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!

Please join us in saluting these accomplished young men and women as we wish them the best in all their future endeavors!

2013 TLBC Scholarship Winners:

• Golden N. Ofoh
• Dasia M. Cravens
• Dorcas C. Mbaeri
• Ola A. Saleh
• Antoinette J. Morris
• Che Ross
• Diana G. Cortez
• Andrew L. Anthony
• LaKeitha Yarborough
• Nia K. Brookins
• Nancy Hernandez
• Demosthenes Sherman
• Kaliyah N. Rose
• Emilu Mata
• Aaron B. Chambers
• Chrishiann J. Marks
• Marilyn Z. Beard
• Placid C. Unegbu
• Derek Arinzechukwu
• Eric J. Po
• Lenesha L. Riley
• Kelsea A. Fields
• Briana Rena Adams
• Alejandra E. Ortega
• Jharen K. Rosborough
• Mark D. Waters Jr.
• Xochilyn A. Davis
• Ogechi M. Irondi
• Corlissa Hockless
• Hannah G. Lewis
• Aminah M. Richardson
• Brandon J. Vaughn
• Jordan Sparks (Shelton)
• Awwa A. Ahmed
• Tony Dowson
• Christina Jacob
• Carlton C. Anumnu
• Ariel K. Sanders
• Dave Cachero
• Raekwon D. Halton
• Paulo Martinez
• Irma Lucia Puga Lule
• Dasia K. McCollum
• Alexis C. Johnson
• Jannesha Lee
• Carol-Lynn Shelby
• Lillian Nguyen
• Ana C. Salinas
• Nicholas Y. Nedd
• Zipporah D. Jackson
• Margaret Calhoun
• Timothy A. Turner
• Kacy K. Priddy
• Lisa N. Oyolu
• Damion Mayer
• Cristian Gomez
• Kaylyn M. Freeman
• Geryn T. Hasty
• Khalil D. Coffield
• Jazzkia M. Jones

The 2013 African American Legislative Summit hosted by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus is almost here! Register here for free before it is too late! Check Out the 2013 Summit Agenda Here!

FREE REGISTRATION HERE!

Make sure that you come and join us in Austin, Texas on February 25th & 26th for an forgettable Summit. With a wide range of riveting panel topics that touch on every facet of the African American community including public education, business and wealth development, criminal justice, mental illness, and the Affordable Care Act; this year’s Summit will provide a host of food for thought to all those in attendance. Also make sure to join us for a free luncheon on the Capitol Grounds.

In addition, the Summit will feature stellar list of international guests and notable figures including South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Rev. Al Sharpton, award-winning comedian J. Anthony Brown and award-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams.

For the complete list of activities and the agenda for the Summit, please click here:

2013 African American Legislative Summit presented by the TLBC- Event Agenda

With activities at the State Capitol & the Hilton Hotel Downtown, our host site, you surely won’t want to miss this event!

From starting out on Monday morning at the Capitol, to enjoying a relaxing lunch on the Capitol grounds, to advocating while the Texas Legislature is in Session, to more panel discussions at the Capitol that afternoon, to a free comedy show at the Hilton Hotel, and a chance to be stimulated by Rev. Al Sharpton- there are abundant opportunities to fill the interests of all in attendance. And all you have to do to enjoy it is to register.

Looking for a place to stay for the Summit? Check out these options for a great deal.

Hilton Hotel Downtown- Host Site

Marriott Courtyard Downtown- $179/night (special rate at a savings of $130 a night, but only good through Friday, Feb. 15th)

Additional Fantastic Events During the African American Legislative Summit:

Saturday, Feb. 23rd from 1p to 5p- African American Community Heritage Festival

A Free Family-oriented Fun Time! Featuring a performance by none other than Dwele! Come check it out!

www.austinheritagefestival.org

Taking place at Huston-Tillotson University, 901 Chicon Street, Austin TX

Sunday, Feb. 24th from 9:00p until ???- KEY PAC- Summit Reception

Come mix and mingle with Texas’ Finest African Americans in Politics & Business

Taking place at the W Austin at 200 Lavaca Street, Austin TX

Tuesday, Feb. 26th from 1:30p to 8p- Texas Assoc of African American Chambers of Commerce & U.S. Black Chamber – Solution Series

Check out this informative and helpful “Solution Series” presented by the Texas Assoc of African American Chambers of Commerce & U.S. Black Chamber at the Hilton Hotel. Presenters include Black Enterprise magazine, Wells Fargo, Pfizer and others.

Texas Assoc of African American Chambers of Commerce- Feb. 26th activities during 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.

Rarely has such a talented man with a heart of gold touched us with the comedic flair that J. Anthony Brown possesses.

You won’t want to miss this opportunity to catch a once in a lifetime talent like J. Anthony Brown. So come out and catch him and his cast of four talented comedians as they make you laugh and unwind at the Summit on Monday, February 25th from 8:30p to 10:30p.

Attendance is FREE, all you have to do is register! So hurry and REGISTER NOW!

FREE REGISTRATION HERE!

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.

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.

Later that evening, things will hit a crescendo with the TLBC Scholarship Awards Banquet in the Governor’s Ballroom at the Hilton Hotel. At this wonderful event, we will honor worthy recipients of TLBC Scholarships from across Texas. We are happy to have the inspiring and energetic, Mayor Kasim Reed of Atlanta provide the keynote address to our outstanding young scholars.

In addition, there will be a comedy showcase from 8:30p to 10:30p, hosted by the noted and talented comedian, J. Anthony Brown. Mr. Brown, recipient of the Peabody Award as well as the NAACP Image Award in 1993 for his tireless contributions to restoring and rebuilding the Los Angeles community after the unfortunate 1992 Los Angeles riots, is also and has continuously been one of the funniest comedians out there today, with current appearances on the Tom Joyner Morning Show as well as a full roster of TV and movie role appearances, in addition to his regular role on TV One’s new hit sitcom, “The Rickey Smiley Show” which premiered in September.

On Tuesday, Feb. 26th, the Conference starts off with the well-received Community Awards Breakfast at the Hilton Hotel. At this wonderful event, members will take time out to honor the hidden heroes in our communities whose contributions don’t typically see the light of day.

We will round the Conference after this fulfilling breakfast ceremony, with the last segment of panel discussions to stimulate the minds of our attendees.

With that said, the 2013 Conference with an expected 4,000 attendees will be better than ever so make sure you register now to attend.

Please complete the registration form here.

 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.

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

*The Chairman’s Black-tie Gala is by invitation only. Please contact your local State Representative- TLBC Member for possible seating.

Dear Prospective TLBC Scholarship Applicant:

It is with great pleasure that the Texas Legislative Black Caucus unveils the 2013 TLBC Scholarship Program.

In 2013, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus will award over 60 scholarships, ranging in value from $1,500 to $4,000, to deserving high school seniors graduating from Texas high schools in Spring 2013 and who will enter college in Fall 2013.

While the majority of scholarships are dedicated to residents of Texas Legislative Black Caucus member’s districts, there are additional scholarships set-aside for high school students outside of those districts.

Therefore we encourage all graduating high school seniors from Texas high schools to take advantage of this beneficial opportunity and apply.

The deadline to apply has been extended until February 7, 2013.

So hurry & apply now!

The 2013 TLBC Scholarship Application  can be found here.

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.

Rep. Senfronia Thompson recounted to the assembled delegates the history of Civil Rights both in Texas and US. During the discussion she also spoke about the legislative process in Texas. As the assembled group asked interesting questions of the panel members, Rep. Naishtatt spoke of his beginnings in Texas working with disadvantaged communities in South Texas. Last not least, Rep. Barbara Mallory Caraway spoke to the enthralled audience about the evolution of the Voting Rights Act and the protections the Act affords to many citizens around the country. She rounded the panel off with a talk about current events across the Globe.

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.

The event started with a Texas Legislative Black Caucus/Texas Black Expo Corporate Breakfast, which featured Jason Few, President of Reliant Energy, as the keynote speaker. Participants listened attentively as Mr. Few touched on issues regarding responsible energy development and customer needs at the breakfast. Following the breakfast, participants engaged in informative panel discussions that touched on access to capital and opportunities for growth, which are the vital components for nurturing successful small businesses. After the panel discussions, the TLBC and TBE hosted a luncheon focusing on the necessity for green energy sources that are both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. The speaker for the luncheon was Chairman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Bryan Shaw, Ph.D. Mr. Shaw gave a thoughtful speech on balancing energy development and a healthy environment here in Texas. In addition, the TLBC honored Deavra Daughtry and Farouk Shami with special awards that praised their philanthropic efforts in the community. At the conclusion of the event, attendees left with a wealth of knowledge and insight on beneficial opportunities that will no doubt leave a lasting positive influence on those who were there.

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus looks forward to future opportunities to work with our special partner, the Texas Black Expo.

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.

And before we congratulate ourselves that at least no child has died, I ask you to remember Asher Brown, the Cy-Fair ISD eighth grader who committed suicide in 2010 after his classmates bullied him for years. Asher was 13 years old.

Community leaders and elected officials from Harris and Fort Bend counties must speak out against these senseless acts of violence. Everyone has a role in keeping our children and communities safe. Bringing weapons to schools, engaging in disruptive behavior on school buses, bullying and fighting on our school campuses, breaking into homes and cars, are not acceptable behaviors in our communities. Our children need to know that we love them, we support them, we will be there for them, and that we will work to make our schools and neighborhoods better for them. But they also need to know that bad behavior will not be tolerated.

All of us must be held accountable. Parents must make it clear that bad acts will not be tolerated, that not only should children not  engage in a fight, they should not stand idly by and watch it or cheer it on. Administrators and teachers must take every step to prevent conflicts, especially when they are warned ahead of time. The inside of a school should be a safe haven for children. And the community must fill in the gap when parents and schools may be lacking. Here is how everyone can and should help:

In the final weeks of school, everyone should be on alert for any signs of problems on our school campuses. I applaud the Ministers Against Crime for their presence at schools in the closing days of the academic year.

Schools must be adequately staffed to ensure the safety of their students. If not, administrators should reach out to constables or  other law enforcement for help.

Parents and students need to report potential acts of violence to teachers, counselors or administrators and they should have  confidence that their concerns will be taken seriously.

I have asked Speaker Joe Straus of the Texas House of Representatives to take a serious look at school violence, both during the interim and during our next legislative session, and he has agreed.

I have asked the commissioner of the Texas Education Agency to investigate the latest violent incident at Thurgood Marshall High School to determine what happened and how we can ensure that our schools will be violence-free the remainder of the year.

The issue of school violence and bullying affects us all. In that spirit, I look forward to partnering and working with other community leaders, elected officials, religious and business leaders. Let’s create an environment that is safe for all our children.

http://www.chron.com/default/article/School-safety-is-everyone-s-responsibility-3543985.php