Eric Graham along with his cartoon character Bobbee Bee were invited to attend the 37th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Young Leaders Recognition and Networking Reception at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel September 28th in Washington, D.C. Eric was invited and recognized by Howard University's Dr. Ivory Achebe Toldson, the Strategic Director of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation for his outstanding work with children.
The Congressional Black Caucus was founded on February 2, 1970, by a group of black members of the House of Representatives, which included Shirley Chisholm of New York, Louis Stokes of Ohio and William L. Clay of Missouri. Blacks had begun to enter the House in increasing numbers during the 1960s, and the formation of the Caucus reflected their need for a formal organization. Originally called a "Democratic Select Committee," it was named the Congressional Black Caucus in February 1971 on the motion of Charles B. Rangel of New York..
Its primary goal and objective was to positively influence the course of events pertinent to African Americans and others of similar experience and situation, and to achieve greater equity for persons of African decent in the design and content of domestic and international programs and services. While the Congressional Black Caucus has focused on the concern of African-Americans, the Caucus also has been at the forefront of legislative campaigns for humans and civil rights for all citizens.
This year's Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 37th Annual Legislative Conference, however, was entitled "Unleashing Our Power." The purpose of the Conference was to mold and shape a new generation of black leaders and activist.
During this high-energy event, Eric had an opportunity to network face-to-face with high-powered African-American executives and leaders in the world of business, government, education, sports and entertainment. “I am honored and privilege to attend such a prestigious event. I shook hands and talked to some very many important people” stated Eric.
This year's conference was attended by presidential candidate Barack Obama, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (CA), U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (CA), Rep. Charles Rangel of New York (Ways and Means Committee), U.S. Rep. John Conyers of Michigan (Judiciary Committee), Bennie Thompson of Mississippi (Homeland Security), Georgetown Professor Dr. Eric Michael Dyson, Rap-mogul Russell Simmons, Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad, Martin Luther King Jr. III, Percy Miller aka Master P, CEO of NO LIMIT Enterprise, Marian Wright Edelman Children's Defense Fund, Dr. John Jackson, Schott Foundation for Public Education, Andrea Young,Southern Education Foundation Inc., and many more distinguished panelists.
Strategies
Sen.Barack Obama Climate Change: Are You Ready?
Rep. Shelia Jackson The Language of Hip-Hop A Way of Life
Rep. John Lewis War & Peace: Examining the Culture of Violence through the Non-Violent Lens
Rep. Maxine Waters Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Rep. Kendrick Stolen Childhood: How Youth Destroys Lives and Fractures Communities Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton Can Blacks Find Freedom from Self-Promoted Stereotypes Rep. Danny Davis Is there Life after Prison: Ex-Offenders Reentry
Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones African-American AthletesRep. Julia Carson Black Women Surviving Unmet Mental Health NeedsRep.C.K.Buttterfield Poverty in Rural America: Ending the Destructive Cycle
"This was a tremendous event as well as a great learning experience for me. I hope to be in Washington, DC next year for the 38th Annual Black Congressional Caucus Legislative Conference. Maybe next year, I'll be addressing Congress." laughed Eric D. Graham.
Photo Listing 1. Eric Graham with Jenice Jennings of Glory Watch. 2. Eric Graham with Attorney & Counselor at Law, Tracey Lee II, Esq. 3. Eric Graham with Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. President and CEO of HipHopCaucus.
