Conservative Black Forum

Center President Norris McDonald participated in the Conservative Black Forum sponsored by Congressman Allen West (R-FL) today.  It was a very informative discussion and provided an excellent outlet for addressing this vitally important issue.  McDonald asked Congressman West and the Panel about the lack of African American ownership in the energy infrastructure and resources area.  The forum was covered by C-SPAN.

Norris McDonald w/ Robert Johnson, Allew West & Charles Payne

Congressman Allen West:

Conservative Black Forum

“Economic Empowerment in the Black Community”

Washington, D.C.

June 18, 2012

United States Capitol

Room HVC 200

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

THE FACTS:

• Black unemployment remains at 14 percent - double the white community. This is a trend that has continued for the past 50 years, during both strong and weak economies.
• The Federal Government has invested billions of dollars to solve this crisis, yet the statistics remain staggering.
• 4.8 percent of black students dropped out of high school in 2009, double the number of white students.

THE CONVERSATION:

• The Conservative Black Forum will discuss ways of enhancing the entrepreneurial spirit of black American small business owners to stimulate and strengthen the economy.
• Black businesses, established in the heart of Black communities, often hire Black employees that in turn strengthen the black community as a whole.
• Leaders in the Black community on both the state and federal level will have an open discussion on what barriers are preventing the Black community from achieving economic growth, which leads to economic stability and most importantly, economic “freedom.”

THE DISTINGUISHED PANEL:

Moderator: Charles Payne - Fox Business Network contributor and co-host of "Varney & Co."

• Allen West- Congressman, Member of House Small Business Committee, Congressional Black Caucus
• Robert L. Johnson - Founder of Black Entertainment Television
• City Manager Ruth C. Jones – Riviera Beach
• Florida State Rep. Mack Bernard - (District 84) Committee Memberships: Business & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee, Insurance & Banking Subcommittee, Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee
• Dr. Art Laffer - American economist
• County Commissioner Ashley Bell - Hall County, Georgia
• Toya Powell - Director, Government Engagement, U.S. Black Chamber, Inc.
• Harry C. Alford - President/CEO, National Black Chamber of Commerce
• Kay DeBow - Executive Vice President, National Black Chamber of Commerce
• Darrell Jordan - House of Representatives Small Business Committee

(Allen West)