~Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Chairman Jim Greer Join
Nationally-Recognized Speakers for a Day of Dialogue~
ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Republican Party
of Florida (RPOF) convened the first Black Republican Conference today in
Orlando, bringing together a panel of nationally-known speakers to discuss
Republicanism in the African American community. The conference coincides
with the Walt Disney World Florida Classic presented by State Farm, the
annual gridiron matchup between Florida A&M University and Bethune-Cookman
University.
"The Republican Party is the Party of Abraham Lincoln and Teddy
Roosevelt, and our values and principles often mirror those of the African
American community," remarked Governor Charlie Crist, who keynoted the
Conference luncheon. "The African American community in Florida, like the
Republican Party of Florida, believes in lower taxes, support for small
businesses, empowerment through education, and conservative family values.
This common thread ties us together and it is time that we get that message
out there."
"Today's Black Republican Conference illustrates our commitment to
reaching out and sharing our message for the future with all communities in
Florida," noted Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer. "I
appreciate the opportunity to participate in this critical dialogue as well
as the Florida Classic events, which highlight higher education in the
African American community in a positive and enriching manner."
The discussion panel included Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael
Williams, Pro-Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, and bestselling author and
news talk personality Angela McGlowan. Representative Jennifer Carroll, the
first African American Republican woman ever elected to the Florida
Legislature, served as Honorary Chairman of the event.
In addition to the luncheon and discussion panel, Chairman Greer
introduced the members of the newly-formed African American Leadership
Council, which will serve as a liaison between the RPOF and the African
American community and advise the Chairman on issues relating to this
community.
"The Black Republican Conference and the formation of the African
American Leadership Council is the next step in a year which has seen
unprecedented African American outreach by Florida Governor Charlie Crist
and the RPOF Chairman," noted Representative Carroll. "Governor Crist
received a historic 18% of the African American vote in the 2006 election,
and more and more African Americans are identifying themselves as
Republicans."
Florida Governor Charlie Crist was recently awarded by the Florida
Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP) for his efforts to ensure civil rights and accessible, affordable
higher education to all Floridians. As Attorney General, Crist worked to
battle discrimination in Florida and helped to create the landmark Marvin
Davies' Civil Rights Act, giving the Attorney General the authority to
initiate civil rights action when there is a pattern of discrimination.
As Governor, Crist has visited with the presidents of the historically
black colleges and universities to discuss improving post-secondary
education in Florida and to listen to their concerns about funding issues.
Governor Crist currently serves as the Florida Chairman for the United
Negro College Fund, further solidifying his commitment to assisting
minority students to achieve higher education.
For more information, visit http://www.rpof.org .
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