NBCSL Embarks on Its 29th Year of Service

The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) celebrated its 29th year of service December 7-11, 2005 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. Members of the Washington, DC City Council, along with NBCSL’s legislative, corporate, and labor members gathered to discuss the 2005 theme, “Seeing Beyond: Investing in State Leadership: Improving Communities.”

The theme, chosen before the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita disasters, played a pivotal role in the resolutions that were passed during the conference, especially those dealing with pre- and post- hurricanes issues. Twenty NBCSL committees and two task forces held panel discussions to address the issues faced by their communities. Sixty-seven resolutions were ratified in response to public outcry regarding the disasters and are located on the Web site at www.nbcsl.com/resolutions.html.

During the conference, many prominent individuals addressed the attendees, and the common theme of their uplifted our communities and us. NBCSL welcomed Bishop Vashti McKenzie, African Methodist Episcopal Church; Togo D. West, Jr., President & CEO, Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies; H. Patrick Swygert, President, Howard University; The Honorable Michael S. Steele, Lt. Governor, Maryland; members of the DC City Council, and others. These speakers have made an impact in their communities and understand the work that NBCSL members are trying to accomplish through their policy initiatives.

Laying the foundation for the political, economic, and social progress of African Americans is important to NBCSL, therefore the organization always recognizes individuals who distinguish themselves through lifelong service and dedication. During the David P. Richardson Jr. Nation Builder Awards Ceremony and Dinner (renamed after NBCSL’s third president in 1995), awards were given to individuals on both the state and national level for their service. The recipients for 2005 were: Councilmember Linda W. Cropp, National Recipient; Gwendolyn Sykes, State Recipient (AK); Jake Ayers, State Recipient (MS – Posthumous); and Samuel Staten, Sr., State Recipient (PA).

NBCSL also recognizes the colleagues and supporters who shape the destiny of their constituents. At the David S. Holmes Awards Banquet nine awards were presented. The recipients were: Sen. Diana Bajoie (LA), Legislator of the Year Award; Del. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam (MD), Eli Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award; AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Corporate Achievement and Image Award; Andrea Strater, AFSCME, NBCSL Labor Leader of the Year; Sen. C.J. Prentiss (OH), NBCSL Crystal Gavel Award; Christopher Marshall, Regis F. Groff Youth Award; Sen. James Meeks (IL), Eagle Award; Rep. Beverly Earle (NC), Eagle Award; and Sen. Rodger Smitherman (AL), Eagle Award.

The 30th Annual NBCSL Legislative Conference will be held November 27 – December 3, 2006 in Jackson, Mississippi. For more information on upcoming events visit us at www.NBCSL.com.