Louisiana St NW Washington, DC
2010 CHH Summit * National Programming Presentation
Empower Yourself. Empower Communities.
* Chapter Fundraising Strategies Session * Careers in Government Panel * Careers in Big Law Panel * Non-Traditional Legal Careers Panel
Charles Hamilton Houston Chapter President
Leadership Summit
September 18, 2010 | 8:30am-3:30pm Jones Day | Washington, DC 8:30-9:15am
Breakfast & Registration
9:15-9:30am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
9:30-10:15am
2010-2011 Programming Presentations
10:15-10:30am
Morning Break
10:30-11:30am
Breakout Session 1 | Chapter Experience BLSA from the Front Lines This panel addresses how to lead your peers, boost your organization’s influence, and satisfy your membership. Fundraising 101 This panel discussion will examine various chapter fundraising models and help chapter leaders develop their own strategy for fundraising excess. Chair Chat Join the National and Regional chairs for a frank discussion on issues facing local chapters and opportunities for increased national and regional support.
11:30-1:00pm
Lunch & Learn with Jones Day
1:00-2:00pm
Breakout Session 2 | Professional Development Careers in Government Join government attorneys in a discussion about the benefits of serving our country as a government attorney. Careers in Big Law Join Jones Day attorneys in a discussion about life in a large law firm. What every aspiring summer associate should know. Non-Traditional Legal Careers A J.D. isn’t synonymous with trial or corporate attorney. Meet attorneys that are using their law degrees in non-traditional legal careers.
2:00-2:45pm
Afternoon Break with Aspen Publishers
2:45-3:25pm
Presenting Your Best Self Learn more about the skills that make you an invaluable asset no matter what career path you choose.
3:25-3:30pm
Closing Remarks