|
African American Leadership Summit Convened in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C, March 27, 2006 - Michael O. Lyles of Oklahoma City, OK
recently attended the African American Leadership Summit in Washington,
D.C. The two-day conference provided a forum for nearly 500 African
American participants from across the nation to discuss a range of policy
issues with senior members of the United States Congress and the Bush
Administration. The conference participants were nominated to attend
by their member of Congress.
"Bringing together African American leaders and federal officials for an
open discussion and exchange of ideas is vital to our nation's continuing
efforts to address issues affecting our families, communities, and nation,"
said Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (TX), Summit Co-Chair. Participants
engaged in interactive Q&A sessions following each issue panel.
Senate Majority Leader William H. Frist, M.D. (TN) welcomed the delegates.
Summit Co-Chair Senator Rick Santorum (PA) joined Senator Hutchison to
update participants on Congress' accomplishments in the last session and
brief them on the upcoming agenda. Senator Lamar Alexander (TN) spoke on
education opportunities, Senator Norm Coleman (MN) shared ideas on increasing
small business growth, Senator Jim Talent (MO) discussed his sickle-cell
treatment bill, and Senator David Vitter (LA) described the progress being
made post-Hurricane Katrina.
High-level speakers included U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Alphonso Jackson, who gave the keynote address at lunch; Dr. Rod Paige, former
U.S. Secretary of Education; Dr. Garth Graham, Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Ron
Langston, National Director, Minority Business Development Agency; and Michelle
Bernard, President & CEO, Independent Women's Forum.
"The Summit creates a meaningful opportunity for members of Congress to meet
with African American leaders to discuss important issues such as creating
well-paying jobs, improving education and health care, and encouraging
community and faith-based initiatives. It is important that we, as elected
officials, are accountable to the people we represent by listening to their
concerns and providing updates on accomplishments we have made in the
Congress," said Senator Santorum, Summit Co-Chair.
About LCI: Leader Communications, Incorporated (LCI)
is an award-winning, ISO 9001:2000 Small Disadvantaged, Service-Disabled
Veteran-Owned, Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified Information
Technology (IT) and Management Services firm, committed to providing
the highest level of professional services and cost-effective solutions for
today's challenging requirements.
|