Dr. Maya Michelle Rockeymoore, a pre-eminent policy expert in an array of social and political issues affecting African Americans, has joined the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. as Vice President for Research and Programs.

Dr. Rockeymoore is responsible for developing and implementing a public policy and research program that focuses on issues that impact the quality of life for African Americans. Key among the research initiatives being undertaken by Dr. Rockeymoore and her staff of 10 program managers and researchers are, economic development, public health, and African globalism.

“I view this career move as one that allows me to have a direct impact on the process of analyzing and disseminating important information on the quality-of life issues that impact members of our community,” said Dr. Rockeymoore. “The CBCF is an internationally-known and respected organization that adds weight and credence to the research and programs that will originate from my department,” she continued.

For more than a decade, Dr. Rockeymoore has been a staunch advocate of empowering the African-American community by bringing policy issues to the forefront of political debate “Dr. Rockeymoore’s impressive credentials are a testament to her dedication to the development of viable solutions to problems facing our society,” said CBCF President Weldon J. Rougeau. “She continues to passionately and expertly champion issues such as the preservation of Social Security, participation by youth in the political process, reformation of the welfare system, and the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Her department also provides discussions socio-economic impact of the war on terrorism,” he added.

Before joining the CBCF, Dr. Rockeymoore was the Senior Resident Scholar for Health and Income Security at the National Urban league (NUL) Institute for Opportunity and Equality in Washington, D.C. While at the NUL, she worked tirelessly to create and implement a strategic plan for the organization’s new health initiative by conducting research, soliciting grants and writing position papers.

Her experience on Capitol Hill includes being on the professional staff of the Social Security Subcommittee of the Ways & Means Committee and eventually becoming chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY), the powerful ranking member of the Ways& Means Committee. She also was a CBCF fellow working in the office of U.S. Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC) during the 1997-98 legislative session, and she was responsible for providing advice on social security, health, welfare, and children’s issues. For almost two years until July 2003, she was academic advisor for the CBCF and in that capacity designed and coordinate the policy curriculum the organization’s education programs and prepared and delivered lectures to senior level graduate and professional students involved in the Legislative Fellows program.

Dr. Rockeymoore’s extensive knowledge and passionate opinions have resulted in speaking appearances at the CATO Institute, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, C-Span, Black Entertainment Television, and National Public Radio. Her positions have been cited by The New York Times, the Associated Press, Cox News Service, and Essence magazine, and her articles have been published in a number of journals and newspapers.
She earned her Ph.D. in political science and public policy from Purdue University where she also earned an M.A. in political science. She also holds a B.A. in political science from Prairie View A&M University in Texas. Dr. Rockeymoore currently is developing two books slated for publication in 2004: “State of Emergency: African Americans & the Politics of AIDS” and “The Political Action Bible: A How-to Guide For the Hip-Hop Generation,” scheduled for publication next year.

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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.