NCBW Legislative Day Recap
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
For Further Information Contact: Alfreda Stukes
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NCBW Lays Out Legislative Priorities During Annual Event
Stressing the importance of getting initiatives addressed on the local, state, and federal levels
ATLANTA, GA, April 30, 2021 – During their first virtual Legislative Day event, with members joining in from across the country, the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated (NCBW) focused on racial and economic inequality, voter suppression, health disparities, education, sickle cell disease, and student loan forgiveness for Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCU’s).
NCBW National President Virginia W. Harris kicked off the event by spelling out the Coalition’s L-E-A-D objectives of Legislate – Educate – Advocate – Deliver, explaining that it is important that we make sure NCBW’s issues are paramount during every candidate’s bid for election as well as during the elected official’s tenure in office.
“We need to focus on these four steps from now until the 2022 mid-term elections. Watching legislative agendas, engaging marginalized constituents, and taking action when our vote is disrespected will be key. We also have to demand that political agendas align with our vision of making sure black women and girls have every option and opportunity to live their best lives,” said Virginia W. Harris, National President NCBW.
House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) received the NCBW People’s Champion Lifetime award and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) received the NCBW Pioneer for Progress award. Clyburn was recognized for his lifelong commitment to civil rights and Lee was recognized for being a strong advocate for women’s equality and for the disadvantaged.
Guest speakers included State’s Attorney for Baltimore, Maryland Marilyn Mosby. The city’s chief prosecutor talked about the power of black women and their pursuit for change. Political Commentator and talk show host Armstrong Williams addressed the critical role black women play. Congressman Andre Carson (D-IN) recognized the outstanding work and his long-time support of NCBW’s mission. Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) talked about black women pushing for long neglected reforms and the need to eliminate health disparities in the black communities. Jack Spencer and Dr. Charmaine Yoest from the Heritage Foundation talked about economic, domestic, and education policies.
Alethia Jackson, VP of Federal Government Affairs for Walgreens, spoke about her company’s partnership with NCBW in addressing the concerns in communities of color surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations and the efforts that are being made in assuring there is equitable access in underserved areas. Congresswoman Laura Underwood (D-IL) talked about health disparities with African Americans.
Award winning social justice leader Tamika Mallory shared stories of overcoming challenges, speaking out on racial injustice, holding police accountable, and mobilizing for a cause to bring about change. Dr. Ted Love, CEO of Global Blood Therapeutics, discussed the long history of disparity African Americans have endured with Sickle Cell Disease. Author and Government Affairs Consultant Chonya Johnson challenged NCBW members to call their member of Congress to advocate for issues that are important to them.
Congressional Black Caucus Policy Director and Counsel Rico Doss talked about Voter Suppression and why Congress needs to prioritize passing H.R.1, legislation that will clear obstacles to full and equal participation for minority voters, along with the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R.4), and legislation granting statehood to Washington,
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DC (H.R.51). NCBW Intern and Clarke Atlanta University student Serenity Bryce gave a student’s perspective on the challenges of student loan debts. She was followed by Shawna Watley, Senior Policy Advisor for Holland & Knight, LLP, who talked about why student loan forgiveness legislation is important. Lawrence Bell, Deputy Chief of Staff for Senator Warnock (D-GA), gave comments on behalf of Warnock. Bell thanked NCBW’s commitment to black women and girls and assured the organization that Senator Warnock is working to make sure their advocacy efforts are recognized in Congress.
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The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated is a 38-year-old advocacy organization whose vision is that black women and girls will live in a world where socio-economic inequity does not exist. Thus, we advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. As a voice for millions of black women and girls in the United States, the Coalition believes in inclusion, respect, racial and social justice, integrity, accountability and collaboration. For more information visit the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. at www.ncbw.org
We operate as a not-for-profit organization exclusively for charitable, educational, and social purposes and are organized for tax exempt status under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954.
