The National Black Caucus of State Legislators, The Creative Coalition and Eli Lilly to celebrate African American leaders

NBCSL President Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-GA) to be honored along with other national black leaders

DENVER (August 24, 2008) –  The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), in association with The Creative Coalition and Eli Lilly will hold a special reception on Sunday, August 24, with high-profile members of the entertainment industry and elected officials to honor the extraordinary achievements of African American leaders in public policy. NBCSL President Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-GA) will be honored at what is sure to be a highlight of the week’s Presidential Nominating Convention.

DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

WHAT:       The National Black Caucus of Legislators, The Creative Coalition and Eli Lilly will honor several African American leaders at the Democratic National Convention.

WHO:         Being honored are: Iconic filmmaker Spike Lee, Rep. Calvin Smyre (NBCSL President), Colorado State Senator Peter Groff (President of the Colorado Senate), Illinois State Senator Emil Jones (President of the State Senate), California Assembly Member Karen Bass (Speaker of the California Assembly), U.S. Virgin Islands Senator Usie Richards (President of USVI Senate)

WHERE:    Mezcal Restaurant (3230 E. Colfax Ave., Denver)

WHEN:       Sunday, August 24, 2008, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Press must be credentialed. Please contact Jessica Hoy at 202-466-7117 orjessica@westinrinehart.com.

About The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (www.nbcsl.org)
The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is a membership association representing more than 600 African American state legislators hailing from 42 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.  NBCSL members represent more than 50 million Americans of various racial backgrounds.  NBCSL monitors federal and state activity and provides this information to its members through policy symposiums and conferences.  Each year, NBCSL members pass policy resolutions that directly impact federal and state policy.  The organization focuses on issues that directly impact US domestic policy and is committed to policies that positively affect all Americans.  See NBCSL on the web at www.nbcsl.org.

About The Creative Coalition (www.thecreativecoalition.org)
The Creative Coalition is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community.  Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating its members on issues of public importance, primarily the First Amendment, public education and arts advocacy.  Headquartered in New York City, The Creative Coalition also has offices in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco.  The Creative Coalition does not endorse or raise funds for political parties or candidates.  

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CONTACT:

Jessica Hoy
Westin Rinehart,
202.415.1023 or Jessica@westinrinehart.com