By Catherine Pugh,
Special to the AFRO
There was no shortage of networking opportunities at the Congressional Legislative Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) this year. The event drew nearly 10,000 people of all ages to the nation’s capital, from Sept. 28 through Oct. 2.
It had been two years since Washington, D.C. had seen this much action and activity on behalf of Black people. The 100 workshops tackled every topic impacting the Black community from health, raising our children and grooming future leaders to building businesses and overcoming social and economic issues that continue to plague Black communities. Women’s groups held roundtables and young leaders of the future were heard.
Hotels in Washington, D.C. were full, especially those surrounding the downtown convention center. The restaurants and hotels played host to several events, including fundraisers for the Maryland Democratic nominee for governor, Wes Moore.
Hotel lobbies saw more people exchanging cards and discussing potential business relations.
Kevin Boyce, who by the age of 40 had accomplished more than most people would in a lifetime, having served as a city council member in Columbus, Ohio, a state legislator, treasurer of the State of Ohio and president of his county’s Board of Commissions. Now, he’s organizing the first Black bank in his city.
As he networked with individuals from other cities, like Attorney Rodney Boyd, a known connector, Commissioner Rodney Ellis of Houston and St. Louis’ first Black female State Senator, Karla May, Boyce said he has the formula for developing Black banks. He believes Black financial institutions can help African Americans grow their businesses and honor their dream of becoming homeowners.
Boyce was not alone, the bars in most hotels were serving drinks and were crowded with dealmakers trying to make more connections. Andy Ingraham, president of the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers (NABHOOD), hosted dinners and workshops to promote more Black ownership of hotels like the Marriott. At the same time, April Richardson was negotiating more locations for her company, Baked in Baltimore, and is the official distributor of the D.C. Sweet Potato Cake, which can be purchased at several hundred Starbucks locations.
The five-day conference is the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s largest fundraiser. A portion of the funds raised go towards providing scholarships for young people. All of the events were sold out, including the prayer breakfast, now known as the Day of Healing, the Phoenix Awards Ceremony, the Inaugural Black Caucus Rooftop Reception and the Black Party.
Networking-fundraising, missions accomplished!
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