The Beat Highlights the Diversity that Leads the Nation's Capital
The Beat Highlights the Diversity that Leads the Nation's Capital
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July 20, 2017
Black Lobbyists Honor Leaders of the Industry, Obama Wins Twitter, Ro Khanna Talks Campaign Finance Reform, and Dems and Their Diversity Challenge
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The heroism of Senator John McCain (R-AZ) transcends politics. He forever embodies the spirit of a soldier. And as news of his battle with brain cancer emerges, we echo the words of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), “This disease has never had a more worthy opponent.” Former President Barack Obama weighed in saying on Twitter, "John McCain is an American hero & one of the bravest fighters I've ever known. Cancer doesn't know what it's up against. Give it hell, John." Our thoughts and prayers are with McCain and his family. Now ... from an American hero to the current occupant of the Oval Office who came out guns blazing in this NYT interview. We could parse out the abnormalities of the President of the United States insulting members of his own Cabinet, making veiled threats, and spilling alternative facts. But really, you should just read it for yourself. Now back to healthcare. Let us get this straight. Trump wants Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to delay recess until Republicans have a deal to move forward on healthcare?? In the words of the Black maid held captive in Jordan Peele’s Get Out, “no no no no no no no no.” If seven years wasn’t enough time to figure it out, we doubt a hot and steamy August in DC is going to propel this process further. Come August, the Senate should collectively roll by the White House on their way to DCA blasting Bey and tell 45, “Boy bye!” Here’s what we’ve got today:
  • Former President Barack Obama was on watch on Election Day.
  • Inclusv finds state Dem parties could be more inclusive.
  • That sound you heard coming from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. yesterday? That was Trump reading about his Twitter numbers compared to Obama’s.
  • Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) pushes for campaign finance reform.
  • Dems officially question Trump’s ability and fitness to serve. Of note: 16 of 24 cosponsors are members of color.
  • Black lobbyists honor leaders of the industry.
  • Republican Army vet challenges Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA).
  • OUT Power 50 list highlights LGBT people of color.
  • Voto Latino grows by three.
  • Picture it: Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MO) with a butterfly collar and a big ole' 1970s style afro. We're throwing it back this Thursday!
  • Meet the incoming President of Hispanics In Philanthropy (HIP).
  • NYC announces the city’s first cultural plan, linking future funding for museums and arts groups to the diversity of their employees and board members.
  • CHCI will honor author Sandra Cisneros.
  • Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) plan to intro new, bipartisan DREAM Act and admin already says no.
  • Congresswoman Michelle Luján Grisham (D-NM) pushes for diversity in the armed forces.
  • Dallas hires its first female police chief.
  • Want to meet the first white man to graduate from Howard University Law School? Join the MOWFF tomorrow for a conversation with former Senator Harris Wofford moderated by The Beat’s Tiffany D. Cross. RSVP below in FOMO.
  • And for reals, hang with former Secretary of Education John King tonight. RSVP below in FOMO.
Congressman Vicente González (D-TX) and Congressman Filemón Vela (D-TX) on Wednesday welcoming Boy Scouts to Capitol Hill.
Congresswoman Michelle Luján Grisham (D-NM) on Tuesday with interns from San Felipe Pueblo.
Obama was on the Watch on Election Day
The Barack Obama administration reportedly crafted a plan last year just in case an Election Day cyberattack occurred. TIME magazine reported that the plan included ideas such as sending armed federal law enforcement agents to polling places and launching counter-propaganda efforts. “In almost all potential cases of malicious cyber activity impacting election infrastructure, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments” would be primarily in charge of responding, said the 15-page plan. It even included contingencies for the days after the election in which a special interagency effort would address “any post-election cyber incidents,” including “planted stories calling into question the results.” More here from TIME.
Inclusv Finds State Dem Parties Could Be More Inclusive
On Wednesday, Inclusv published the first-ever report focusing exclusively on racial diversity amongst the staff of the Democratic Party at the state level. They reached out to the 51 state Democratic parties (including DC) to participate in a diversity survey, and 40 state parties plus DC responded. They found that the participating states reported that they employ 401 staffers, 273 (68%) of whom are White, 14.5% of staffers are African American, 8.2% are Latino/Hispanic, 3.7% are Asian American Pacific Islanders, 2% are Arab Americans, and 0.75% are Native Americans, while 2.7% were unspecified people of color. Twenty-one states reported having zero Latino staffers, and 25 states had zero AAPI staffers. The Inclusv report also discusses the challenges that state party leadership run into when trying to build a diverse staff, and it offers 10 recommendations that states can implement immediately to build a staff that reflects the diversity of the Democratic Party. See the full report.
Hey 45, Guess Who Has More Followers Than You on Twitter?
Warning -- if you have tiny hands that protrude Twitter fingers, an extremely fragile ego, and the propensity to lie when things are not going your way -- you may not want to read the rest of this. Despite an overly active presence on Twitter, Donald Trump’s personal account still falls short of Barack Obama’s. Do you hear that extremely loud scream coming from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave? Obama’s personal account has 92 million followers, while Trump has 34.1 million. And this is with very little activity. Obama has only tweeted three times in June: once to recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Day, another time for Father’s Day and once in defense of the Affordable Care Act. His first tweet for July was yesterday, sending a message of solidarity to Senator John McCain (R-AZ). But you guys! Obviously, these millions of Twitter followers following Obama are the same group who voted illegally in the election. Duh! So stay tuned for the WH statement announcing a commission investigating fake Twitter followers. Those damn eggheads! More here.
Congressman Rubén Kihuen (D-NV) receiving some love from Pepper on Wednesday.
Congresswoman Mia Love (R-UT) discussing healthcare and tax reform Wednesday on Fox Business.
Ro Khanna Wants to Reform Campaign Finance
For the past decade, billionaires and millionaires have circumvented the American election system by pumping millions of dollars into their candidate of choice without any regulation. A group known as the “Justice Democrats,” wants to reform the campaign finance rules that have allowed these wealthy individuals to change the outcome of elections. In an interview with Paste, Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) suggested an initiative called “Democracy Dollars” which would give citizens $100 and allow them to spend it on any candidate or political group. Instead of 4% to 5% of the country participating in private spending, there would be much broader participation. This initiative would also give citizens a 2-to-1 voice over all outside groups, and over people self-financing (like Trump). In order to protect the legitimacy of our elections, many say it is essential to curb the spending of super PACs and wealthy individuals in order to put the outcome of elections back into the hands of the American people. More here.
Members Intro “No Confidence” Resolution
Top Democrats, including CAPAC Chair Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA), Congressmen John Lewis (D-GA), Keith Ellison (D-MN), and Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) joined Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN) in introducing a no-confidence resolution that officially questions Trump’s ability and fitness to serve as president. The resolution features a long list of actions and controversies surrounding Trump, from the Russian allegations and Jim Comey’s dismissal, to the emoluments clause conflicts, and his treatment of women, the 17-page resolution is quite the read. “It is not normal,” said Chu. “Trump’s behavior is cruel and unethical, and it’s driving the people’s faith in government to dangerously low levels.” Of the 24 members who cosponsored the bill, it is notable that 16 are representatives of color. More here.
CTA's Tiffany Moore congratulating WGRG honoree Jennifer DeCasper, CoS to Senator Tim Scott (R-SC).
WGRG President Marcus Mason and former Congressman Kendrick Meek with honoree Leah Daughtry.
Black Lobbyists Honor Leaders of the Industry at Annual Tin Cup Awards
The Washington Government Relations Group, the nation’s oldest organization for African American government relations professionals, celebrated leaders of the industry at their eighth annual 2017 Tin Cup Awards on Wednesday night. The dinner honored individuals with a demonstrated commitment to the enrichment of Black government professionals. This year’s honorees included Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) who were presented the Adam Clayton Powell Award for Leadership in Diversity; Jennifer DeCasper, CoS to Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), who was presented the Augustus F. Hawkins Award for Leadership in Diversity; WH Correspondent April Ryan was presented the Lucile Harris Bluford Spotlight Award for Journalism Highlighting Efforts in Diversity; Chaka Burgess who was presented the Reginald “Reg” Gilliam Award Lobbyist of the Year; Leah Daughtry who was presented the President’s Award for Career Achievement - Leadership & Excellence. The organization also presented Wade Henderson with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The dinner took place at the Embassy of Canada. Congrats to all the honorees! More about WGRG here.
WGRG honoree Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) delivering remarks at Wednesday night's annual dinner.
Honoree Chaka Burgess receiving the Lobbyist of the year award.
Republican Army Vet Jumps in Congressional Race
Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
has challengers from all sides. Now, someone from his own party has joined the fray. Republican and veteran Daniel Casara is a 43-year-old retired Army sergeant who currently works as a motivational speaker. "Washington is failing us," Casara said in a statement announcing his run, adding that if elected, he would push for improved services for veterans and pursue tax reform that "benefits every American." Casara received a Purple Heart after surviving an attack on his tank in Iraq that killed two other soldiers. Earlier this year, he participated in a joint interview with George W. Bush after being featured in a book of portraits the former president painted of wounded veterans. A Chicago native, Casara currently lives in San Diego, outside of Hunter's 50th congressional district. Hunter is currently under investigation by the FBI over alleged misuse of campaign funds. So far, other candidates in the race include Republican Andrew Zelt, and Democrats Patrick Malloy, Josh Butner, Glenn Jensen, Pierre Beauregard, Gloria Chadwick, and Ammar Campa-Najjar. More here.
OUT Power 50 List Includes 15 People of Color
Out magazine is out with their power list, and they highlight 15 people of color who wield might in politics, entertainment, social justice, and culture. They include: ACLU’s Anthony Romero, activist DeRay Mckesson, the Ford Foundation’s Darren Walker, HuffPost’s Lydia Polgreen, CNN’s Don Lemon, Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA), theater critic Hilton Als, entertainer RuPaul, singer Frank Ocean, actress Laverne Cox, actor and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney, writer 
Roxane Gay, commentator and activist Janet Mock, ABC’s Robin Roberts, and filmmaker Lee Daniels. See who else made the list here.
Reséndez Joins Board of Consumers for Quality Care
Consumers for Quality Care announced that Jason Reséndez would join the group’s board of directors. Reséndez, a respected healthcare advocate and strategist, previously held senior positions at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and UnidosUS. “From building broad-based coalitions to advocating on behalf of the Latino community, his work and perspective will be invaluable as we fight for quality health care for each and every American,” said Jim Manley, a founding member of the CQC board of directors. Jason is Executive Director of the LatinosAgainstAlzheimer's Network and Coalition -- a network of UsAgainstAlzheimer's. He is the co-author of Latinos & Alzheimer's Disease: New Numbers Behind the Crisis, a report released with the USC Roybal Institute on Aging. He also serves as co-project lead of the Alzheimer's & Dementia Disparities Engagement Network, an initiative supported by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. More here.
Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) with Pine Street's Mervyn Jones and his daughter on Wednesday.
Congressman Rubén Gallego (D-AZ) at a I Stand With Immigrants photo shoot on Wednesday.
Voto Latino Expands the Team
Voto Latino has expanded their organizing team with three new hires. Mary Ibarra started last week as the Organizing & Operations Coordinator. The Texas native most recently served as a Deputy Field organizer for the Jon Ossoff for Congress campaign in Georgia. Prior to that, she organized for Hillary Clinton in Colorado for the 2016 campaign. Last month, Natalie Montelongo joined VL as the National Organizing Director. Natalie most recently served as the Political Director for the Hillary for Colorado campaign in the general election, and was part of the Hillary for Nevada team in the primary. She also previously served as a presidential appointee in the Executive Office of the President in the Obama administration. She earned a Master's in International Relations and Diplomacy from the American Graduate School in Paris, and a Master's in Strategic Negotiations from the University of Paris. Rounding out this team is Claudia Morera, who joins Voto Latino as an Organizing Manager. The Venezuela native grew up in Boston and studied International Relations at Boston University. Morera spent the past two years working on the Clinton's presidential campaign, starting in NH (NV, OH, ME) for the primary and ending up in Colorado for the general election. More here.
Argilagos to Serve as Next President for Hispanics In Philanthropy
On Wednesday, Hispanics In Philanthropy (HIP) announced that Ana Marie Argilagos, currently a senior advisor at the Ford Foundation, would be joining HIP as its new president on January 1, 2018. “Ana Marie’s thoughtful and collaborative style, deep knowledge of the philanthropic sector, and policy expertise make her an immensely effective champion for social innovation, economic opportunity, and urban sustainability in the Latino communities we represent,” said Nelson I. Colón, HIP’s Board Chair. Prior to her role at the Ford Foundation, Argilagos served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy Assistant Secretary at HUD. While there, she created the Office for International and Philanthropic Innovation (IPI) to deepen and scale collaboration between the public and philanthropic sectors. She has also served in leadership roles at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, UnidosUS, and Ayuda. Argilagos has served on national and international boards, including the Foundation Center, UN Habitat, OECD, and World Economic Forum. She received her Master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University and her bachelor’s degree in international relations from American University. ¡Felicidades Ana Marie! More here.
Witnesses speaking out against Trump’s voting commission at the CBC forum on Wednesday.
Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH) at the CBC forum on Trump's voting commission on Wednesday.
CHCI Honors Sandra Cisneros
Last week, we reported that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and its chair, Congressman Joaquín Castro (D-TX), will honor Lin-Manuel Miranda and Cástulo de la Rocha at the upcoming CHCI 40th Anniversary Awards Gala in the nation’s capital on Wednesday, September 13th. Now they have added another name: Sandra Cisneros. The famed author bodes a writing career that spans more than 40 years, and she will be this year’s recipient of the 2017 Chair’s Award. “Sandra Cisneros has been a strong voice for the Latino community through her writing. She has mastered the art of poignant storytelling and her works illustrate real life—joys and heartbreak, strength and determination—while encouraging a spirit of kindness and generosity toward all people. Both on and off the page, Sandra is a voice of activism, positive change, and most importantly—hope,” said Castro. More here.
Linking Money with NYC Diversity and Culture
On Wednesday, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled the first “cultural plan” for NYC, announcing that the city will link future funding for museums and arts groups to the diversity of their employees and board members. The NYT reports that the unusual move by the city, which rarely dictates policy to its cultural leaders, puts pressure on the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Carnegie Hall, the American Museum of Natural History, and other preeminent institutions that are led largely by white male executives and power brokers from Wall Street, real estate, and other industries. De Blasio, who is seeking re-election this year with a message emphasizing inclusion and equity, said at a news conference that the city will collect data on the composition of the staffs and boards and require these arts organizations to submit “meaningful goals” for making their ranks more diverse. More here.
Univisión Draws Interest from New Investors
Media tycoon John Malone is considering an investment in Univisión Communications, according to a report in the WSJ. Malone and Greg Maffei, chief executive of Mr. Malone’s Liberty Media Corp., reportedly held talks with Univisión backers Haim Saban and Providence Equity Partners’ Jonathan Nelson at the Sun Valley media conference. The deal is far from done, as the two groups remained far apart on Univisión’s valuation, and it is still possible that Univisión will launch an IPO instead. Televisa, the world’s largest producer of Spanish-language TV programming -- and minority investor in Univisión -- is considered a potential buyer if regulators relax restrictions on foreign ownership. Meet all the players and learn more in the WSJ.
Angela Rye, Janina Lundy, and BET's Stephanie Young getting photo shoot ready on Tuesday.
The National Security Executives and Professionals Association awarding Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) the 2017 Distinguished Leadership Award on Wednesday.
Senators Set to Reintroduce Bipartisan DREAM Act and Trump Says No
Tuesday evening, McClatchy reported that Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) were planning to reintroduce a bipartisan version of the DREAM Act, in hopes of helping young immigrants who are likely to lose their special protected status because of a court challenge and the administration’s refusal to guarantee the continuance of the DACA program. It was a glimmer of hope for the nearly 800,000 DACAmented ... until a White House official told McClatchy on Wednesday that Trump would not sign a new DREAM Act saying, “it’s enforcement first.” The admin has until September 9th to decide whether to end the program or continue it and go to court against ten states.
Durbin and Graham are pushing forward and will hold a 12:30 p.m. press conference in the Senate studio on their bill. More here.
Luján Grisham Secures Diversity Provisions In Military Legislation
Congresswoman Michelle Luján Grisham (D-NM)
successfully included two provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act, one that encourages more tech transfer to create jobs, and one that promotes more diversity within the Air Force civilian workforce. She included an amendment that requires the Secretary of the Air Force to brief Congress on efforts to increase diversity in the civilian workforce. “I look forward working with the Secretary of the Air Force to make diversity a priority,” the CHC chair said. The defense policy bill passed on Tuesday. The Senate is considering its version of the legislation. More here.
Congressman Dwight Evans (D-PA) meeting with the National Alliance to End Homelessness on Wednesday.
The Beat’s Jamal Simmons getting ready for NPR’s Here and Now with Paris Dennard on Wednesday.
Historic First for the City of Dallas
The city of Dallas is making history in naming its first female police chief. Ulysha Renee Hall is currently Deputy Chief of the Detroit Police Department, where she directs the city’s Neighborhood Policing Bureau. “I am honored to be chosen to lead the Dallas Police Department at this critical time in its history,” Hall said in a statement. “I look forward to building on the successes of the past, preserving community trust and ensuring the safety of our officers and the entire Dallas community.” Hall is a graduate of Grambling State University and the FBI National Academy and has a Master’s degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. She begins her new position after the Labor Day weekend. More here.
First Sikh Elected in NJ Running for Mayor
Ravinder Bhalla is the first Sikh elected to Hoboken, NJ’s City Council. Out of 12 candidates competing for three spots, Bhalla received the highest number of votes. Now, after serving for eight years, the 44-year-old New Jersey native is running for mayor. In addition to wanting to take Hoboken to new heights, Bhalla says, “it’s also an opportunity as an Asian American to uplift our community in a collective sense as well.” He acknowledges that growing up as a Sikh American in 1970s New Jersey wasn't always easy. School bullies threw racial slurs at Bhalla, and he said his childhood influenced his current political beliefs. “That always gave me a sense of standing up for the underdog, standing up for minorities ... whether it’s immigrants, African Americans, women, the LGBTQ community, Asian Americans,” Bhalla, who is also a civil rights attorney, said. “Anyone who’s underrepresented, in any sphere of our society, deserves to have their voices heard, deserves to have a seat at the table.” He attended UC Berkeley for his undergraduate education, pursued his master's at the London School of Economics, and earned his Juris Doctorate from Tulane Law School. He credits Barack Obama’s candidacy as the inspiration that led him to run for office. More from NBC Asian America here.
SCOTUS Agrees with Hawaii: Grandma is Still Legit
The Supreme Court has sided with Hawaii and its allies and rejected the Trump administration's effort to ban grandparents or cousins of Americans under U.S. District Court Judge Derrick Watson’s expanded definition of “bona fide.” The court said the government could not enforce its ban on grandparents, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins of individuals living in the U.S. SCOTUS did decide to block the part of the Hawaii district court order that also exempted refugees who have assurance and placement from a U.S.-based refugee resettlement agency. More here.
Senator Bob Menéndez (D-NJ) with the Levinson family on Wednesday after their WH meeting to fight for the release of former FBI agent Bob Levinson, who is still missing in Iran.
Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ) discussing NY-NJ rehab projects with Amtrak President Wick Moorman on Tuesday.
Trump Admin Kills Legal Opinion Involving Native Americans
The ongoing dilemma of the Dakota Access Pipeline continues after the Army Corps has failed to address issues raised by both the Standing Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes. A month ago, Judge James Boasberg called upon the Corps to take a “hard look” at issues raised by the tribes, including treaty rights, oil spills, and environmental justice. However, it is unlikely that the Army Corps will address the judge’s concerns because of the Trump administration’s killing of legal opinion M-37038. One key finding in M-37038 stated that the final portion of the DAPL in North Dakota impacts the U.S. and Native American tribes’ treaty rights, which the Army Corps “must consider” before moving forward. In response to this legal opinion, Daniel Jorjani, the acting solicitor at the Interior Department, argued that the opinion offered little value in light of the ongoing lawsuit. In other words, the Trump administration doesn’t feel like they have to address the judge’s concerns because there is no justified legal opinion that proves these are prevalent issues. More here.
Meanwhile, Dems Host Listening Session with Tribes on Healthcare
Representatives of the National Congress of American Indians, the National Indian Health Board, the United South and Eastern Tribes and the National Council on Urban Indian Health testified at a Democrat-led listening session on the effects of healthcare on Native American communities earlier this week. The forum, hosted by Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), the vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and attended by Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), focused on the devastating impacts that the Senate GOP healthcare bills would have on these communities."BCRA would cut Medicaid by $772 billion over a decade and phase out the expansion by 2024," the National Indian Health Board said. "Many tribes in expansion states have seen significant gains in coverage for their members. The proposed rollback has caused serious concern in Indian Country because of the dollars that would be lost. For over 40 years, Medicaid funding has helped supplement resources going to the Indian health system due to the historic underfunding of the Indian Health Service.” You can watch the forum here.
#TBT in Pictures
He's been knocking it out of the park for years. That's big hitter Congressman Rubén Gallego (R-AZ) during his early days as a little leaguer.
We see that butterfly collar creeping out! That's Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MO) with his daughter Marissa rocking the 70s fro.
FOMO 

Today, 9A: The Inter-American Dialogue sponsors a panel discussion, "U.S.-Mexico Relations in Flux." 1155 15th Street, N.W., Suite 800. Click here to RSVP.

Today, 9A: The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) hosts the CHLI Future Leaders Conference. 2044 Rayburn HOB. Click here to RSVP.   

Today, 6:30P: The March on Washington Film Festival hosts a special screening of Raising Bertie, an award-winning, six-year portrait of three young African American men coming-of-age in North Carolina’s rural Bertie County. This special screening will take place at the Public Welfare Foundation, 1200 U Street NW, followed by a panel with Dr. John King, former Education Secretary and President and CEO of The Education Trust; and Monique Miles, Director of the Opportunity Youth Incentive Fund at the Aspen Institute. Click here for tickets.

Today, 7P: Voto Latino hosts a casual meet-up to discuss the National Day of Action and ways to empower people in the community, and to meet new friends who are already taking action. Whitlow's on Wilson, 2854 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA. Click here to sign up

Friday, July 21st, 12P: Join the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association (CHSA) along with a host of CSAs and the Policymakers Network at National Journal for a lunch briefing, "How to Network & How to Work a Room." 385 Russell SOB. Click here to RSVP

Friday, July 21st, 6:30P: The March on Washington Film Festival hosts a preview screening of a film that explores Howard Law School’s first white male graduate, Harris Wofford, a seminal figure in the civil rights movement, the Peace Corps, academia, and the U.S. Senate. Following the preview of the film, there will be a panel discussion with former Senator Wofford and Jacob Finkel, the film's director. This conversation will be moderated by The Beat's Managing Editor Tiffany D. Cross. Click here to reserve your space.

Through Saturday, July 22nd: The March on Washington Film Festival. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Today - Sunday, July 23rd: The Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. holds its 83rd Grand Chapter Meeting in Orlando, FL. Click here for more information and to register.

Thursday, July 20th, 9A: The Washington International Trade Association sponsors its NAFTA Series kickoff event. Ronald Reagan Building, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. Hill Staff: contact Diego Anez at 202.312.1600 or danez@wita.org to reserve your seat.

Saturday, July 22nd - 26th: The NAACP holds its 108th annual convention in Baltimore, MD. Click here for more information and to register.

Tuesday, July 25th, 5P: Voto Latino hosts a #WeAreAllCalifornians reception, promoting California's leadership to protect healthcare access for all. 122 Cannon HOB. Click here to RSVP.

Tuesday, July 25th, 5:30P: The Raben Group hosts an evening of conversation with Paul Butler, author of Chokehold: Policing Black Men, and James Forman, author of Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America. 1341 G Street, N.W. Click here to register.

Wednesday, July 26th - 29th: The National Urban League holds its annual convention in St. Louis, MO. Click here for more information and to register.

Wednesday, July 26th - Friday, July 28th: ColorComm, Women of Color in Communications, holds its 2017 conference in Miami, FL, featuring keynote speaker Whoopi GoldbergClick here to register

Thursday, July 27th, 10A: Green 2.0, in cooperation with the United for Climate and Environmental Justice Congressional Taskforce, hosts a panel discussion on the need for diversity in the mainstream environmental movement. Featured speakers include Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA). Click here to RSVP. 

Thursday, July 27th, 5P: Bridge PAC sponsors a reception honoring Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC). Diageo House, 310 6th Street, S.E. RSVP to Randy Broz or Ashley Helsing at 202.403.0606 or via email: randy@abcconsultingdc.com

Saturday, July 29th, 10A: Voter Latino sponsors a Power Summit Pop-Up, a one-day event of high-impact learning and conversations that provide tools to mobilize for change. Click here to register.

Friday, August 4th, 5:30P: Black 44 sponsors a happy hour to celebrate former President Barack Obama's birthday. Invite only.

Saturday, August 5th, 3P: The Congressional Hispanic Staff Association hosts a tailgate before the DC United v. Toronto FC game. For more info, email James Hauser at: iph86@georgetown.edu

Wednesday, August 9th - 13th: The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) holds its annual convention and career fair in New Orleans. Click here for more information and to register.

Thursday, August 10th - 13th: The Congressional Black Caucus Political Education & Leadership Institute sponsors the 2017 Mississippi Policy Conference in Tunica, MS. Click here for more information and to register.

Monday, August 14th, 4P: The Center for American Progress sponsors a panel discussion, "The Power of Black Media and Journalists During the Trump Administration." Click here to RSVP.

Wednesday, August 16th - 17th: The annual U.S.-Mexico Border Summit. El Paso, TX & Cuidad Juárez, Chihuahua. Featured guests include keynote speaker Ana Navarro, Republican strategist and CNN analyst. Click here for more information and to register

Wednesday, August 16th - 20th: The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance holds its 14th biennial convention in Anaheim, CA. Click here for more information

Friday, August 18th: The deadline to apply for the Poynter Institute and the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) 2017 Leadership Academy for Diversity in Digital Media, to be held Dec. 3rd - 8th in St. Petersburg, FL. The tuition-free program trains journalists of color to work in digital media. Click here for more information and to apply

Friday, August 18th - 20th: A weekend on Martha's Vineyard with Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) and special guests Congressmen James Clyburn (D-SC)Cedric Richmond (D-LA), and Richard Neal (D-MA), and Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE). For more information and to RSVP, contact Mariko Bennett: mariko@cocobproductions.com or call 301.741.3443. 

Monday, August 28th, 9A: The 2017 Black Political Power Summit, to illustrate the possibilities, challenges and plans to capitalize on both the historic political opportunities and dire economic and civil rights challenges the Black community faces during the 2018 and 2020 political cycles. Hosted by The Collective. For more information, contact Quentin Jamesquentin@collectivepac.org 

Thursday, September 7th - 9th: The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), the Native American Journalists Association, and the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) sponsor the Excellence in Journalism 2017 conference in Anaheim, CA. Click here for more details and to register.

Sunday, September 10th: Former First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at the Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park. MN about her years in the White House. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Monday, September 11th - 13th: The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute annual Hispanic Heritage Month conference and awards gala. Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Click here for more information.

Wednesday, November 29th, 8P: Join Congressman André Carson (D-IN) for JAY-Z's 4:44 Tour. The Verizon Center, 601 F Street, N.W. For more information or to RSVP, contact Courtney Hodges or Randy Broz at: 202.403.0606 or email: Courtney@ABConsultingDC.com

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