Congressional Black Caucus Hosts "What's at Stake in '08?"

On Monday, June 18th, The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) hosted "What's at Stake in '08?" the first discussion in its Emerging Leaders series on Capitol Hill. This closed door session asked young leaders which issues they deemed most important and how they thought Congress should respond to those needs. The Foundation was invited to participate in the panel discussion to shed light on the state of race relations in America. Alicia Simmons spoke to the audience of young leaders about the importance of inter-ethnic relations with regard to moving issues forward both locally and nationally. Simmons presented information about changing ethnic demographics and explained how those changes will affect electoral politics and platforms. "Ethnic communities working together does not at all dilute the message of any one particular group. In fact, it will help achieve the political goals of that community, build stronger relationships with multiple communities and still give each group an opportunity to share their stories and messages", Simmons said at the event.

The audience included up and coming national lay leaders, CBC interns, fellows, and Hill staff. Other panelists included representatives from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, the Advancement Project, College Democrats of America and the National Basketball Association. Congressman Donald Payne and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke attended and offered suggestions to the Emerging Leaders group. CBC Chairwoman, Congresswoman Carolyn Kilpatrick applauded the young leaders for being so active and urged them "not to wait for the baton to be passed to them but to take it" saying, "this is your lunch counter experience, make the most of it. We need you. We serve you."

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The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding was founded in 1989 by Rabbi Marc Schneier and the late Joseph Papp.
We are committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face, dialogue between leaders of ethnic communities is
the most effective path toward the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding.

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