For 25 years, the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Foundation has held an annual Midwestern regional conference to explore ways to stir up the region’s politics.
Taking place July 8 to 11 at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel, this year’s conference themed “Imagining the Possibilities: the Next 25 years” will bring visionary Donna Brazile, commentator Roland Martin, and gospel singer Vickie Winans – all who have led the nation in igniting action and change. The diverse workshops range from housing development to building green communities.
Brazile is the keynote speaker, speaking Friday, July 9 at 12 p.m.
Brazile is the author of the best-selling autobiography Cooking with Grease: Stirring the Pots in American Politics, as well as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. Her book is a behind-the scenes memoir of her life as a tenacious political organizer.
Brazile has worked on every presidential campaign from 1976 through 2000, and she became the first African-American woman to manage a presidential campaign when she served as presidential campaign manager for former Vice President Al Gore.
In August 2009, O, The Oprah Magazine chose Ms. Brazile as one of its 20 “remarkable visionaries.”
Brazile founded a general consulting, grassroots advocacy, and training firm, Brazile & Associates LLC, based in Washington, DC. She serves as the managing director of the firm.
Roland Martin will speak at the After-Work Dinner on Friday evening at 7 p.m. He is a renowned commentator, columnist and analyst, appearing on a variety of shows, including Campbell Brown: No Bias, No Bull, The Situation Room, Anderson Cooper 360, Lou Dobbs Tonight and many others.
The foundation sponsors an annual forum to educate disadvantaged and minority youth about the importance of the legislative process. The Youth Leadership Conference will take place July 6 to 8 at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Youth from throughout the state will attend the conference, at the expense of the Foundation, to participate in this forum with their legislators, educators and other conference participants.
The conference also has a “Young Professionals Track.” As part of track, on July 8 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., the foundation will host a networking event at Club 15, 1900 Locust, and other special events.
The conference attempts to offer programming for all age levels, both youth and adults. Some of the workshops include: Missouri Court Plan, the new workforce and jobs, housing and economic development, urban farms and food sources, renewable energy initiatives, health care reform, childhood obesity, and other topics.
The annual Senator Phil B. Curls Golf Tournament takes place on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Glen Echo Golf Course, 3401 Lucas and Hunt Road.
For more information about the conference, events and tournament, please visit the foundation’s website at www.mlbcf.com, email mlbcf@aol.com or phone 877-636-5223.
