At the invitation of the Obama Administration, our visionary President, Dr. Julius R. Scruggs, led a delegation of 86 of our Convention leaders to the White House on December 1- 2, 2011.

Click here for the NBC, USA, Inc. Overview of Challenges

Click here for the White House Agenda for 12/2/2011

Click here to Print this Report 

This was an historic event that launched our Convention’s contemporary purpose of “Rising to New Challenges” as we dialogued with senior Obama Administration officials about issues of concern to our churches, constituents and the people we serve as follows:

• Department of Homeland Security: Disaster equity

• Department of Education: Early childhood education, low performing schools, equitable funding

• Department of Justice: Voter suppression, state voting law changes

• Department of Health and Human Services:  Health disparities, the Affordable Care Act

• Department of Labor: The American Jobs Act and how it benefits the African American community

• Department of Veterans Affairs:  Getting information to our veterans about services from which they would benefit

• U.S. Agency for International Development:  Assisting in mission work

•  Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships:  Strategies for developing effective partnerships between the Convention and government offices

Instrumental in organizing and supporting our visit were the White House Office of Public Engagement and Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Special thanks are extended to Jon Carson, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director, Office of Public Engagement; Paul Monteiro, Associate Director, Office of Public Engagement, Joshua DuBois, Deputy Assistant to the President and Director, Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and their staffs.

On Thursday, December 1, 2011, Dr. Scruggs met with legislative leaders on Capitol Hill.  During those meetings, we resolved that together we would advocate for the betterment of our nation in general and African Americans in particular.  At the conclusion of our legislative meetings one of the caucuses agreed to be represented at each of our meeting venues going forward.  We look forward with great anticipation towards the orientation session with State Presidents and State Directors that we are planning to hold during our Mid-Winter Board Meeting in January 2012.  

On Friday, December 2, the Convention leadership met for a full day with a number of senior officials representing the offices identified above.  During these meetings, we were briefed on the status of important initiatives and had the opportunity to ask questions and engage the officials in dialogue about our concerns.  Many opportunities were identified where we would be able to work together and improve communication between the White House and the Convention and its constituents. 

After our two days together, we departed with excitement and enthusiasm for our intended purpose.  We resolved to “Rise to New Challenges” to more effectively address the issues that impact our constituents.

On behalf of our President, Dr. Julius R. Scruggs, we extend our appreciation to the following persons for accepting assignments as NBC, USA, Inc. National Directors.  The directors are responsible for becoming experts on issues that impact our constituents and serving as liaisons to the U.S. government agencies listed below:

Report Submitted by Dr. Larry B. West, Chairman, Board of Directors, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.  Email: pastorlbw@mountairybaptist.org.

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Attendees

NBC, USA, Inc. leadership in attendance during the December 2011 meetings included: