The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) will be in Houston for their5th Executive Economic Summit. Chairwoman Sheila Jackson Lee is hosting the distinguished delegation to discuss relevant economic issues, especially during this current post-Hurricane Harvey period.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Fifth Executive Economic Summit (EES V) “After Hurricane Harvey: Economic Lessons Learned and the Role of Business in National Disaster Relief Efforts” series typically focuses on mapping minority access to capital with business leaders and others in the financial services sector, however this Summit will also focus on those in our communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The summit will include a pre-Summit reception & VIP dinner on Sunday, December 10; the Summit from 8:00AM – 3:00PM on Monday, December 11 highlighting Houston residents’ recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.

The Houston Summit will feature a special issue town hall forum on the role of business and other relevant organizations in assisting African American communities with disaster relief. Other CBC members representing districts impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are being invited to discuss specific challenges black communities encounter when natural disasters occur. The Summit will provide a platform to discuss the disproportionate impact because of income, employment, poverty, access to resources, human capital, and information. CBC members will offer observations and perspective on federal recovery efforts and strategies.

Additionally, the Summit will explore the role of business in assisting hurricane recovery efforts. In the aftermath of the hurricane, the rippling effect touches many aspects of an individual’s well- being. A discussion will center on how Houston businesses can leverage their capital and other resources to assist African Americans in Houston with comprehensive strategies that include immediate and long term pathways to financial recovery. Panelists and speakers will also offer practical tips and strategies, and local service organization relief providers will be invited to share guidance and direction on next steps.

Some Guest Speakers/Panelists will include:

• Mayor Sylvester Turner

• Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Founder & Chair of Rainbow/PUSH Coalition

• Texas State Representative Senfronia Thompson, Vice Chair of Economic Competitiveness Select Committee

• John Mingé, Chairman & President, BP America, Inc.

• Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Vista Equity Partners

• Donna M. Sims Wilson, President of Smith, Graham & Co. Investment Advisors

• Colette D. Honorable, Partner, Reed Smith LLP

• Courtney Johnson Rose, Chair, Houston Black Chamber of Commerce

• Carlecia D. Wright, Director for the Office of Business Opportunity, City of Houston

• Gerald Womack, President and CEO, Womack Development & Investment Realtors

• Carla Lane, President and CEO, Lane Staffing

• Julia Hogan-McNeil, Founder, Julia-Cooks Organic Super Foods

• Other City Officials