Welcome

The Florida Conference of Black State Legislators
and the Florida Legislative Black Caucus are pleased to present…

10th Annual
State of Black Florida Conference
February 8 – 11, 2012

PROTECTING OUR VOTES, PRESERVING OUR VOICES

This annual event brings together Florida's Black community with experts and leaders from across the state and nation. This year's gathering will focus on the ongoing attack on our voting rights and recent moves to legalize voter suppression. We'll learn how we can unite to actively protect our votes and preserve our voices.

There will be informative sessions on a variety of other issues that affect our communities. Workers, the unemployed, students, church groups, civic organizations, retirees, Greek-letter affiliates, and concerned citizens… this conference is for everyone!

We urge you to join us for this important week of advocacy, education and networking. Please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter using the buttons on the right -- it's the best way to get updates and help spread the word about this important event!

Calendar of Events

Join us for four information-rich days as we get ready for one of the most important election years in history. With the exception of the annual luncheon and gala, all of the week's events are free and open to the public. Proceeds from tickets to the luncheon and gala benefit college scholarships and other worthy causes.

Mark your calendars, get your tickets, and urge your friends to join you!

Wednesday, February 8
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
4th Floor Senate Chamber @ Capitol

Distinguished Lecture Series
Guest Speaker: Charles Ogletree, Jr.
Harvard Law professor and founding director of the
Charles Hamilton Institute for Race and Justice.
"Does Race Still Matter in the Age of Obama?"

Professor Ogletree is a prominent legal theorist and tenacious trial lawyer who has spent his career studying complex issues of race and justice and working to secure equal Constitutional rights for all Americans. In his private practice, he is most well known for his representation of Anita Hill during the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings and, more recently, of Henry Louis Gates. Ogletree has been named one of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America by the National Law Journal and is the recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees. He is also a frequent television commentator. He taught both Barack and Michelle Obama at Harvard and has remained close to President Obama. Read his full biography.

Reception immediately following lecture in the Old Capitol Gallery.

Cost: Free and Open to the Public

Wednesday, February 8
7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Pittman Law Group
Wilhelmina Square
1028 East Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301

Annual Legislative Reception
Presented by Pittman Law Group
Special invited guests: The Men of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. , The Ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. & Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.

Cost: Free and Open to the Public

Thursday, February 9
9:00 AM to Noon

Statewide Black Business Day
Presented by: Florida Consortium of Black Businesses

Black business owners from across the state are invited to participate in this important session, which will feature legislative presentations, business owner discussions, and issue advocacy. Your attendance is vital to exploring and creating solutions and a statewide strategy for Black business growth in Florida. For details on the schedule, please visit www.flcbb.com.

Thursday, February 9
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Capitol

State of Black Florida Workshops

Get informed and engaged!
Join us for these informative workshops on a variety of important issues.

1:30 p.m.

Voter Suppression: The Real Truth About Your Voting Rights and Redistricting (309 The Capitol)
We Are One World - Bringing Everyone to the Table: Access to Technology (37 Senate Office Building)
Choose Financial Stability vs. Poverty (221 Senate Office Building)

3:15 p.m.

Trends in Florida's Education Funding: Are We Making A Mistake? (309 The Capitol)
Can Black Legislators Help Put Black Floridians Back to Work: The Path to Economic Recovery? (37 Senate Office Building)
Driving Florida's Future in Energy: Where Can We Go (229 Senate Office Building)

Cost: Free and Open to the Public

Thursday, February 9
6:00 p.m.
Law Office of Parks & Crump, LLC
240 N. Magnolia Dr. Tallahassee, FL

Legislative Reception
Presented by the Law Office of Parks & Crump, LLC
Special Invited Guests: Virgil Hawkins, Omega Psi Phi, Inc. , and the Divine Nine

Cost: Free and Open to the Public

Friday, February 10
9:30 a.m.
Leon County Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola St

Unity March and Rally With special guests: The Madison Nine
7:30 a.m. Assemble at the Leon County Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola Street
8:30 a.m. March to the State Capitol (Waller Park - Dolphin Fountain)
9:00 a.m. Unity Rally Begins
Wear your organization's paraphernalia

Cost: Free and Open to the Public

Friday, February 10
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Leon County Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola St

Voting Rights Workshop
Topic: “Be in the Know, Before You Go: Voting under Florida’s New Election Law”
Speaker: Ion Sancho, Leon County Supervisor of Elections

Cost: Free and Open to the Public

Friday, February 10
11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Leon County Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola St

Town Hall Meeting
Featured Speaker: Patrick Gaspard, Executive Director of the Democratic National Committee (DNC)
Formerly the White House Political Director and Assistant to President Obama
“The President’s Agenda and the African American Community."

Cost: Free and Open to the Public

Friday, February 10
Leon County Civic Center
505 West Pensacola St.

19th Annual Black Caucus Gala Celebration

VIP Reception
Presented by Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.
7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:30)
VIP Admission $125

Gala 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:30)
General Admission $50

Purchase General Admission Table Tickets

Purchase VIP Table of 8 Tickets

Saturday, February 11
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: Hotel Duval 8th Floor
415 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32301
RSVP to Pittman Law Group website

The Mayor’s Brunch
Honoring Florida’s Black State Legislators

RSVP Online