---Labor Department update---
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, recently released the following statement regarding the Labor Department statistics showing that 651,000 American jobs were lost in the month of February, with the unemployment rate rising to 8.1 percent, the worst since December 1983.“ While the figures released are troubling, it is even more concerning that in some cities and states the problem is even worse.  African American and other communities of color always suffer more when our economy is struggling. It is essential that as we get America back on the road to economic recovery, and no American is left behind.”

Shirley Chisholm

Carolyn Barley Britton

Business World Index

---Remembering Shirley Chisholm---
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Barbara Lee, and Members of the CBC held a portrait unveiling ceremony honoring the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Congresswoman Chisholm's swearing in as a Member of the House.  Here is an excerpt from Speaker Pelosi’s remarks: "I would also like to acknowledge Congresswoman Barbara Lee. She has said that her life in public service was inspired by Shirley Chisholm - she now chairs the Congressional Black Caucus that Shirley Chisholm helped found. When Shirley Chisholm joined our colleagues Chairman John Conyers and Chairman Charlie Rangel, among others, to found the CBC, it had just 13 members. In that year, 1969, she imagined the organization that would grow to 42 members today, and serve as the conscience of the Congress. It stands as tribute to Congresswoman Chisholm's vision of a Congress that represents all Americans. Less than a year before she died, Congresswoman Chisholm was asked how she wanted to be remembered. She said then, 'I want history to remember me not just as the first black woman to be elected to Congress, not as the first black woman to have made a bid for the presidency of the United States, but as a black woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself. I want to be remembered as a catalyst for change in America.' Today, as we welcome this beautiful portrait to the Capitol grounds, we ensure that Shirley Chisholm will indeed long be remembered as a catalyst for change in America. A brave pioneer, Shirley Chisholm was unwilling to settle for the status quo. With this portrait, we make certain that when the story is told about some of the most critical struggles in our nation's history - the unending fight for the ideal of equality that is both our nation's heritage and our hope - Shirley Chisholm's name is remembered.”

---The White House Forum on Health Reform—
The National Medical Association (NMA) congratulates the President and his staff for ensuring that all the pertinent voices were heard in today's forum. The NMA is committed to remaining engaged with the White House, Congress, the consumer advocacy community, and other stakeholders, to ensure that the momentum for healthcare reform results in meaningful legislation that the President can sign before the Congress adjourns for the August recess. "The President has generated a palpable level of optimism that health care reform can pass both the House and Senate this year," noted Dr. Carolyn Barley Britton, President of the National Medical Association (NMA)."All of us will have to give up something, but if we work through our differences we all win," added Dr. Niva Lubin-Johnson, the Chair of NMA's Board of Trustees, and a practicing internist in Chicago. "We cannot build a strong nation on the backs of sick people", said Dr Akhter, Executive Director. "Time is not on our side," continued Dr. Akhter, emphasizing the urgency of passing meaningful healthcare reform legislation this year. "We all received our marching orders today," concluded Dr Britton. Founded in 1895, the National Medical Association is the nation's oldest and largest medical association representing the interests of more than 30,000 African-American physicians and their patients. The NMA has repeatedly advocated for policies that would assure equitable and quality health care for all people.

---Carnegie Hall Launches Honor!---
Carnegie Hall recently launched “Honor! A Celebration of the African American Cultural Legacy,” a festival saluting the enduring vitality, influence, and creativity of African American culture, curated by renowned soprano Jessye Norman. Running through March 23 with more than 20 events at Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater, and venues throughout New York City, Honor! celebrates African American music and its influence worldwide, with programs paying tribute to pioneering artists including Marian Anderson, Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, and more in programs that showcase performances by leading artists of today representing classical, gospel, the Spiritual, blues, jazz, and popular music. Complete festival information is available at www.carnegiehall.org/honor.