Louisiana State Legislative Black Caucus, Urban League of Louisiana, and Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation team up with support from Amazon and AT&T for forum and reception in Washington, D.C.
Baton Rouge, LA – The Louisiana State Legislative Black Caucus, Urban League of Louisiana, and Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosted the inaugural Louisiana Black Leadership Forum and Reception on Friday, January 27, 2023 in Washington, D.C. The event’s theme was Economic Empowerment Through Civic and Political Engagement.
Each year political, business and civic leaders from across Louisiana descend on Washington, D.C. to celebrate with the Mystick Krewe of Louisiana during D.C. Mardi Gras. The inaugural Louisiana Black Leadership Forum brought together black and minority leaders from Louisiana to network, share impactful initiatives, opportunities and threats to advancing economic, civic and political power in Louisiana. The event profiled examples of effective engagement and identified opportunities to deepen collaboration and partnerships. It also included special guest speakers, panel discussions and a special reception honoring United States Congressman Troy A. Carter.
Congressman Carter, formerly a senior member of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, is the highest-ranking democrat at the federal level from Louisiana and was recently elected the Second Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Congressman Carter, who represents Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional, has quickly proven able to deliver for his constituents in Washington, just as he has done for decades in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Congressman Carter has helped to deliver millions of federal funds for projects that will strengthen Louisiana families. Whether it is funds for mental health services, to improve ferry services, early childhood service, or funds to expand workforce apprenticeships, Congressman Carter has been a champion who delivers for the people of Louisiana in Washington, D.C.
“Washington Mardi Gras Weekend presents a rare opportunity for black leaders and our allies across the state of Louisiana to engage and strengthen coalitions that uplift our community and strengthen our state,” said Representative Vincent Pierre, Chairman of the Louisiana State Legislative Black Caucus. “I am grateful for our sponsors and partners who helped us make this day possible which builds off of the hard work our caucus provides throughout the year.”
“Last week I was proud to be honored at the inaugural Louisiana Black Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. hosted by the Urban League of Louisiana, Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus and the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation for my work on Capitol Hill by this esteemed group of leaders,” said Congressman Troy Carter. “It was a great opportunity to discuss all of the opportunities we have before us with so many of Louisiana’s Black Leaders. The future is bright!”
The inaugural forum included two panel discussions on building wealth and strengthening political and civic power in Louisiana. During the presenting sponsor spotlight, Amazon’s Career Choice and Upskilling Program was profiled.
“Amazon is proud to work with LLBC and support the advancement of educational opportunities and economic power for all,” said Terri Broussard Williams, Head of Social Justice Policy and Partnerships at Amazon. “We are honored to sponsor the inaugural forum and committed to supporting communities with workforce development and career choice opportunities such as Amazon Career Choice.”
“The Urban League of Louisiana has partnered with the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus for the past four years to elevate issues and solutions important to our community, said Judy Reese Morse, President and CEO of the Urban League of Louisiana. “The Louisiana Black Leadership Forum is an example of how we will continue to deepen our partnership and deliver more for the communities that need us the most.”
Other guests speakers and panelists included: State Rep. Vincent Pierre, Chairman of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus; Hon. Troy A. Carter, Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District; Hon. Cedric Richmond, Former Senior Advisor to the President of the United States; Hon. Krystal Brumfield, Associate Administrator, U.S. General Services Administration; Hon. Ted James, Region IV Administrator, Small Business Administration; State Rep. Candace Newell, Vice Chair, Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus; Hon. Cedric Glover, State Representative, Louisiana State Legislature; Hon. Sharon Weston-Broome, Mayor-President, Baton Rouge; Terri Broussard Williams, Head of Social Justice Policy and Partnerships, Amazon; David Aubrey, Vice President, AT&T Louisiana; Judy Reese Morse, President and CEO, Urban League of Louisiana; Kelisha Garrett, Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation; Emily Bouck West, Public Policy Manager, Amazon; Todd McDonald, CEO, Liberty Bank & Trust Company; Nicole Elam, CEO, National Bankers Association; Brittany Dunn, Shreveport Black Chamber of Commerce; Tyronne Walker, Vice President, Urban League of Louisiana; Phyllis Dickerson, CEO, African American Mayors Association; Hyma Moore, Chief of Staff, Democratic National Committee; and David St. Etienne, President & CEO, Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
“AT&T has a long track record of working with leaders from across the state to make a meaningful impact on the communities we call home,” said David Aubrey, Regional Vice President, AT&T Louisiana. “But our greatest impact can only be realized when we bring the benefits of broadband to all Louisianans and close the digital divide once and for all.”
“The Louisiana Chamber of Commerce is focused on driving economic growth across the state of Louisiana,” said Kelisha Garrett, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. “As we know, inclusion is not a matter of political correctness, it is vital to the success of our economy as a whole and we are proud to stand with the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus and the participating partnering organizations as we define and elevate effective solutions that will successfully impact our minority business community.”