President Obama is scheduled to speak tonight at the Congressional Black Caucus's 39th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) Phoenix Awards dinner. As of yesterday, Mr Obama was considered the special surprise guest. Well, even though his appearance will no longer be a surprise, it will still be special.
At last year's CBC ALC, Senator Obama received a Phoenix Award. This award
... recognizes those who through their efforts and accomplishments have made significant contributions to society, and it symbolizes the immortality of the human spirit and an eternal desire to reach its full potential...
This years recipients includes U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan E. Rice.
The importance of the CBC to progressive causes cannot be overestimated. For instance, 28 members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) are also members of the CBC. Though all members of the CPC are members of the Democratic Party, the only members of the CPC from several states are CBC members. Georgia has 6 Democratic Reps (DReps), yet only two are members of the CPC, and both of these are members of the CBC. Indiana has 5 DReps, but only two are CPC members and both are CBC members. Maryland has 7 DReps - 2 CPC members, both CBC members. Michigan has 8 DReps - 2 CPC members, both CBC members. Minnesota has 5 DReps - 1 CPC member, also CBC member. Mississippi has 3 DReps - 1 CPC member, also CBC member. Missouri has 4 DReps - 2 CPC members, both CBC. North Carolina has 8 DReps - 1 CPC member, also CBC member. Texas has 12 DReps - 2 CPC members, both CBC members.
Obviously, we need a lot more better Democrats.
While he was US Senator from Illinois, Mr Obama was also a member of the CBC. But according to HuffPo:
he has never had a particularly close relationship with the group.
Something tells me that he will have a very particularly close relationship with the CBC tonight.
Currently, C-SPAN does not have President Obama's appearance at the CBC ALC scheduled; however, as the 8pm - 9pm ET time slot lists "College of Charleston: Political Scandals", methinks a preemption is in order.