CBCF HONORS TWO WITH EMERGING LEADERS AWARD

(Washington, DC) In a gala event held at the O Street Mansion, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. paid tribute to two of its emerging leaders who have excelled in their personal and professional lives. Andrew Gillum, a Tallahassee City Commissioner received his award Saturday, June 7th, along with Melanie L. Campbell, Executive Director and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) of Washington, DC.

Gillum was elected as a Tallahassee City Commissioner in February of this year. Recently, he was selected as the lead Commissioner on two of the city’s Target Issues for 2003- 2004, Long Range Community-Based Planning and Student Affairs. Kelly Owens, CBCF’s Director of the Leadership Institute for Public Service says, “ Commissioner Gillum is a clear example of the Foundation’s mission personified. As a young African American Elected Official, his guidance has provided an invaluable source of inspiration to his generation’s leaders through his work as a public service.”

Campbell is the Executive Director and CEO of the NCBCP. She has more than 20 years of experience as a civic leader, public administrator, political strategist, and youth advocate. Two of her most rewarding accomplishments include: creating an innovative, youth-focused leadership development program, “Black Youth Vote,” and Convening the Voices of The Electorate Reform Task Force.

“She is an extraordinary force in our community,” said Owens Campbell. “Her involvement with young people mirrors our desire to see them be good citizens who provide leadership in their work environments, and service in their personal lives,” she continued.

The mission of the Institute is to educate students and young adults on the legislative process and the policy priorities of the Congressional Black Caucus, to motivate them to become more politically involved at their respective homes, and to forge partnerships between the CBCF and institutions of higher learning.

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.