Blog / July 21, 2017

The ELC Visits Capitol Hill To Advocate For Diversity, Inclusion And HBCU

The ELC recently crisscrossed Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress to increase awareness of The Executive Leadership Council and its work to increase the representation of global black leaders in C-Suites and boardrooms, its programs to develop a new generation of black leaders, and to advocate on behalf Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Ronald C. Parker, President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council, was joined by the Co-Chair of The ELC’s External Advocacy Committee Barry M. Granger, retired Vice President and General Manager of Government Marketing and Government Affairs at DuPont. Two of the committee’s members, Karen Jefferson Morrison, President of the OhioHealth Foundation and Senior Vice President, OhioHealth; and Howard Woolley, retired Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for Verizon, also participated.

Among the legislators visited were Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Representatives Alma Adams (D-NC-12), co-chair of the Bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus; Bobby Scott (D-VA-3), Ranking Member on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce; James E. Clyburn (D-SC-6), Assistant Democratic Leader of the House; and Cedric Richmond (D-LA-2), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. Senior staff for Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Tim Scott (R-SC) also met with the group due to the senator’s hearings obligations.

Based on the meetings with legislators, The ELC pledged to take the following actions:

  • Distribute a survey to ELC members to gather information about their association with HBCUs and interest in supporting HBCUs.
  • The ELC will work with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation to facilitate participation in issues forums hosted by several Members of Congress during its Annual Legislative Conference.
  • The ELC will address a larger gathering of the members of the Congressional Black Caucus to present its programs and initiatives.
  • The ELC will facilitate the introduction of black Members of the British Parliament met during the 20017 Summer Meeting in London to Members of the Congressional Black Caucus during The ELC’s 2017 Annual Gala.
  • The ELC will work with its Institute for Leadership Development & Research to explore creating a program for senior staff of CBC members interested in preparing for leadership roles.
  • The ELC will include a Public Policy discussion in all subsequent member meetings.