Thanks to all the attendees at the 2013 African American Legislative Summit

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus truly appreciates all of the great people in attendance at the 2013 African American Legislative Summit. As native Texans and new friends from South Africa gathered for an amazing time, over 3,000 attendees were present during the 2013 African American Legislative Summit. From highly acclaimed international guests, rising young leaders from across the United States, and world-class comedians and performers; the Summit was a sight no one wanted to miss! Most importantly, none of this was possible without all of the wonderful people in attendance and for that the Texas Legislative Black Caucus thanks you dearly! Thanks again for all your kind support and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2015!!

Check out some of the pictures below from the 2013 African American Legislative Summit!

Dear Friends:

Make sure to register now, so that you can join us for the Comedy Showcase hosted by J. Anthony Brown and the cast of four talented comedians on Monday, February 25th from 8:30p to 10:30p during the 2013 African American Legislative Summit.

J. Anthony Brown, famous for his trademark catchphrase “Watch Out Deh Now” hoas been honing comedic craft for over 40 years now. A winner of the prestigious Peabody Award, as well as the NAACP Image Award, J. Anthony Brown has been a writer for the Arsenio Hall Show, Steve Harvey’s Big Time, Me & the Boys, and the Parent ‘Hood, among others. In addition to the awards and TV writing credits you may have seen him as host during two seasons of BET’s Comic View, as well as performing on Def Comedy Jam, It’s Showtime at the Apollo, Evening at the Improv, Martin, Moesha, Livin’ Single, and even Oprah. On the big screen, his movie credits include XXX-State of the Union, Mr. 3000, Drumline & How to Be a Player.

Over the airwaves, you can catch J. Anthony Brown on the Tom Joyner Morning Show as he helps wake up millions of radio listeners in over 195 markets. In addition, you can catch him on the new hit TV One sitcom, “The Rickey Smiley Show”.

While his media pursuits place him second to none, J. Anthony Brown is also an innovative business man. From his own clothing line, “The J Anthony Brown Collection” to his comedy spot, “The J. Anthony Brown Comedy Store ” in Los Angeles; he is truly a man whose talent knows no bounds.

Last but not least, J. Anthony Brown is a man who gives back to the community. After losing both parents to complications from diabetes and then being diagnosed with the condition as well, he made it his crusade to help combat this widespread affliction in the African American community. With the founding of the J. Anthony Brown Foundation, he is doing his part to help educate and assist children aged 6 through 17 who are diagnosed with diabetes in his native South Carolina. Not only this, J. Anthony is keenly aware of when the community at large is in need of help. Following the 1992 riots in Los Angeles, he responded to the crisis by helping to rebuild the community. As recognition for his tireless efforts, he was awarded the prestigious Peabody Award in addition to a NAACP Image Award.

Join us at the 2013 African American Legislative Summit from Feb. 24th thru 26th in Austin

Dear Friends:

The 2013 African American Legislative Summit is almost here! You won’t want to miss next year’s event. The African American Legislative Summit, which is sponsored by HEB, will take place from Sunday evening, Feb. 24th through Tuesday afternoon, February 26th. The theme of the upcoming Conference is “the building of our Community starts with me”. With an expected 4,000 attendees, the 2013 Summit is slated to be better than ever.

Check Out the 2013 Summit Agenda Here!

We are proud to announce that the keynote speaker at the Scholarship Awards Banquet on Monday, February 25th will be none other than the young, bright, innovative and accomplished Mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed.

2013 African American Legislative Summit Details

The Conference will kick off on Sunday evening, February 24th with the Black-tie invitation only, Chairman’s Dinner at the Hilton Hotel Downtown in Austin. On Monday morning, the Conference will begin in earnest in the House Chamber at the State Capitol. Following the opening plenary session, we will have a series of riveting panel discussions in the Capitol, then a luncheon on the Capitol Grounds. After the lunch, the Conference will shift to our host site, the beautiful Hilton Hotel in Downtown Austin where we will have dignitaries and noted celebrities to bring you even more stimulating panels and discussions. Later that evening, the TLBC Scholarship Awards Banquet will commence in the Hilton Hotel Ballroom, where we will honor the 2013 TLBC Scholarship Recipients. On Tuesday morning, the well-received Community Awards Banquet takes place at the Hilton Hotel and then the Conference wraps up with our final series of panels at the Hotel. With the roster of noted personalities and events planned, this Summit will be one to remember!

Chairman’s Award Dinner honoring Milton Carroll

The Chairman’s Award Dinner honoring Milton Carroll, underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield & CenterPoint Energy, will take place at 7p on Sunday, February 24th at the picturesque Bob Bullock State History Museum a mere 3 blocks away from the State Capitol. This invitation-only black-tie affair, will honor the multitude of achievements of Mr. Milton Carroll. An innovator in the Oil & Gas industry, Mr. Carroll also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors at CenterPoint Energy, Inc. & Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. A native Texan, the accomplishments of Mr. Carroll’s stellar business career are second to none. He is well deserving of this token of appreciation by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus for his inspirational achievements as an African American business man, who has excelled in a variety of endeavors in the business world. The Texas Legislative Black Caucus proudly salutes a fellow trailblazer at the inaugural Chairman’s Award Dinner.

Host Site- Hilton Hotel Info & Reservations

For your convenience, a very special room rate of $199/night is available for Sunday, February 24th and Monday, February 25th for a limited time only at the Hilton Hotel (a savings of $130), so please take advantage now. Room reservations at the Hilton Hotel Downtown for Sunday, February 24th and/or Monday, Feb. 25th are available now online at: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/TexasLegislativeBlackCaucus. If you are interested in a multi-night stay at the Hilton Hotel, please call 800.445.8667 (make sure to mention Group Code: TLB) and they can handle your reservation.

REGISTER NOW FOR FREE TO ATTEND!

Stay tuned for more updates and we look forward to seeing you there!

For questions, please email: texaslegislativeblackcaucus@gmail.com.

Registration is open now for the 2013 African American Legislative Summit presented by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus

Dear Friends:

With a new year quickly approaching, the 83rd Texas Legislative Session is almost here. And that means the 2013 African American Legislative Summit will be here shortly as well.

So please join us at the 2013 African American Legislative Summit from Feb. 24th through Feb. 26th, at the State Capitol and our host site, the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Austin.

Next year’s Conference will be better than ever, as we have assembled an array of talented, accomplished and notable personalities that will be in attendance.

Please click here for free registration to attend the 2013 African American Legislative Summit.

2013 African American Legislative Summit Details

The 2013 Conference, sponsored by HEB, will kick off on Sunday, Feb. 24th with the invitation-only, Black-tie, Chairman’s Award Dinner honoring Mr. Milton Carroll. The Chairman’s Award Dinner, which is underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas & Centerpoint, Inc. will take place at the Hilton Hotel Downtown on Sunday evening, Feb. 24th. We are pleased to announce that in addition to honoring Milton Carroll and his notable business achievements, we will also have a special performance by noted Gospel artist and native Texan, Yolanda Adams.

On Monday morning, Feb. 25th the Conference will begin in earnest at the State Capitol as we will begin with an opening plenary session in the House Chamber, then continue with panel discussions at the Capitol that morning. Following the first set of riveting panel discussions, we will have a luncheon on the Capitol Grounds hosted by Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.

After lunch, the action shifts to our host site, the Hilton Hotel Downtown for more riveting and stimulating panels that will be sure to invigorate the interests of all those in attendance.

Recently in July, members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus as well as MALC, hosted a panel discussion on Civil Rights with a group of 23 young and upcoming international leaders on a trip to Austin organized by the U.S. State Department. The panel was hosted by the very own, Dr. King Davis, who is Director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis at UT Austin, and featured Rep. Senfronia Thompson from Houston, as well as, Rep. Barbara Mallory Caraway from Dallas, and Rep. Elliott Naishtatt from Austin.

TLBC & Texas Black Expo Partner to Host Successful Event

Rep. Joe Deshotel headlines a panel discussion at the Texas Black Expo

On June 15, 2012, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and the Texas Black Expo joined together and celebrateda well-received event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston. This well-needed event brought small African American business owners, corporations, state agencies, community organizations, investment firms and State Representatives together so they could have an informative and beneficial exchange. The goal of the event was to help to highlight African American businesses so they could take advantage of fruitful business opportunities.

Chairman Turner- School Safety Is Everyone’s Problem

By State Rep. Sylvester Turner

Courtesy of Houston Chronicle

May 9, 2012

Two female students were captured recently on cellphone video fighting in the stairwell of a Fort Bend ISD high school in front of dozens of students who had shown up ahead of time to watch. Just a few hours before, the mother of one of these girls told an assistant principal that her daughter would be beaten. The principal said he would take care of the threat, but did not. One girl put a lock in a sock and beat the other girl, as she had threatened to do, sending her to the hospital for treatment.

From what I observed on the video, no one intervened – not a teacher, not an administrator and not one of the many students who showed up for this entertainment. While this horrific video has captured the community’s and the media’s attention, it is just the latest in a series of violence, bullying and intimidation affecting our children at their schools.

In January of this year, a student fight in the cafeteria at Andy Dekaney High School in Spring ISD escalated into a melee involving dozens of students. Also in January, a North Forest High School student brought a gun onto campus and shot and wounded another student.

Last year, a 6-year-old brought a loaded gun to his class at Ross Elementary. He and two other students were injured when the gun fell out of his pocket and discharged. Just a few days ago, a 14-year-old student was shot by a Pasadena ISD officer when he confronted the student in an apparent burglary.

Two dozen Houston ISD school bus drivers recently called for more discipline of rowdy students. The drivers say the students carry weapons, fight each other and even attack the drivers themselves. This past week a South Houston High School student was accused of filming another student in the bathroom. He planned to post the video on Facebook.

2011 African American Legislative Summit A Resounding Success!

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus is pleased to thank all those in attendance at the recently held African American Legislative Summit, helping the event to become a wonderful success. This year’s Summit held in Austin from Feb. 27th through March 1st, under the direction of Chairman Sylvester Turner had a record 3,000 plus attendees from all over Texas. A great time was had by all in attendance as numerous elected officials, scores of grassroots activists, business professionals, college students, reknowned academics and citizens alike came together for an eventful time of collaboration, networking and an opportunity to exchange ideas. The Summit was highlighted by Ms. Debra Lee, CEO of B.E.T. as the keynote speaker at the Scholarship Banquet where over $120,000 in scholarships were awarded. An overwhelming attendance of successful recipients, all of whom were high school seniors, made the night a special occasion as Debra Lee punctuated the night with her remarks which thrilled all those in attendance.

Those who arrived early on Sunday evening were treated to a musical performance by none other than DJ Biz Markie. The Summit started in earnest early Monday morning at 9am in the House Chamber, as the Summit provided a unique opportunity for attendees to sit at House members desks and hear from TLBC members. Following the opening session, a series of riveting panel discussions in the Capitol on Monday morning rounded out the early morning events. Those there for the panels were treated to a packed house as people listened with picqued interest as a host of topics were covered. Next we followed with a barbeque luncheon on the Capitol Grounds as all those in attendance were treated to a great meal under tents as they all enjoyed the beautiful weather. As the afternoon began, the Summit shifted to the host site, the Sheraton Hotel at the Capitol as we enjoyed more powerful panel discussions. As evening fell, people excitedly awaited the Scholarship Banquet as many gathered for a cocktail reception before the formal events ensued.

Rep. Turner Leads African American Leaders in Condemning School Violence

State Representative Sylvester Turner Thursday led African American community leaders in a news conference condemning the violence plaguing local schools.

The news conference, held at the School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, brought together federal, state and city elected officials, school board members, ministers, representatives of law enforcement and more to say that the safety of our children is everyone’s responsibility.

A recent incident, captured by a student’s cell phone, showed one girl beating another at Thurgood Marshall High School in the Fort Bend ISD while dozens of students watched. This incident occurred even though the mother of the beaten student had warned a school official that her daughter had been threatened.

TLBC Mourns Passing of Texas Pioneer, Dr. Zeb Poindexter

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I relay the passing of a true pioneer in Texas, Dr. Zeb Poindexter Jr. As the first African American graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental Branch in 1956, Dr. Poindexter forged a path for untold numbers here in Texas. He stands as an inspiration and beacon of light for many members of the TLBC, especially those who were friends with him and those from the Houston area.

In Memory of Dr. Zeb Poindexter, Jr.

Dr. Zeb Ferdinand Poindexter, Jr. entered into eternal rest on April 28, 2012 at the age of 83. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas on April 5, 1929.

Dr. Poindexter attended Terrell High School in 1945, Wiley College in 1949 and graduated from Texas Southern University in 1952 with a degree in Endocrinology. Following this he served as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force Reserves and left active duty with the rank of Captain. He was the first African American graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental Branch in 1956.

Dr. Poindexter went on to become the first general dentist to operate a clinic of its type in Houston, Texas. Located in the municipality known at that time as the Chocolate Bayou, his facility was designed by John S. Chase Sr. and still stands today as a landmark for the Sunnyside neighborhood. This achievement was followed by a series of firsts that include his becoming the first Black member admitted to the Houston District Dental Society, the first Black faculty member at the University of Texas Dental Branch and the first African-American appointed by UT to recruit all minorities.

AUSTIN, Texas — In connection with the African and African Diaspora Studies Department, The University of Texas at Austin has appointed King Davis founding director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis.

Davis, professor and Robert Lee Sutherland Chair in Mental Health and Social Policy in the School of Social Work and former executive director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, served as interim director of the institute in 2010 and 2011, and will begin his new role effective immediately. Davis joined The University of Texas at Austin in 2000 after serving as commissioner of the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse and as a faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“The investment by The University of Texas in this new institute reflects the personal commitment of President Powers and his administration,” Davis said. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to help shape the mission and vision of the institute and its initial research projects.” The institute’s initial focus will be on the state of Texas.

“Despite our iconic rural image, more than 80 percent of Texans live in cities. Texas needs better urban policy, and we can’t improve that without good data on the populations that make up our cities, especially populations of color,” said President Bill Powers. “King Davis is the perfect leader for this important new effort. His academic and professional background — and the enormous respect he commands from his colleagues — bodes well for the institute’s future.”

Developed in 2010 through collaborative efforts of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the African and African Diaspora Studies Department and the College of Liberal Arts, the institute’s mission is to conduct and promote the production of policy-relevant research with the aim of enhancing the lives of African-Americans and other communities of color.

“I applaud the selection of Dr. Davis to lead this vitally important institute,” said Rep. Sylvester Turner, chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. “His expertise and dedication will bring the institute to the forefront of positive change in the African American community in Texas.”

TLBC Joins Texas Black Expo 2012 in Houston

Texas Legislative Black Caucus to Host Black Elected Officials Luncheon and Co-Present Texas Small Business Eco-Enterprise Summit at Texas Black Expo 2012

Texas Legislative Black Caucus

HOUSTON (February 23, 2012) – The 9^th annual Texas Black Expo is rapidly approaching, and corporations, small businesses, and a myriad of community organizations from across the state are in high anticipation of this historic event. Scheduled to take place June 15^th – 17^th at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center, this annual event is the largest African American tradeshow in the state of Texas. Corporate partners include HEB, America’s Natural Gas Alliance, Lilly, Nationwide, Comcast, and The Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau, among others. In addition, Texas Black Expo is proud to welcome the Texas Legislative Black Caucus (TLBC) to its list of community partners.

TLBC Celebrates Successful 2011 Golf Classic!

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus celebrated an extremely successful 2011 Golf Classic on Monday, November 7th at the Grey Rock Golf Club in Austin, Texas.

The Golf Classic got underway with over 130 golfers representing generous donors and elected officials from a wide spectrum who gave up their valuable time and donations for a worthy cause. Proceeds from the TLBC Golf Classic will support TLBC scholarships, the bi-annual African American Legislative Summit, and many other charitable causes. This year’s TLBC Golf Classic raised over $300,000 which will be put to good use by the Caucus. The Monday morning tournament followed a Sunday evening “Chairman’s Dinner” for some of our cherished donors.

“I truly appreciate the outpouring of generosity and support at the 2011 TLBC Golf Classic. Without the help of our large contingent of supporters, we can’t continue to do the multitude of good deeds across the State of Texas,” said Chairman Turner.

“No good deed goes unnoticed, so I want to provide a special thank you to all of our donors for making this possible.”

In addition to countless representatives of donors at the tournament, the TLBC was also joined by special guest, Roland Martin, the noted TV One Commentator and CNN contributor.

Check out Rep. Sylvester Turner’s Report Card on Public Education Here!

As the 82nd Legislature and Special Session draws to a close, Chairman Turner, Chairwoman Senfronia Thompson, and Rep. Helen Giddings were joined by concerned parents, teachers, and fellow Texas Legislators as they issued a Report Card for the 82nd Session. The special emphasis of the Report Card was on an issue near and dear to everyone’s heart and conscience, an issue whose importance is both long lasting and the true barometer of how we has a society view our future generations – Public Education. This Legislative Session has seen historic cuts and changes to the Public Education system in Texas which will harm our school children for years to come, and the time is here for those who made such shortsighted decisions face accountability.

Rep. Sylvester Turner Issues Report Card on 82nd Session

Black Texas Lawmakers Say New Redistricting Maps Don’t Fairly Reflect Population Shifts – Article Courtesy of BET.com

Black Texas Lawmakers Say New Redistricting Maps Don’t Fairly Reflect Population Shifts

Black and Latino groups will challenge the maps in court.

By Joyce Jones

Posted: 06/07/2011 11:15 PM EDT

Filed Under redistricting

(Dallas Rep. Helen Giddings)

Redistricting maps are a topic of bitter partisan debate in states across the nation, and Texas is no different. A second map drawn by the Republican-led state legislature has local African-American and Latino lawmakers crying foul. It’s only natural that the state’s GOP would create a map that works to their advantage, but the population growth reported in the most recent census, minority lawmakers argue, warrants a different approach.

Dallas Rep. Helen Giddings represents a district that has one of the highest Black voter participation rates in the nation. Although her district would retain most of its original configuration, she believes that the proposed House and Senate maps do not accurately reflect the population shift that has occurred in the past 10 years. She told BET.com that it would preserve the current number of local representatives and senators but limits what she calls “opportunity seats.” She is referring to districts that have a large enough proportion of African-American and Latino voters to make a significant impact on who is elected to serve them, regardless of the official’s race or ethnicity.

Texas Senate & House Maps Present Serious Concern for Texas Minority Communities

The maps presented to the Texas House and Senate pose serious concern for minority communities in Texas for the next 10 years. As each decade’s U.S. Census count requires a redrawing of both House & Senate state maps, Texas is currently undergoing the effort which will make legislative districts more reflective of their population growth over the past 10 years.

With the high degree of minority population growth recently in Texas, minority communities deserve more elected official representation.

When debate commenced on the House floor recently for consideration on the Texas House of Representatives map, the Black Caucus presented alternative plans which amplified the voice of African Americans statewide as well as the Hispanic community. The TLBC maps were reflective of the necessary hard work and attention to the needs of minority communities which is required since any Texas maps must be reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice due to historical discrimination in our State. The TLBC believes the map passed by the Texas House is a significant step backwards for minorities in this State, and which is why the TLBC map provides a much better alternative which does not dilute African American communities and also keeps together communities of interest.

Chairman Sylvester Turner Makes Closing Remarks on House Budget

TLBC Members Take Key Committee Positions

As the current 82nd Session begins to heat up in earnest, Texas Legislative Black Caucus members hold key committee assignments with the ability to influence key decisions on legislative matters.

HOW’D THE DEMOCRATS DO?: A Conversation About the 82nd Legislative Session

Event Details

Date: Thursday, May 19, 2011
Time: 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. The conversation will begin promptly at 8 a.m.
Location: The Austin Club
110 E. Ninth Street, Austin, TX 78701 (map)
Questions?: rsvp@texastribune.org or 512-716-8626
RSVP: Wednesday, May 18, 2011 – 1 p.m.
A reservation is required

DJ Biz Markie Will Kick Off TLBC’s African American Legislative Summit on Sunday, Feb. 27th!

Free Admission to Biz Markie with Summit Registration. Click Here to Register For Free!

Time for the kickoff of the 2011 African American Legislative Summit hosted by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. The kickoff event featuring the one and only, the legendary Biz Markie on the turntables will start on Sunday evening, Feb. 27th at the Sheraton Hotel at the Capitol in Austin. After the Sunday night performance make sure to enjoy the rest of the African American Legislative Summit which will take place at the State Capitol and our host site, The Sheraton Hotel at the Capitol. Admission is guaranteed only with free online registration at:

Click Here to Register Now!

Only Registered Summit Attendees will be allowed to enjoy this free event!