On April 1-3, 2016, the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida (DBCF), will host its 34th Annual Conference at the Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819. The theme this year is “Speak to Our Issues,” a recognition that the candidates seeking black votes must address black issues.
“This is the year for strategic planning with the stakeholders of our community about the importance of legislating and voting,” says Henry Crespo Sr., president of the DBCF.
Speaker lineup
The keynote speaker at the DBCF Conference is the Honorable Ras Baraka, Mayor of the City of Newark, NJ, and son of the late Poet, Playwright, and Political Activist, Amiri Baraka. Mayor Baraka was an activist at Howard University, a former Principal at Central High School, and a leader in America’s New Urban Agenda, where he helped create a resurgence of business in downtown Newark.
Keynote Breakfast speaker ls Denise Rolark Barnes, Chairwomen of the National Newspaper and Publishers Association. After graduating from Howard University Law School, she took over as publisher of the Washington Informer in 1994.
Tommy Ford, actor from the hit series “Martin,” “NY Undercover,” and the movie “Harlem Nights” is the special lunch speaker. He will share some entertainment stories and celebrity humor.
There are over 18 plus chapters Statewide. The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida, affectionately called the “The Soul of Party,” represents over 1.2 Million Black Democrats in Florida (app. 30% of the Florida Democratic Party as a whole). The DBCF was established in1983,. It’s mission is to unite and increase the political power of Black Democrats who were unnoticed and under-served in the state. The Caucus is an integral part of the Florida Democratic Party’s infrastructure.
