CHCI, CBCF Host Dialogue On Race Relations

Washington , DC – With minorities comprising more than 37 percent of the U.S. population, the manner in which these communities, in particular Hispanics and African Americans, communicate with one another is becoming increasingly important. For that reason, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute ( CHCI ) and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), two leading educational non-partisan and non-profit organizations, jointly organized a forum on race and ethnic relations on Friday, April 5, 2002 on Capitol Hill.  

“We are providing a much-needed venue in which participants can have an open and honest dialogue about race and ethnic relations in America ,” said CHCI President and CEO Ingrid M. Durán. “As both the Hispanic and African-American communities continue to grow it is imperative that we partner on issues of common interest.”  

This forum is part of a series of discussions designed to bring together elected officials, community activists, policy experts, and youth on issues of concern to both Hispanics and African Americans. Friday’s dialogue focused on building effective and lasting partnerships among minority communities.  

The following are recommendations from the panel on key areas of consensus for both the Hispanic and African-American communities:  

Voter Education/Political Mobilization: Increasing the number of minorities registered to vote and educating them on issues of importance to their respective communities (fair housing, access to quality dedication, etc.).  

Juvenile Justice System: Appointing more minority judges to the judicial system given that Hispanic and African-American youth are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system.  

Generation Next:  Providing mentoring to the new generation of youth to help nurture their ability and willingness to promote cross-cultural understanding and coalition-building.   

Durán and CBCF Executive Director Ramona Edelin delivered opening and closing remarks, respectively. Panelists included: Isisara Bey, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Sony Music Entertainment; Stephanie Cabrera, CHCI 2001-2002 Fellow, Youth Law Center and Office of the Hon. Rafael Diaz, Judge, DC Superior Court; Larry Gonzalez, Washington, DC Director, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO); Eleanor Johnson, Commissioner-Adams Morgan, Advisory Neighbor Commission (ANC); Randall Johnson, CBCF Fellow, Office of Rep. William Jefferson (D-LA); Gabriela Lemus, Ph.D., Director of Policy and Legislation, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); and Bill Spriggs, Ph.D., Director for the Institute of Opportunity and       Equality, National Urban League.  

CHCI, a non-profit and non-partisan educational 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services for Hispanic college and postgraduate students. The CHCI board of directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of the U.S. Congress, non-profit leaders, and corporate executives. For more information on CHCI , visit our web site, www.chci.org.  

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