On behalf of the Steering Committee, please accept our invitation to participate in a National Black Latino Summit that will take place October 5-6, 2008 in Los Angeles, California.

The idea for this process, which speaks to fulfilling the aspirations of America’s two largest minority groups, crystallized at the Third National Summit for Regional Equity held in New Orleans in March. There, hundreds of Black, Latino, and other activists were excited by the possibilities that emerged and are challenged by the frequent isolation of our efforts.

Beginning with the critically needed dialogue regarding African Americans and Latinos, the National Black Latino Summit is envisioned as part of a larger process of alliance building for action, sustainability, and accountability for all ethnic and racial groups.

The extraordinary civic engagement witnessed this year from both communities, catalyzed in part by the presidential primary season, highlights the need to develop a shared agenda for equity and inclusion. While Latino and African American leadership alike have decried the role of the media in exaggerating the divisions between their communities, real tensions exist. These challenges need to be examined in a context of problem solving around a shared agenda for change.

Latinos and African Americans have a strong history of collaboration on civil rights and voting rights. The task is to build on those successes and forge an alliance around crucial common causes – among them justice for immigrants, criminal justice reform, and full access to economic and social opportunity in metropolitan regions.

This conversation will make an important contribution that deepens and sustains our nation’s commitment to equity and inclusion for historically excluded racial and ethnic groups. A shared Black/Latino agenda can also advance economic and social equity during the new administration.

To prepare for the October event, we will be providing a full agenda and framing for action, which is now being developed by the Steering Committee. We welcome input that could sharpen the focus and itinerary for this initial collective dialogue.

If you are ready to make this commitment, RSVP to me Amber Washington at amber@policylink.org or (510) 663-4338 as soon as possible. In addition to confirming your participation, she can put you in touch with our travel agent, who can help will schedule reasonable travel arrangements. Limited travel support is available based on availability and demonstrated need.

Meanwhile, Associate Director Rubén Lizardo, point person for the PolicyLink team, can respond to any substantive questions about the project. Rubén can be reached at rlizardo@policylink.org or (510) 663-4309.

Your wisdom and voice are needed to help ensure the success of this crucial venture.

National Institute for Latino Policy
101 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 313
New York, NY 10013

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