CHICAGO –(ENEWSPF)–August 26, 2016. Congresswoman Robin Kelly today hosted the inaugural 2016 Congressional Black Caucus on Black Women & Girls symposium to explore public policy and community-based solutions to eliminating the significant barriers and disparities experienced by Black women.
The symposium, titled “Defining the Black Female Experience,” featured panel discussions on the global economic power of Black women as well as on the discrimination and stereotypes Black women face in popular media and the healthcare industry. Moderators and panelists included Melody Spann Cooper, president of WVON 1690 AM, Shari Runner, president of the Chicago Urban League and actress Drew Sidora. The event was held at the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center.
“Black women have long been the backbone of our communities. Our strength in being the foundation of our families is a great source of pride for us, but it can also cause us to neglect our own needs. As they say on airplanes, you have to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. That’s what the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls is about – prioritizing the needs, concerns and lives of Black women,” Kelly said. “Today’s symposium was part of a continuing discussion about putting the health and well-being of Black women at the top of the agenda and devising strategies to empower all Black women and girls to succeed.”
The Congressional Caucus on Black Women & Girls is the first caucus devoted to making public policy affecting Black women a priority. The caucus aims to give Black women a seat at the table for the crucial discussion on the policies that impact them while also providing a framework for creating opportunities and eliminating barriers to success for Black women.
Congresswoman Kelly is co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, along with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke of New York, who co-hosted the symposium. Caucus member Congresswoman Gwen Moore was as a special guest.
Source: http://robinkelly.house.gov
