Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Co-Sponsors Brazilian
Summit On Social and Economic Inclusion

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation announced today that President Weldon J. Rougeau and Vice President for Research and Programs, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore, engaged in a host of high-level meetings with academics, business representatives, government officials, corporate leaders, and Afro-Brazilian NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) following a Summit on Social and Economic Inclusion in Sao Paulo, Brasilia, and Salvador.

The Summit marked the continuation of a partnership that began with a signed agreement between INTEGRARE, an Afro-Brazilian minority business organization, and the Foundation in the Fall of 2002. The Summit featured topics on the concepts of inclusion and economic prosperity, in was condu8cted in partnership with the Brazilian-based INTEGRARE. The day-long event included presentations by U.S.-based companies such as Dupont, IBM, and The Winters Group.

“It was evident to us from the summit and in subsequent meetings that all parties were interested in learning more about the African American civil rights experience--particularly the public policies that were created to facilitate inclusion for Blacks in the United States,” said CBCF President Weldon J. Rougeau. “The addition of Dr. Rockeymoore to our team gives us the depth we need to explore and enhance our international programs, not only in Brazil, but also in other nations of the African Diaspora,” he continued.

Dr. Rockeymoore, who joined the CBCF staff in August, sees the trip as a method of laying the foundation for future programs, building on the organization’s international emphasis. “By making several trips to Brazil in recent months, CBCF is well on its way to establishing contacts and institutional relationships that can strengthen relations between African Americans and Afro-Brazilians,” she said.

Dr. Rockeymoore also pointed out that CBCF has made a firm commitment to help further the process of economic, political and social inclusion for Afro-Brazilians. The demand for a dialogue and further opportunities between the parties was so great that the CBCF has been asked to co-sponsor another summit in February in Salvador, Bahia.
The February summit will provide an opportunity to connect African-Americans and Afro-brazillians to explore public policy issues and business opportunities.

 

The CBCF serves as a nonpartisan, policy-oriented catalyst to educate future leaders and promote collaboration among community and business leaders, minority-focused organizational leaders, and organized labor to effect positive and substantive change in the African American community.