Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 49th Annual Legislative Conference September 11 - 15, 2019
Created by Joi-Marie McKenzie Lewis
About the Congressional Black Caucus
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), an organization that binds together the efforts of the Black members of the United States Congress, was formally founded in February 1971. The Congressional Black Caucus aims to gain greater equity for those living in the U.S. that are of African descent through programs and other services. The caucus' services center on ensuring justice for all, decreasing gaps in education and achievement, securing economic security through employment, retirement and increased welfare funds along with ensuring health care for every citizen.
About the Annual Legislative Conference The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) each year produces the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), a four-day event held in September at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Thousands -- including elected officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media and concerned citizens -- attend the ALC and its dozens of workshops, forums, general sessions and panel discussions to helm the change needed in public policy.
About Joi-Marie McKenzie Lewis
Joi-Marie McKenzie Lewis is an author and Emmy Award-winning journalist. In previous years, the Insider’s Guide was published through The Fab Empire, once an award-winning website she created in 2007. Previously, McKenzie Lewis has worked for nearly a decade in network news at Good Morning America, ABC News and NBC News. She’s also freelanced for her family’s The Afro American Newspaper, the longest running Black family-owned newspaper in the country. She is also the great-granddaughter of Vashti Turley Murphy, one of the 22 founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.—the largest community service organization for Black college-educated women in the world.
What’s Inside 4
Editor’s Welcome
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Be an Insider!
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Official Schedule
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Receptions and Parties
The events listed in this guide are not officially affiliated with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference unless otherwise stated.
Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week
Dear Insider, These are trying times. If ever there were a time to reconvene at the Annual Legislative Conference, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the time is now. With gun violence in the news cycle so much citizens have become disinterested; when a president Tayo Ola embarrasses the nation he claims to serve so much the citizens have become disinterested; and when there’s so much on the line in 2020, the time is now. Now in it’s 49th year, the conference will once again bring to D.C. politicos, influencers, media types and concerned citizens. This year’s theme says it all about where the CBCF is centering it’s efforts: “Our Legacy, Our Possibilities.” When it seems like so many possibilities and opportunities for concrete change and growth are evaporating on the Hill and in communities across the nation, we need to come together and figure out how to move our communities forward. With that in mind, I hope this year’s Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week, our eleventh edition, allows you to meet those necessary to help build alliances and communities. Be sure to register for the conference so you can do just that. Cheers to building lasting friendships,
Joi-Marie McKenzie Lewis
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Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week
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Introduction
CBCFInc.org
Be an Insider! With 2020 just months away, there’s no better place to strategize, build and register voters than at this year's Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. This year’s guide—like all the guides before them—will have you excited to participate in informative sessions and panels along with attending networking events, parties and receptions after hours. Read on to discover the best events to help you change the world, or help you meet someone to do just that.
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Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week
Official Schedule
Wednesday, September 11
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Registration/Ticketing opens 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM CBCF Professional Development Series in Partnership with the National Medical Association 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM CBCF Professional Development Series for Educators 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM CBCF Opening Press Conference 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Corporate Lounge Opening 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM Health and Wellness Luncheon 12:00 PM – 6:30 PM Policy Sessions 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Sojourner Truth Legacy Project Town Hall 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM CBC Spouses 22nd Annual Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts, celebrating Misty Copeland.* 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM Alumni Association Network Reception
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Official Schedule
Thursday, September 12 7:00 AM – 10:30 AM CBC Spouses Community Breakfast and Health Fair 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Registration/Ticketing opens 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM New Attendee Welcome 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM National Town Hall Meeting 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM Exhibit Hall Grand Opening 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM General Session Luncheon 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Emerging Leaders Power Luncheon 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM AVOICE: Student Workshop 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM CPAR Future Focus Series 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM Policy Sessions 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CBC Spouses Essay Contest and Issue Forum 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Health Policy Session 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Leadership Reception+ 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM Gospel Extravaganza 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM Jazz Concert 8:00 PM – 12:00 PM The Sojourner Truth Women’s Leadership Reception+ 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM The Black Party*
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Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week
Friday, September 13 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Registration/Ticketing Opens 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Black Elected Officials Roundtable 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Policy Sessions 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Exhibit Showcase 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM CBCF Meet/Match Procurement Forum 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Emerging Leaders Town Hall 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Legacy Reception*
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Official Schedule
Saturday, September 14 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Registration/Ticketing opens 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM Prayer Breakfast with keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley and Yolanda Adams.* 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Exhibit Showcase 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Faith Leaders Roundtable 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Policy Sessions 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Pre-Dinner Reception+ 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM Phoenix Awards Dinner*
Sunday, September 16 10:45 AM – 2:30 PM Donald M. Payne Memorial Fellowship Cruise+
* Ticketed Event + Invitation Only The official schedule is subject to change. For the latest, please click here. 13
Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week
IMPACT DC
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Receptions and Parties
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It’s More Than Networking But don't worry, there’s plenty of parties too! Tuesday, September 10 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Representative Karen Bass is hosting a ceremony to reflect on the 400th anniversary of the first recorded forced arrival of enslaved African people in the U.S. The event will take place in Emancipation Hall in the United States Capitol. RSVP! 15
Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week
5:30 AM – 10:00 PM The Hustlers Guild invites you to a kick-off reception, sponsored by Pernod Ricard, at The Backroom of Capo Deli (715 Florida Avenue NW). RSVP! 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM The Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee is one of the hosts of the third annual “One Voice Reception,” being held during the CBCF's ALC. The reception will be held at Baby Wale (1124 9th Street NW). RSVP! 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM The National Society of Black Engineers - DC Chapter, 100 Black Men of Maryland, Phi Beta Sigma - Trisigma Chapter and others are set to host “Blu Tuesday - CBC Edition,” a networking event being held in the Delegate Rooftop Lounge at the Courtyard by Marriott (901 L Street NW). RSVP! 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM The Center for Urban and Racial Equity invites you to "400 Years: And Still We Rise,” an evening of storytelling, food, music, connection and celebration at Smith Public Trust (3514 12th Street NE). The event will feature a live band and eight storytellers, who will tell our collective stories of struggle, perseverance, and triumph. RSVP! 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM The Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts is set to host the annual “Melody of Arts Pre Caucus Reception” inside Overdue Recognition Art Gallery (15402 Emerald Way, Bowie, Maryland). Enjoy performances by Joshua Jenkins, members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra along with refreshments, wine, and signature cocktails. RSVP!
Wednesday, September 11 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM The Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust invites all service members to their welcome reception at The American Legion (1608 K Street NW). RSVP! 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Mu Lambda Chapter and The Mu Lambda Foundation presents the seventh annual “Congressional Black Caucus Weekend Kickoff 2019” party at The Park at Fourteenth (920 14th Street NW). RSVP! JoiMarie.com
Receptions and Parties
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM The “2nd Annual Charter School Leadership Awards and Reception” will recognize the achievements of Black educators. The event will be held inside Cuba Libre (801 9th Street NW). RSVP! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Join Virginia Black Lifestyle Magazine along with The Honorable John Chapman and The Honorable Cydny A. Neville for the “Ready to Launch: Mix, Meet & Mingle” event at Hen QuarterOld Town (801 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia). RSVP! 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Join the African American Real Estate Professionals- Washington DC Chapter as they host a rooftop reception in honor of the CBCF’s ALC at CBRE (750 9th Street NW). RSVP! 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Join Diverse & Engaged, National Urban League, Full Color Future, Black Women's Roundtable, National Urban League and The Joint Center For Political and Economic Studies at “D&I Honors,” being held at the Google DC (25 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest; #900). The evening will celebrate thought leaders, game changers and trailblazers. RSVP! 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Join the National Forum for Black Public Administrators at the inaugural “Joint Congressional Black Caucus Reception”. It's being held inside DC Water Headquarters (1385 Canal Street SE). RSVP! 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM The Committee To Support Women In The Africa Diaspora presents the inaugural “CBC Harriet Tubman Honors and Awards Dinner” to celebrate and recognize Black women. The awards ceremony will be held at Metropolitan Community Church (474 Ridge Street NW). RSVP! 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM The Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust is hosting a screening of The Six TripleEight documentary, which tells the story of the only all Black female unit sent overseas during World War II. The event will be held at African American Civil War Museum (1925 Vermont Avenue NW). RSVP! 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Join Bougainvillea Events at “Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey VIP Reception” in honor of the CBCF's ALC. The event, which features food and drink specials, will be held at Chartwell Grill inside Churchill Hotel (1914 Connecticut Avenue NW). RSVP! 17
Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Denise Mitchell, Bowie Councilmember Henri Gardner and the Maryland Democratic municipal officials are set to host the “Caucus Connection Happy Hour,” honoring the late Marion Barry, inside Busboys and Poets (2004 Martin Luther King Junior Avenue SE). RSVP! 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM The DC Chamber of Commerce invites you to the ”2019 Congressional Black Caucus Celebration,” hosted by Ajay Madan and Vincent B. Orange, at The Park at Fourteenth (920 14th Street NW). Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar until 9:30 p.m. RSVP! 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM Join the National Business League WDC and Jobenomics DC as they host the "Congressional Black Caucus KickOff” at Ivy City Smokehouse (1356 Okie Street NE). RSVP! 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM Join the Young Democrats for America at their “DC Young CBC Week Kick-Off & Fundraiser,” being held inside Abigail (1203 Columbia Roa NW, #Suite 100). Councilman Robert White will be among the speakers. RSVP!
Thursday, September 12 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Walker’s Legacy along with Teach for America and the Minority Business Development Agency are set to host their annual Women in Economic Development and Civic Leadership Awards Luncheon at The Hamilton (600 14th Street NW). RSVP! 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Join the Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust at their luncheon and networking event, held inside Saints Paradise Cafeteria (601 M Street NW). RSVP! 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM Black Millennials For Flint invites you to their third annual "Young, Gifted & Green Community Action Summit,” being held inside Broccoli City Bar (1817 7th Street NW). The afternoon will feature several panels, including a limited open bar. RSVP! 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Black Millennials For Flint and Hip-Politics present “Hip-Politics Annual Awards Reception,” to celebrate changemakers in politics and environmental justice. The event will be held at @1015 Bar & Lounge (1015 ½ 7th Street NW). RSVP! JoiMarie.com
Receptions and Parties
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Join Ramunda Lark Young at Mahogany Books (1231 Good Hope Road SE) for "Congressional Black Caucus Author Networking Social,” an exciting evening of light refreshments, book signings and networking with Black authors. April Ryan, Angel Rich, Ardre Orie and Young are among the authors featured. RSVP! 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Progressive Investments Group, a vertically integrated real estate investment firm, is hosting “Real Estate Investor Dealmaker's Session, a Congressional Black Caucus Reception” at The City Club of Washington, DC (555 13th Street NW). RSVP! 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Terry Frasier and Social Architects are set to host the sixth annual “Congressional Black Caucus Reception” at The Park at Fourteenth (920 14th Street NW). Featuring a live band, a deejay and a full menu, guests can also enjoy happy hour until 7 p.m. RSVP! 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Join the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies for a reception to honor the Black Chiefs of Staff to members of Congress at Covington & Burling LLP (850 10th Street NW). Light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be provided. RSVP! 19
Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Join the Arizona Democratic Party and ADP African American Caucus for it's annual reception during the CBCF’s ALC at Ben's Chili Bowl (1213 U Street NW). RSVP! 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM The National Museum of African Art is hosting the first of three panels in their “Women of Color: The Power of Protest” series. It’s titled “But Some of Us are Brave: Black Sisterhood and Solidarity Across Cultures,” and it’s being held at the National Portrait Gallery’s McEvoy Auditorium (8th Street NW and F Street NW). RSVP! 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Join the National Association of Black Women In Construction at their “NABWIC 2019 Congressional Black Caucus Reception,” being held inside The City Club of Washington, DC (555 13th Street NW). RSVP! 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Join the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omicron Lambda Alpha Chapter as they host their third annual Congressional Black Caucus Reception and Debate Watch Party at Living Room (1008 Vermont Avenue NW). DJ Heat and DJ KingClo will be on the turntables. RSVP! 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM The Attorneys invite you to their annual “Black Caucus Soiree,” being held inside Bliss Nightclub (2122 24th Place NE). RSVP! 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Join Black Politics Today as they host their "It's About Us!”reception, honoring Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Congresswoman Karen Bass and Congressman Bobby Scott. The reception, being held at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa (3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW) features an open bar and hors d'oeuvres. RSVP! 7:00 PM – 9:45 PM The National Newspaper Publishers Association presents the NNPA 2019 National Leadership Awards Reception at the Renaissance Hotel (999 9th Street NW). The event, which celebrates 192 years of the Black press, will be held in the Renaissance Ballroom. RSVP! 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM The Black Caucus of the Young Democrats of America, DC Young Democrats, Young Democrats of Maryland, and the Virginia Young Democrats are set to host “The Black LinkUp;” a networking event and Democratic debate watch party. The event will be held inside HalfSmoke (651 Florida Avenue NW). RSVP! JoiMarie.com
Receptions and Parties
7:30 PM – 11:00 PM Black Progressives are set to host their annual “Young, Black and Progressive Mixer and a Debate Watch Party” for the 2020 Democratic Presidential primary at Local 16 (1602 U Street NW). RSVP! 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM The Office of The State's Attorney For Prince George's County, Maryland and the National Black Prosecutors Association are set to host the third annual “#BRAVEJUSTICE Congressional Black Caucus Celebration”at Ozio (1813 M Street NW). RSVP!
Friday, September 13 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM You’re invited to The URBANE Group's seventh annual “CBC Power 100 Party,” hosted by the National Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division and the Washington Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division at The Park at Fourteenth (920 14th Street NW). RSVP! 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Join The Brown Beauty Co Op for a happy hour during the CBCF’s ALC. Shop beauty products while networking over complimentary cocktails at The Brown Beauty Co Op (1365 Connecticut Avenue NW). RSVP! 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM The Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust cordially invites all military service members to join them for their annual reception and awards ceremony. The reception will be held at the Rayburn House Office Building (45 Independence Avenue SW) in Room 2325. RSVP! 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Color Of Change is hosting its first-ever reception, honoring Congresswoman Barbara Lee during the CBCF’s ALC. The event will be held at Eaton DC (1201 K Street NW). RSVP! 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM The members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., the metropolitan chapters, are set to host their annual party at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park (2660 Woodley Road NW). RSVP! 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM One Tey Entertainment is hosting a late-night party in honor of the CBCF’s ALC at Ozio (1813 M Street NW). RSVP to get in free before midnight. 21
Insider’s Guide to Congressional Black Caucus Week
Saturday, September 14 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Dope Dame is set to host “Black Women Magic Panel and Brunch” at Culture Coffee (300 Riggs Road NE). Panelists include legislative aide Chyna Melton, therapist Shenikka MooreClarke, marketing coordinator Iman Brown, educator Jessica Townsend, and strategic communications fellow Ashaki Lloyd. RSVP! 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Join the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, the New Leaders Council of Maryland and others at the “Culture Caucus: The Official Maryland Party” during the CBCF’s ALC at The Liaison Hotel Rooftop (415 New Jersey Avenue NW). RSVP! 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM Terry Frasier and Social Architects invite you to the sixth annual “Caucus Brunch and Day Party,” being held at Barcode (1101 17th Street NW). The event features a full menu, drink specials, games and hookah. RSVP! 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM DSTRKT Events and Candice Nicole PR are set to host fourth annual #CBCSangriaSocial, a relaxed event featuring drink specials, appetizers and trivia games, at Po Boy Jim’s (1934 9th Street NE). RSVP! 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Terry Frasier and Social Architects are set to host the sixth annual “Black and White Gala,” a birthday party for Larenz Tate and Doug E. Fresh at the Renaissance Hotel (999 9th Street NW). Hosted by Lance Gross, the event also features three rooms of entertainment, a mock casino and a live jazz lounge. The party, being held in honor of the CBCF’s ALC, also features hors d'oeuvres, an open bar. Guests must wear black and white only. RSVP! 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM Terry Frasier and Social Architects are hosting the third annual “CBC Young Professionals All Black Party” at Barcode (1101 17th Street NW). All black attire is requested. RSVP! 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM You’re invited to the California CBC Delegation's 21st annual reception and awards ceremony, being held inside the Marriott Marquis Hotel (901 Massachusetts Avenue NW). RSVP!
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Receptions and Parties
Sunday, September 15 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Join Black Girls Vote and Color Vision at the second annual “Dope Black Girls Brunch CBC Edition” at The Hamilton (600 14th Street NW). The event, honoring Black women in politics and media, will honor Director of Public Engagement for Elizabeth Warren Alencia Johnson, Because of Them We Can founder Eunique JonesGibson, 49th mayor of Baltimore City Stephanie Rawlings Blake and candidate for Miami-Dade Commissioner Sybrina Fulton. Enjoy open bar and a brunch buffet. RSVP! 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM D.L. Johnson Consulting Agency is set to host its third annual Women's Empowerment Sunday Brunch at Black-owned restaurant, District Soul Food Restaurant & Lounge (500 8th Street SE). RSVP! 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM The Honorable Brian Banks invites you to "Champions of Change Brunch,” being held inside the Marriott Marquis (901 Massachusetts Avenue NW). The event, featuring performances by Grammy Award winner PJ Morton and Brittney Wright, will honor The Honorable Rashida Tlaib, Honorable John Lewis, Honorable Muriel Bowser, Honorable Cory Booker, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Mr. Devin Hutchings. RSVP!
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