AAA members Brett Williams (American U) and Marc Lamont Hill (Columbia U) were among a select number of panelists who were asked to participate in “Race, Politics and Policy: A National Dialogue on Race” last month. The event was held in the Capitol Visitor Center Auditorium, and was sponsored by the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF).
The purpose of the summit was to discuss race, politics and policy in our nation; address the disparities that disproportionally affect African American communities and communities of color; and reiterate policy solutions that can assist with dismantling the institutionalization of racism in America. The summit was attended by a number of high-profile policymakers, including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilisack.
This year, the AAA has worked closely with the CBC to have substantive conversations around race, race relations and racial disparities. In 2009, AAA played a prominent role in the CBC Discussion on Race forum that highlighted the significance of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s historic run for presidency and its role in the election of President Barack Obama. Earlier this year the CBC hosted the AAA’s Race: Are We So Different? exhibit and two-day forum on Capitol Hill.
