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National Urban League’s 8th Annual Legislative Policy Conference and the State of Black America
The National Urban League held its 8th Annual Legislative Policy Conference. National (youth, civil rights, etc.) leaders, including those from the National Wildlife Federation, gathered in our nation’s capital to discusses solutions to challenges affecting diverse communities around the country. The National Urban League’s Annual Legislative Policy Conference providing an opportunity for all of these groups to meet, share and learn from each other, particularly on the issue of clean energy jobs and sustainable communities.
The summit hosted Urban League affiliate delegations comprised of CEO’s, board chairs and the presidents of affiliate Guild and Young Professional auxiliaries. Meetings on Capitol Hill with U.S. Senators and Representatives from both sides of the aisle were scheduled for each affiliate delegation. There were workshops and panel discussions focused on job creation, health care and education; as well as networking receptions and luncheons that allowed the participants to connect with both key DC decision-makers and up and coming leaders that are new to the political landscape.
The conference also served as the backdrop to the release of the National Urban League’s landmark annual publication, The State of Black America (SOBA), held this year at the historic Howard University. There was a press conference followed by a spirited town hall conversation with high profile commentators and students. Of particular importance to the Fair Climate Project was essay #3, Leveraging the Greening of America to Strengthen the Workforce Development System on page 76 and the subsequent case study on the Green Impact Zone of Kansas City, MO.
National Urban League president Marc Morial highlighted the fact that the work of the Urban League movement is more important than ever and that urban America needs to be put back to work. The recession has disproportionately burdened urban America and communities of color and that solutions should be targeted to where the need is greatest.