DOCSLIB.ORG

ALC-2019-Awards-Dinner-Program.Pdf

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

WELCOME Welcome to the 2019 Annual Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards Dinner! The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is delighted to honor this year’s awardees for their exceptional contributions to our communities, our culture and our nation. This year’s awardees are outstanding examples of the difference we all can make to better our world. The annual Phoenix Awards Dinner is not only an opportunity to celebrate and honor the achievements of our exceptional awardees and to thank the Congressional Black Caucus for its service, but it is a time to renew our efforts to eliminate the many political, social and economic disparities that continue to exist for millions of African Americans. The impact of civil and social movements over the last 50 years has played a pivotal role in changing the trajectory of American history. This year’s theme, “400 Years: Our Legacy, Our Possibilities,” commemorates the resilience and courage of African Americans and our African ancestors, and celebrates our opportunities for global impact for generations to come. Since its founding in 1976 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and educational institute, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. has remained committed to educating and empowering the next generation of leaders through scholarship, internship, fellowship and study abroad programs. Our mission is to advance the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. Thank you for supporting the mission of the CBCF and for attending the Phoenix Awards Dinner. We value your leadership and look forward to staying in touch with you year-round. Please visit cbcfinc.org and follow @CBCFInc on Instagram and Twitter for the latest information about the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation,Inc. OMAR J. DORSEY ISHA SESAY Actor International Journalist KIANNA KELLY-FUTCH ANTHONY HAMILTON Miss District of Columbia’s Artist, Singer and Songwriter Outstanding Teen Video Presentation . Who I Am Greetings . Isha Sesay and Omar J. Dorsey Co-Emcees National Anthem. Kianna Kelly-Futch “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Kianna Kelly-Futch Remarks. The Honorable Mayor Muriel E. Bowser Mayor, District of Columbia Recogniton of Leadership Programs. David A. Hinson President and CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. Invocation . Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II Remarks . Rep. Cedric L. Richmond Board Chair, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. DINNER Remarks . Rep. G.K. Butterfield and Rep. Frederica S. Wilson Honorary Co-Chairs, 2019 Annual Legislative Conference Remarks . Rep. Karen R. Bass Chair, Congressional Black Caucus WELCOME & INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS Performance .........................................Anthony Hamilton MOMENT OF SILENCE Spark Session .....................................Dr. Julianne Malveaux PHOENIX AWARD PRESENTATIONS CBCF Chair’s Award ....... Dr. Calvin Mackie Author and Entrepreneur CBC Chair’s Phoenix Award . .Dr. Wanda M. Austin Co-Founder, MakingSpace, Inc. ALC Co-Chair’s Phoenix Award . Rep. Barbara Lee Member of Congress ALC Co-Chair’s Phoenix Award . The Exonerated Five Harold Washington Award . Rev. Al Sharpton Founder, National Action Network PROGRAM Each year, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. recognizes extraordinary individuals who, through their efforts and accomplishments, have made significant contributions to society. These individuals receive the prestigious, CBCF-commissioned Phoenix Award. Legend says that the phoenix bird lived a solitary life in a faraway land. When the phoenix knew its time had come, it chose the tallest palm tree on which it built a nest filled with essences such as myrrh and cassia. At the next dawn, the sun ignited the fragrant spices as the phoenix expired. After nine days, a fledgling phoenix rose out of the ashes. Like its namesake, the Phoenix Award symbolizes the immortality of the human spirit and an eternal desire to reach its full potential. As we honor this year’s awardees, we recall North Carolina Representative George Henry White’s 1901 farewell address to Congress. Born enslaved in Rosindale, North Carolina, Representative White was elected to the House of Representatives in 1896. He campaigned for increased spending on African- American education and proposed a bill that would make the lynching of American citizens a federal crime. Representative White was aware that his outspoken comments on civil rights would result in the loss of his next election. In his last speech to Congress, Representative White issued a declaration to his colleagues about the future of the Negro in the American Congress: “This, Mr. Chairman, is perhaps the Negroes’ temporary farewell to the American Congress; but let me say, Phoenix-like he will rise up someday and come again.” CBCF CHAIR’S PHOENIX AWARD is presented to an individual whose work and accomplishments serve as a role model for the African American community and the African Diaspora. This year’s award is presented by Rep. Cedric L. Richmond to: DR. CALVIN MACKIE Entrepreneur, Inventor and Author Dr. Calvin Mackie is an award-winning mentor, an inventor, an author, a former engineering professor, an internationally renowned speaker, and a successful entrepreneur. His message as a mentor, author, speaker, and entrepreneur continues to transcend race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and time. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Dr. Mackie graduated from high school with low test scores requiring him to undertake special remedial classes at Morehouse College. He completed his degree in Mathematics at Morehouse in 1990, graduating Magna Cum Laude and a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. He was simultaneously awarded a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech, where he subsequently earned his master’s and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 1996. In 2009, then Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu appointed Dr. Mackie to the Louisiana Council on the Social Status of Black Boys and Black Men. The board elected Mackie as the chair where he led the state’s effort to create policy and programs to positively impact the quality of life for black males and families in the state of Louisiana. Committed to community service, Mackie is an active member of the 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans. In 2014, Dr. Mackie founded STEM NOLA, is a nonprofit organization founded to expose, inspire and engage communities about the opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Mackie continues in his role as President and CEO of the Channel ZerO Group LLC, an educational and professional development consulting company he co-founded in 1992. He has presented to numerous civic and educational institutions, government entities, professional associations, and businesses of every size and industrial focus. Through his travels and online mentoring presence, Mackie reaches millions of students and professionals annually. Dr. Mackie is a devoted husband to his wife, Tracy, and father to his two sons, Myles Ahmad and Mason Amir. ALC CO-CHAIR’S PHOENIX AWARD PresentedCBC to an individualCHAIR’S who PHOENIX exhibits the AWARDhighest standards of dedicationis presented and ability each yearin inspiring to an individual social awareness who exhibits and communitythe highest standardsengagement. of dedication, ability and creativity. This year’s award is presented by Sen. Cory Booker to: This year’s award is presented by Rep. Karen R. Bass to: LEE PORTER ExecutiveDR. WANDA Director, M. AUSTIN The Fair Housing Council of NorthernCo-Founder, New MakingSpace, Jersey Inc. Dr.From Wanda victim toM. victor: Austin Mrs. is Leean AmericanPorter is affectionately businesswoman known aswho the “Mother of Fair Housing”. In 1965, Lee Porter and her husband were initiallyis internationally denied housing recognized in Bergen forCounty, her work prompting in aeronautics her to volunteer and forsystems the Fair engineering. Housing Council She of is Bergen co-founder County. of Lee MakingSpace, moved up the Inc;ranks a to systems eventually engineeringhold the executive and directorship leadership in 1971,development a position consultant;she still holds toand this a day. motivational The Fair Housing speaker. Council She has aboutserved 4,000 as clients, and also helps the homeless. interim president of the University of Southern California forLee Porterthe 2018-2019 has been the academic recipient of Theyear, Record’s and led Community the institution Service Award,through a tributea crucial to her transition lifelong dedication period. She to ending is the discrimination former president in housing and and CEO combating of The racism. “Lee is feisty, hard-working, and determined to give everyone--regardless of race, sex, handicap,Aerospace or religion--the Corporation, opportunity an independent, to find the housingnonprofit they chooseorganization and can dedicatedafford,” said to Phyllis the Kronick,application a former of science vice president and technologyof the Fair Housing toward Council. critical issues affecting the nation’s space program. Recent housing discrimination surveys conducted found that minorities that tried to obtain housing were discriminated against 75 percent of the time. In Bergen County, the majority of the blacksFrom areJanuary in Teaneck, 2008 Hackensack, until October and Englewood. 2016, Mrs.Austin Porter led believes the thatorganization’s housing is the 3600 most importantemployees thing and in a managed person’s life.
Recommended publications
  • Statement by PHIMC President and CEO Karen A. Reitan

    Statement by PHIMC President and CEO Karen A. Reitan

    Statement by PHIMC President and CEO Karen A. Reitan Friends: On May 14, we watched the jarring images of white men with automac weapons inside the Michigan State Capitol, nose to nose yelling at police with no response or consequence. Not two weeks later, we watched horrifying video of George Floyd, a black man, being murdered by a police officer kneeling on his neck in front of a crowd of onlookers begging him to stop. Three addional officers looked on and did nothing. This weekend, we watched thousands take to the streets calling for jusce with a righteous rage that began 400 years ago when the first Africans were stolen from their homes and brought here as slaves. That racism and oppression of people of color, parcularly black people, are a central component of American life cannot be disputed. It is imbedded in the United States at all levels - personal, professional, legal, spiritual - no maer where you turn, racism and oppression are there. The burden of dismantling the racist infrastructure of our country lies squarely with white people. We created this problem when we chose this path and it is ours to own and to change. We will never be the America we think we are until this happens. Racism is a public health crisis. That cannot be denied. Study aer study documents the disproporonate burden of chronic and infecous diseases among people of color. The chronic stress of being black in America, parcularly among women, has been shown to contribute to heart disease, hypertension, and premature death. In Chicago's wealthy and predominately white Streeterville community, residents live to be 90 on average, while nine miles south, in Chicago's impoverished and predominately black Englewood community, residents live only to 60.
  • Government Accountability Office

    Government Accountability Office

    § 701 TITLE 31—MONEY AND FINANCE Page 56 CHAPTER 7—GOVERNMENT 2000—Pub. L. 106–303, § 4(a)(3), Oct. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE 1069, added item 732a. 1994—Pub. L. 103–272, § 4(f)(1)(C), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. SUBCHAPTER I—DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL 1362, struck out ‘‘Sec.’’ immediately above item 781. ORGANIZATION 1988—Pub. L. 100–545, § 2(a), Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2728, added subchapter VI heading and items 781 to 783. Sec. 701. Definitions. 702. Government Accountability Office. SUBCHAPTER I—DEFINITIONS AND 703. Comptroller General and Deputy Comptroller GENERAL ORGANIZATION General. 704. Relationship to other laws. § 701. Definitions 705. Inspector General for the Government Ac- In this chapter— countability Office. (1) ‘‘agency’’ includes the District of Colum- SUBCHAPTER II—GENERAL DUTIES AND POWERS bia government but does not include the legis- 711. General authority. lative branch or the Supreme Court. 712. Investigating the use of public money. (2) ‘‘appropriations’’ means appropriated 713. Audit of Internal Revenue Service and Bureau amounts and includes, in appropriate con- of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.1 text— 714. Audit of Financial Institutions Examination (A) funds; Council, Federal Reserve Board, Federal re- (B) authority to make obligations by con- serve banks, Federal Deposit Insurance Cor- poration, and Office of Comptroller of the tract before appropriations; and Currency. (C) other authority making amounts avail- 715. Audit of accounts and operations of the Dis- able for obligation or expenditure. trict of Columbia government. (Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 887.) 716. Availability of information and inspection of records.
  • Delegates to the US Congress

    Delegates to the US Congress

    Delegates to the U.S. Congress: History and Current Status Christopher M. Davis Analyst on Congress and the Legislative Process August 25, 2015 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov R40555 Delegates to the U.S. Congress: History and Current Status Summary Delegates, representing territories that had not yet achieved statehood, have served in the House since the late 1700s. In the 20th century, the concept of delegate grew to include representation of territories where the United States exercises some degree of control but were not expected to become states. In the 114th Congress, the U.S. insular areas of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and the federal municipality of the District of Columbia are each represented in Congress by a delegate to the House of Representatives. In addition, Puerto Rico is represented by a resident commissioner, whose position is treated the same as a delegate. This report provides historical background on the development of the position of delegate to Congress and on the rights of a delegate once seated. The Constitution makes no provision for territorial representation, and early laws providing for territorial delegates to Congress did not specify the duties, privileges, and obligations of these representatives. It was left to the House and the delegates themselves to define their role. On January 13, 1795, the House took an important step toward establishing the functions of delegates when it appointed James White, the first territorial representative, to membership on a select committee. In subsequent years, delegates continued to serve on select committees as well as on conference committees.
  • The Constitution of the United States [PDF]

    The Constitution of the United States [PDF]

    THE CONSTITUTION oftheUnitedStates NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER We the People of the United States, in Order to form a within three Years after the fi rst Meeting of the Congress more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Constitution for the United States of America. Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut fi ve, New-York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland Article.I. six, Virginia ten, North Carolina fi ve, South Carolina fi ve, and Georgia three. SECTION. 1. When vacancies happen in the Representation from any All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a State, the Executive Authority thereof shall issue Writs of Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Sen- Election to fi ll such Vacancies. ate and House of Representatives. The House of Representatives shall chuse their SECTION. 2. Speaker and other Offi cers; and shall have the sole Power of Impeachment. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Mem- bers chosen every second Year by the People of the several SECTION.
  • Resources to Facilitate Discussion About Race (With Special Thanks to Rabbi Melanie Aron)

    Resources to Facilitate Discussion About Race (With Special Thanks to Rabbi Melanie Aron)

    Resources to Facilitate Discussion About Race (with special thanks to Rabbi Melanie Aron) Film: • Baltimore Rising (The impact of Freddie Gray) • Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland • Emanuel (The story of the Charleston shooting during bible study) • Just Mercy • Selma • 13th (Documentary which argues that present day mass incarceration is an extension of slavery based on the 13th amendment.) • Eyes On the Prize (Civil Rights Documentary Series) • I Am Not Your Negro (Documentary featuring James Baldwin) • When They See Us (The story of the Central Park 5) Books: • The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, Michelle Alexander • White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism, Robin DiAngelo • How to Be an Anti-Racist, Ibram X. Kendi • Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing, Joy DeGruy Leary • I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, Austin Channing Brown • Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates • Waking Up White: and Finding Myself in The Story of Race, Debby Irving • America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America, Jim Wallis • White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide, Karen Anderson • Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria: And Other Conversations About Race, Beverly Daniel Tatum • So You Want to Talk About Race, Ijeoma Oluo • Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy and the Rise of Jim Crow, Henry Louis Gates • Eliminating Race-Based Mental Health Disparities: Promoting Equity and Culturally Responsive Care Across Settings, Monica T.
  • NATIONAL SECURITY DOD and State Have Processes for Formal

    NATIONAL SECURITY DOD and State Have Processes for Formal

    United States Government Accountability Office Report to the Honorable Christopher S. Murphy, U.S. Senate April 2021 NATIONAL SECURITY DOD and State Have Processes for Formal and Informal Challenges to the Classification of Information Accessible Version GAO-21-294 April 2021 NATIONAL SECURITY DOD and State Have Processes for Formal and Informal Challenges to the Classification of Information Highlights of GAO-21-294, a report to the Honorable Christopher S. Murphy, U.S. Senate Why GAO Did This Study What GAO Found Classified national security information The Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of State (State) have is vital to U.S. national interests. The similar processes for formal challenges to the classification of information. For appropriate protection and handling of example, if there is reason to believe that information is improperly classified, this information is a top priority for the authorized holders—including executive branch agency or contractor personnel executive branch and Congress. with relevant clearances—can submit a formal classification challenge in writing Based on guidance, such as Executive (see figure). Officials will then review the classification challenge and make a Order 13526, Classified National determination. If a formal challenge is denied, the authorized holder can then Security Information, authorized appeal to senior officials within the agency, and if the agency denies the appeal, holders with access to classified the authorized holder can appeal directly to the Interagency Security information may submit a classification challenge if there are reasons to Classification Appeals Panel (ISCAP). ISCAP, established by Executive Order, believe information is improperly then issues a decision that is final unless the head of the agency appeals classified.
  • A Moment of Silence: a Permissible Accommodation Protecting the Capacity to Form Religious Belief

    A Moment of Silence: a Permissible Accommodation Protecting the Capacity to Form Religious Belief

    Indiana Law Journal Volume 61 Issue 3 Article 6 Summer 1986 A Moment of Silence: A Permissible Accommodation Protecting the Capacity to Form Religious Belief Andrew Woodbridge Hall Indiana University School of Law Follow this and additional works at: https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/ilj Part of the First Amendment Commons Recommended Citation Hall, Andrew Woodbridge (1986) "A Moment of Silence: A Permissible Accommodation Protecting the Capacity to Form Religious Belief," Indiana Law Journal: Vol. 61 : Iss. 3 , Article 6. Available at: https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/ilj/vol61/iss3/6 This Note is brought to you for free and open access by the Law School Journals at Digital Repository @ Maurer Law. It has been accepted for inclusion in Indiana Law Journal by an authorized editor of Digital Repository @ Maurer Law. For more information, please contact [email protected]. NOTES A Moment of Silence: A Permissible Accommodation Protecting the Capacity to Form Religious Belief INTRODUCTION The United States Supreme Court decisions prohibiting organized prayer' and Bible reading 2 in public schools have provoked considerable public debate and have resulted in state legislatures enacting statutes providing for students' observance of a "moment of silence" at the beginning of the school day.' Commentators who have considered the constitutionality of state moment of silence statutes have not reached uniform conclusions. 4 Lower courts have struck down several of these statutes under constitutional challenge as being an establishment of religion in violation of the first amendment.5 The 1. Engel v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962). 2. Abington School Dist. v.
  • August 2020 Nonfiction Highlights…

    August 2020 Nonfiction Highlights…

    These books are coming soon! You can use this list to plan ahead and to search the library catalog. Visit our blog at www.thrall.org/BLB to explore even more books you might enjoy! Our librarians can help you find or reserve books! Upcoming Fiction Highlights… Universe of Two The Exiles I Give It to You by by by Valerie Martin Stephen P. Kiernan Christina Baker Kline “A timeless story of family, war, art, and A fictionalized account ”An ambitious, betrayal set around an “of Charlie Fisk, a gifted emotionally resonant ancient, ancestral home mathematician who was historical novel that in the Tuscan captures the hardship, drafted into Manhattan countryside from Project and ordered oppression, opportunity and hope of a trio of bestselling novelist against his morals to Valerie Martin.” build the detonator for women's lives.” the atomic bomb. With his musician wife, he spends his postwar life seeking redemption.” More Forthcoming Fiction… The Falcon Always Wings Twice - Donna Andrews Three Perfect Liars - Heidi Perks Someone to Romance - Mary Balogh Under Pressure - Robert Pobi Every Kind of Wicked - Lisa Black The Palace - Christopher Reich The Last Mrs. Summers - Rhys Bowen Say No More - Karen Rose Thick as Thieves - Sandra Brown The First to Lie - Hank Phillippi Ryan A Private Cathedral - James Lee Burke The Silent Wife - Karin Slaughter No Offense - Meg Cabot Royal - Danielle Steel Whirlwind - Janet Dailey The Deadline - Kiki Swinson The Lions of Fifth Avenue - Fiona Davis The Jackal - J.R. Ward The Wicked Sister - Karen Dionne Final Cut - S.J. Watson The Second Wife - Rebecca Fleet Seven Days in Summer - Marcia Willett A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Murder - Dianne Freeman The Weekend - Charlotte Wood Booked for Death - Victoria Gilbert Choppy Water - Stuart Woods Auntie Poldi and the Handsome Antonio - Mario Giordano The Night Swim - Megan Goldin Dead West - Matt Goldman Fiction Author Spotlight: Ron Rash Imperfect Women - Araminta Hall This storyteller writes contemporary or Sucker Punch - Laurell K.
  • Membership of the 104Th Congress: a Profile

    Membership of the 104Th Congress: a Profile

    95-205 GOV Membership of the 104th Congress: A Profile Mildred L. Amer Specialist in American National Government Government Division Updated March 21, 1995 Membership of the 104th Congress: A Profile SUMMARY For Members of the 104th Congress, this report provides data on party, age, occupations, education, length of service, religion, sex, race, national origin, military service, and marital status. The current party breakdown in the 104th Congress is: 230 Republicans, 204 Democrats, and 1 Independent in the House; and 53 Republicans and 47 Democrats in the Senate. The average age in the House (as of November 8,1994) is 50.9; the Senate, 58.4; for both chambers combined, 52.2. The dominant self-ascribed profession of Members continues to be the law (224: 42%), followed by business or banking (187, 35%), and public service (114, 26%). However, Members frequently list more than one occupation. Protestants collectively constitute the majority religious affiliation of Members (325, 61%)! but Roman Catholics account for the dominant single religious denomination (145,27%). Other affiliations (Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Mormon; Christian Scientist: or unspecified) make up the balance (61, 11%). An overwhelming majority of Members have had a college education. The average length of service in the House is 7.5 years; in the Senate, 10.1. There are a record number of blacks and women serving in the 104th Congress. There 56 women Members: 48 in the House, and a record 8 in the Senate. There are 41 black Members: a record 40 in the House and 1, a woman, in the Senate. Two of the black Members are Delegates, one from the District of Columbia, the other from the Virgin Islands.
  • Huddle up RACE & EQUITY TIP SHEETS FINAL

    Huddle up RACE & EQUITY TIP SHEETS FINAL

    HOW TO HAVE COURAGEOUS CONVERSATIONS We have reached a clear People who are skilled at dialogue do their best to inflection point in our country’s make it safe for everyone to add their meaning to history of racism. The video-recorded murder of the shared pool - even ideas that at first glance George Floyd catalyzed a appear controversial, wrong, or at odds with their movement that demands a social justice reckoning the likes of own beliefs. Now, obviously they don't agree with which we have not seen before. ‘‘every idea; they simply do their best to ensure that Humans of all stripes are taking all ideas find their way into the open. to the streets, speaking out on social media, and pushing the Kerry Patterson / Crucial Conversations status quo to the breaking point. Your student-athletes are going to want to talk about it! HOW TO CREATE SPACE Conversations about racial justice and equity are difficult • LEADING with vulnerability and being willing to share but they are also critical, and your experience they can be transformative. We must create respectful space • LISTEN and encourage the group to listen to one another as well and opportunity for our young people to talk with us and with • ALLOW people time and space to share their each other. We must examine thoughts without interruption our own biases and do our own • ASK follow-up questions for clarity if necessary work before we can openly listen to our student-athletes, • SHARE what is valuable about someone’s question especially when they say things or comment we may not understand or • ACKNOWLEDGE that it is okay not to have all agree with.
  • What Next? Why Now? an Interview with Karen Pittman February 1, 2021

    What Next? Why Now? an Interview with Karen Pittman February 1, 2021

    What Next? Why Now? An Interview with Karen Pittman February 1, 2021 Ian Faigley (00:00): Good afternoon, everyone, on this sunny, actually snowy Monday in Washington, D.C. Thank you for joining us for today's Thought Leader Roundtable: A Conversation on Readiness. Today is a part of a regular series of explorations of the key questions of what does it mean for all young people to be ready for life's demands at every stage and what is it going to take to get there? For the past several years, Karen Pittman, our co-founder, president and CEO here at the Forum has signaled that the day was coming when she would step out of organizational leadership and find more time. Today is the day that she shifts gears, stepping out of the president and CEO role and becoming a senior fellow here at the Forum. Ian Faigley (00:43): To mark this occasion, we've asked Karen to shift from interviewer to interviewee, and we've asked Merita Irby, co-founder of the Forum and Karen's colleagues for more than 25 years to lead the discussion as Karen reflects on the paths taken and what's up next. We will be accepting questions and comments via the chat feature on today's session which is available at the bottom of your screen. There may be a few slides but the general focus will be on the conversation today. So please listen in and send in your questions as they come up. Lastly, today's session is being recorded.
  • Rare Disease Congressional Caucus

    Rare Disease Congressional Caucus

    Join the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus The bipartisan and bicameral Rare Disease Congressional Caucus is led by Representatives G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) to promote awareness of rare disease issues. Background: There are over 7,000 rare disorders that together affect more than 30 million Americans and their families. Rare or orphan diseases are defined as diseases affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Many rare diseases are considered ultra-rare; some affect fewer than 100 people. Rare diseases include rare cancers, tropical or neglected diseases, genetic diseases and many pediatric diseases including cancers. Many of these diseases are life-threatening and have no treatment options. The Orphan Drug Act was enacted in 1983 to incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop therapies for diseases that have relatively small patient populations. Despite the success of the Orphan Drug Act, 93% of rare diseases still do not have a treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The science exists for many of these diseases to be treated; however, treatments may never be developed because of roadblocks in the development process, such as a lack of investment and a challenging regulatory environment. Additionally, while relatively few treatments have been approved, patients struggle with health insurance reimbursement and other coverage barriers that prohibit access to potentially lifesaving treatments. Solution: The Rare Disease Congressional Caucus helps bring public and Congressional awareness to the unique needs of the rare disease community (including patients, physicians, scientists, and industry), and creates opportunities to address barriers to the development of and access to life-altering treatments.