Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people will gather in the nation’s capitol for the National Black Justice Coalition’s (NBJC) OUT on the Hill Black LGBT Leadership Summit, a convening of top African American LGBT thought leaders, faith leaders, philanthropists and activists who are organizing to empower their communities while educating Congressional leaders, the Obama Administration and federal agencies about Black LGBT public policy concerns.
OUT on the Hill, September 15-18, features an Issue Advocacy Day, which will serve as an opportunity for Black LGBT leaders to discuss important policy issues with their Members of Congress and Congressional Leadership; a White House Briefing, which will include presentations from key White House Officials and representatives from the Departments of Justice, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services; and a chance for attendees to participate in workshops that will be held as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference (CBCF-ALC).
“NBJC is calling upon all Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) voices to let the powers that be know that Black LGBT people and allies exist, that we are organized and informed, and that we have the ability to move the masses towards an America that is more inclusive of Black LGBT people. This historic convening is intended to bridge the gaps and clear up misunderstandings about gender identity and sexual orientation, including the intersectionality with racial equality, that may exist with policy makers and key influencers,” stated NBJC Executive Director Sharon Lettman-Hicks.
Lettman-Hicks adds: “Black communities are in crisis, and it is critical that we support the empowerment of anyone who desires to contribute something positive to rebuilding our families, including LGBT people. Core to this goal is changing public policy in order to create safe spaces for Black LGBT people to work, to protect and serve, to support their partners and children, to attend school, or to simply walk the streets authentically as themselves – lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender; out and proud; empowered and respected.”
In addition to OUT on the Hill activities, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the CBCF-ALC. Every year thousands of African American policy makers, organizers, and concerned citizens travel to our nation’s capitol to attend the CBCF-ALC, where more than 70 issue forums and 13 session tracks are offered to address critical challenges facing Black communities. OUT on the Hill Attendees are invited to contribute to a robust dialogue about issues that impact their lives daily by being present for select workshops that serve as opportunities to expand conversations about LGBT issues. This year’s theme is Celebrating The Vision, Continuing The Journey, Advancing The Mission.
NBJC chose to work within the framework of the CBCF-ALC out of recognition for the shared values with the CBCF, which hosts the conference. The CBCF envisions a world in which the Black community is free of all disparities and able to contribute fully to advancing the common good. NBJC’s sole mission is to eradicate racism and homophobia.
To register for OUT on the Hill, click here: http://www.nbjc.org/outonthehill. To view the full ALC schedule click here: http://www.cbcfinc.org/alc-2010/schedule.html. All CBCF events will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
