National Coalition of 100 Black Women to Host Biennial Conference in Houston

Addressing Disparities and Opportunities in Health, Education, and Economic and Political Empowerment for Women of Color


NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The National Coalition of 100 Black Women (NCBW) today announced that its 12th biennial conference, themed "Impact: Strength of Many, Voice of One," will be held October 12-16, 2005, at the Hilton Americas-Houston Hotel, located at 1600 Lamar Street in Houston, Texas. More than 3,500 NCBW delegates, members and local community leaders have been invited to attend.

The NCBW conference agenda includes keynote speakers from around the country, plenary sessions, forums and workshops featuring a diverse array of nationally renowned leaders in several arenas. Key issues that will be addressed include:



 -- Health: HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and obesity
 -- Education: the legacy and plight of historically black
    colleges and universities
 -- Economics: strategies for entrepreneurship and building
    wealth
 -- Politics: advancing local, state and national agendas
    on health, education, and economics

The conference also will feature daily fitness workouts, receptions, vendor exhibits and other activities for well-rounded social and leisure diversions.

"This year's conference reflects the leadership experience, tireless energy, and bold creativity that are the hallmarks of our organization," NCBW President Leslie A. Mays stated. "Undoubtedly, everyone who attends the conference will come away empowered and refreshed in their commitment to community service, advocacy, and empowerment."

Reflecting the rich diversity of women leaders in Houston, the distinguished members of the NCBW Conference Host Committee include (in alphabetical order):



 -- U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee
 -- Mayor-Pro-Tem and Houston City Council Member Carol Alvarado
 -- Houston City Council Member Ada Edwards
 -- Houston City Council Member Carol Galloway
 -- Houston City Council Member Toni Lawrence
 -- Houston's First Lady Andrea White
 -- The Honorable Judge Zinetta Burney
 -- Harris County Constable May Walker
 -- Office of the Mayor Liaison Helen Chang
 -- Community Activist Nellie Joyce Punch

Chaired by Argentina M. James of Houston, the NCBW conference steering committee consists of President Leslie A. Mays, Blue Ribbon Committee Chairwoman Jackie Pope, Houston Chapter President B.J. Huffman, Executive Director Shirley Poole, and members Mary Harden, Barbara Jackson, the Honorable Ruth Jones McClendon, Kathleen Wilkes, Fay Williams, Brenda Wright, and Cindy Clifford.

For more information:



 -- NCBW Conference Registration, Vendor Booth Information,
    and Sponsorship Opportunities: log on to www.NC100BW-Houston.com,
    call (212) 222-5660 or (713) 529-5711.
 -- Hotel Reservations: (713) 739-8000 or www.americashouston.hilton.com

About the National Coalition of 100 Black Women

NCBW is an organization of progressive African American women whose voice and force for gender equity and sociopolitical advancement drive meaningful change to benefit women of color. The organization advocates on behalf of women of color through national and local actions and strategic alliances that promote its national and international agendas on leadership development and gender equity in health, education and economic development. By living and modeling their proclaimed ideals, NCBW members respect, recognize and share in the accomplishments and success of women of color and enable the identification and development of leaders.


            

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