Congressman also holding panel on “Breaking the Color Barrier in Military Contracting”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, Sept. 15, The Congressional Black Foundation (CBCF) in collaboration with Honorary Host Congressman Hank Johnson is holding Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference panel on “Blacks & Latinos: Our Quest for Civil Rights” at the Washington Convention Center. On
Friday, Sept. 16, Johnson is holding a panel “Breaking the Color Barrier in Military Contracting.”
Blacks & Latinos: Our Quest for Civil Rights, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Room 209A
Moderator: Dr. Ramona Houston, scholar, educator and community engagement strategist
Panelists:
• Janet Murguia: President & CEO, National Council of La Raza
• Donald Cravins: Executive Director of Washington Bureau, National Urban League
• Hernando Viveros Cabezas: President & CEO, Afrocolombian Global Initiative
• Guesnerth Josue Perea: Director of Communications, Afro-Latino Forum
• Alejandra Y. Castillo: National Director, U.S. Department of Commerce/Minority Business Development Agency
• Carol Frazer Haynesworth: Founder of Flourish & Bloom Entertainment
“Blacks & Latinos: Our Quest for Civil Rights” will focus upon the commonalities, relationships, and shared struggles of African American and Latino communities. The plight of African Americans and Latino often intersect as both shared economic, political, social and cultural ties in this country. With the “browning” of America, it will become increasingly important for cross-cultural, multi-racial and ethnic coalitions to form a powerful and collaborative political base. This session will explore the myriad ways our communities can create synergies and be effective advocates for change affecting our communities.
Breaking the Color Barrier in Military Contracting, Friday, Sept. 16 1:30-3:30 p.m., Room 209A
Moderator: Wendell Stemley, President, National Association of Minority Contractors
Panelists:
• Gloria Pualani: Director of Global Supplier Diversity Programs for Northrop Grumman
• Kenyata Wesley: Director of the Office of Small Business Programs, Department of Defense
• Elijah Williams: Senior Advisor, Office of Government Contracting and Business Development, Small Business Administration
• Kurt Miller: Supply Chain Management Director, Lockheed Martin
• Ludmilla Parnell: Director Business Development, Small Business Partnerships, General Dynamics
• Justin G. Tanner: Associate Director for Legislative, Education & Intergovernmental Affairs, Minority Business Development Agency, U.S. Department of Commerce
“Breaking the Color Barrier in Military Contracting” will provide an opportunity for minority-owned, small businesses to learn how to navigate the procurement process and market your business to win lucrative defense contracts. This event provides attendees a rare opportunity to meet with government contracting specialists from some of our nation’s largest defense contractors, the Department of Defense, and successful minority entrepreneurs who will give you a firsthand account of how to successfully secure a military contract. This year, Congress has authorized over $600 billion to the Department of Defense – much of this funding will be allocated to R&D and procurement projects – which present a unique pathway to economic prosperity that is often overlooked by our communities.