This just in(to my mailbox):Â
Avoice Makes Its Debut During CBC Conference
The first virtual and most comprehensive library on the political history and legislative legacy of African-Americans in the shaping of the nation’s democracy was unveiled last week during the Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF).
Avoice, or African-American Voices in Congress, http://www.avoiceonline.org/, is the product of a collaborative partnership among CBCF, The University of Texas at Austin, Howard University and Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) .
The online educational portal provides a central source of information about historical and contemporary African-American policy issues important to many Americans, and of particular interest to researchers, educators and students.
“Avoice represents the official history of the Congressional Black Caucus and much more,” said U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-Fla.), chair of the CBCF. “We believe that Avoice will promote civic engagement among youth through its rich content and interactive learning tools. In doing so, the Avoice site will benefit all Americans.”
“Dell’s sponsorship of this milestone project reflects our commitment to diversity and it is a unique opportunity to help educate the public about the contributions of African-Americans to our nation’s history,” said Dell CEO Kevin Rollins, who introduced the new site during the event. “We are privileged to be a part of Avoice and will continue to support it with technology that can enrich the site content.”
Avoice offers a unique collection of original Congressional and political papers from African-American legislators. Initial content also includes exhibits on the Voting Rights Act, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday Bill, the anti-apartheid movement and a history of the Congressional Black Caucus.
The CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference provides a national forum to develop strategies and solutions to public policy issues facing Black America.
“It is most appropriate that we launch Avoice during this conference,” said Meek. “Our conference theme this year is ‘Changing Course, Confronting Crises, Continuing the Legacy.’ Avoice’s historical content will certainly help advance our shared goal of continuing the legacy.”
Today, African-Americans represent 13.4 percent of the U.S.population. Voting-wise, 60 percent of black citizens age 18 and older voted in the 2004 presidential election, up three percent from the previous election. African-Americans had the highest turnout rate of any minority group in 2004.
Drums in the Global Village 