The theme for this year’s conference is “Unity…Power…Progress,” and the focus has turned to those who suffered unspeakable losses at the hands of Hurricane Katrina.  In addition to focusing on the theme of this Conference, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) will announce special initiatives designed to jumpstart aid to those pockets of people most severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina’s destruction. The Foundation has scaled back its celebratory events in order to focus resources on assisting those who lost everything in the wake of the storm.  Congressman Clyburn has cancelled the “Carolina Celebration” reception that was originally scheduled for Thursday evening. 

            The Congressman is hosting, in part, the Gospel Extravaganza on Thursday, September 22nd at        8:00 p.m.  Special guests from South Carolina will be Tigers Production, the honor’s chorus and show choir of Wilson High School in Florence, South Carolina.  The event will be held in Ballroom A at the Convention Center.  Tiger Production is made up of students in the 9^th – 12^th grades and is under the leadership of Mrs. L. Gilliard-Johnson with Ms. Joyce Shaw as the accompanist. 

            Congressman Clyburn is also hosting his annual Environmental Justice Braintrust on Friday, September 23rd from 9:45 a.m. until 12:00 Noon in room 143B of the Convention Center.   (A separate release will follow with more details.)  Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-23) will co-chair this year’s Braintrust, and Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) will be a special guest to talk about Hurricane Katrina and the ravaging effects and ongoing environmental problems in the Gulf Coast region.

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