The National Black Latino Summit October 5-6, 2008

[XXPANTHAXX]

Los Angeles, CA

On behalf of the Steering Committee, please accept our invitation to
participate in a National Black Latino Summit that will take place
October 5-6, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

The idea for this process, which speaks to fulfilling the aspirations of
America's two largest minority groups, crystallized at the Third
National Summit for Regional Equity held in New Orleans in March. There,
hundreds of Black, Latino, and other activists were excited by the
possibilities that emerged and are challenged by the frequent isolation
of our efforts.

Beginning with the critically needed dialogue regarding African
Americans and Latinos, the National Black Latino Summit is envisioned as
part of a larger process of alliance building for action,
sustainability, and accountability for all ethnic and racial groups.

The extraordinary civic engagement witnessed this year from both
communities, catalyzed in part by the presidential primary season,
highlights the need to develop a shared agenda for equity and inclusion.
While Latino and African American leadership alike have decried the role
of the media in exaggerating the divisions between their communities,
real tensions exist. These challenges need to be examined in a context
of problem solving around a shared agenda for change.

Latinos and African Americans have a strong history of collaboration on
civil rights and voting rights. The task is to build on those successes
and forge an alliance around crucial common causes – among them justice
for immigrants, criminal justice reform, and full access to economic and
social opportunity in metropolitan regions.

This conversation will make an important contribution that deepens and
sustains our nation's commitment to equity and inclusion for
historically excluded racial and ethnic groups. A shared Black/Latino
agenda can also advance economic and social equity during the new
administration.

To prepare for the October event, we will be providing a full agenda and
framing for action, which is now being developed by the Steering
Committee. We welcome input that could sharpen the focus and itinerary
for this initial collective dialogue.

If you are ready to make this commitment, RSVP to me Amber Washington at
amber@policylink.org or (510) 663-4338 as soon as possible. In addition
to confirming your participation, she can put you in touch with our
travel agent, who can help will schedule reasonable travel arrangements.
Limited travel support is available based on availability and
demonstrated need.

Meanwhile, Associate Director Rubén Lizardo, point person for the
PolicyLink team, can respond to any substantive questions about the
project. Rubén can be reached at rlizardo@policylink.org or (510)
663-4309.

Your wisdom and voice are needed to help ensure the success of this
crucial venture.

Thank you for your commitment.
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National Institute for Latino Policy
101 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 313
New York, NY 10013
The official website of the National Institute for Latino Policy
National Institute for Latino Policy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Angelo Falcón, President and Founder
Tel. 212-334-5722
Fax: 917-677-8593
afalcon@latinopolicy.org

[I_ziz]

Please can anyone share info on this..

Will there be any minutes of the meeting made public, or will it be televised or broadcast on the radio?