Be part of making history. On February 7 and 8, 2008, more than 500 African American leaders and mobilizers will convene at the State Capitol for the Sixth Annual African American Legislative Conference.  The theme, “It Takes a Village to Make Change” will ignite the fuse and set the stage.  “This two day conference has been instrumental in politically mobilizing residents around social concerns affecting the African-American community, said Mel Hannah, co-chair, for the planning committee.  The event will be hosted by the newly formed Arizona Commission on African American Affairs (ACAAA), the Arizona African American Legislative Planning Committee, Senator Leah Landrum-Taylor, and Representative Cloves Campbell, Jr.  “In our hands, we have the power; to support our families; to solve our problems; and to lead the State.  Why? Because these things we already do”, stated Dr. George B. Brooks, Jr., Executive Director of the ACAAA.  

 

The two day event will begin with a prayer breakfast with the Governor on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 7:45am.  Following the breakfast leaders from state and local government, along with leaders from the faith and business community will join African Americans for a rally and press conference, which will then lead to the opening ceremony in the Senate at 10:00am.  That evening a Community Awards Banquet will be held at Pilgrim Rest’s Wellness Center to recognize unsung heroes from across the state.  On Friday, February 8, 2008, activities begin at 9:00am and will include a number of interactive workshops depicting five pillars of interest for African Americans: Education, Health, Justice, Economic Development, and Youth.  Guest speakers include Terry Goddard, Attorney General, Patrick Melvin, Chief of Police, City of Maricopa, Reverend Damon Lynch, III, Pastor and Activist, Dr. Arnee Guthrie and Wanda Thompson, Center for African American Health Project Initiative, and Dr. Ann Hart, Deputy Associate Superintendent, Arizona Department of Education.

 

“We are very excited about the opportunity to create an intimate environment and provide a venue that supports, empowers, and levels the playing field, thus giving us the power to address and further resolve our issues and to change the future of the State and Nation”, said Deborah J. Kidd Chapman, co-chair and fundraiser for the event.  Ms. Kidd Chapman further stated, “We have great sponsors this year which include Arizona Public Service, University of Phoenix, State Farm Insurance, and Salt River Project.  

 

 

Location: 1700 West Washington, Phoenix Arizona

 

 

 

 

 

 

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