|
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Mildred Robertson
For Immediate Release
(919) 833-6394 March 16, 2009
Mildredrobertson@bellsouth.net
Rev. Al Sharpton, Gov. Bev Perdue to Keynote 4th Annual NC Black Summit
Summit to focus on Economic Stimulus, Leveraging Community Assets
Raleigh, NC—Baptist minister and civil rights advocate Al Sharpton will address the Alliance of North Carolina Black Elected Officials (Alliance) Banquet schedule at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24 at the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel in Downtown Raleigh. The banquet is part of the 3-day NC Black Summit scheduled April 23-25 at the Sheraton.
Sharpton’s topic is “Assuming Leadership Without Excuses.” Also among noted speakers for the event are Gov. Beverly Perdue and Congressman Brad Miller who will discuss the challenges associated with the economy and how they are being addressed on the state and federal levels. Both will bring remarks during the luncheon on April 24. Gov. Beverly Perdue is expected to talk about how her administration plans turn around the state’s economy and Congressman Brad Miller will provide a federal perspective on the distribution of stimulus funding.
Alliance Chairman Fred Yates says that as leaders across the state scramble to make certain that the funds are used to create jobs and stimulate prosperity for its citizens, the Alliance wants to make sure that some of that money finds its way into the Black community. “I think we all know that, in order to lift up the entire state from this economic quagmire, we have to start lifting from the bottom,” says Yates. “History shows us that many Black North Carolinians struggle even in our most prosperous times. This federal stimulus package affords an opportunity to stabilize and build minority enterprises and invest in minority communities.”
To set the stage for discussion, Dr. Jim Johnson, director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center at UNC will present a pre-conference workshop will focus on increasing competitiveness in North Carolina’s communities of color and the implications for the entire state. The pre-conference seminar, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development.
“As we look at ways to revitalize North Carolinia’s economy, we have to make sure that every segment of this community is afforded the opportunity to prosper,” says Brad Thompson, Executive director of the Alliance. “Historically, many in the Black community who are qualified and prepared to participate in initiatives such as the Federal Stimulus Package are left on the outside looking in. It is our hope that job creation among minorities and in minority communities will be a priority of the state as it implements stimulus projects in North Carolina.”
This year the Summit will have an added focus on the faith-based community. “The church has always been a key player in working toward positive social change” says Yates. “We are inviting members of the faith community to join us to talk about ways to help our community through this tough economic time,” says Thompson. On Saturday, April 25, the Summit will hold a Prayer Breakfast where Rev. Joseph George of Newbern, NC will bring remarks. Music will be provided by Marc Archibald & Voices Anointed. The Prayer Breakfast will be followed by a general session led by Dr. Forrest Toms of A&T State University, where participants will discuss how to leverage assets to make the best use of government resources available through the new stimulus package.
New this year is a post-conference “Emerging Leaders Workshop” target at young people interested in public service and public policy advocacy. The workshop, scheduled from 1-3 p.m., is sponsored by the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials.
Register prior to April 22nd to receive the regular conference rate of $150. Onsite registration is $175. Individual tickets are available for the following conference events:
Thursday April 23NCIMED Pre-Conference Workshop 1-5 p.m.Free
Mayors Social8 p.m. – Midnight$50
Friday April 24LuncheonNoon – 1:30 p.m.$50
Banquet7-9:30 p.m.$75
Emerging Leaders Workshop1-3 p.m.$35
Note: All these events are covered in conference registration.
For more information go to www.ncblacksummit.org or call (919) 833-6394 locally, or toll free at 1-888-833-5003.
-END-
|
