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Congressional Black Caucus Weekend GuideNBLSA

An overview of NBLSA’s 2012 Congressional Black Caucus Weekend events and Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat.

Striving to Balance Since 1968

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAIR’S WELCOME............................................................................................................................................3

CBC WEEKEND OVERVIEW OF EVENTS...............................................................................................................4

Thursday

When Self Defense Violates Civil Rights: Stand Your Ground Law Symposium................................5

Friday

Congressional Kids Day.....................................................................................................................6

Preserving the Pathway to Prosperity: College Affordability & Accessibility Forum..........................7

Ninth Annual NBLSA Networking and Alumni Reception..................................................................8

Saturday

Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat..................................................................................9

DC Monument Tours........................................................................................................................10

Networking Events......................................................................................................................................11

Social Events...............................................................................................................................................12

GETTING AROUND DC .....................................................................................................................................13

LODGING INFORMATION....................................................................................................................................14

FOOD..............................................................................................................................................................16

CONTACT NBLSACBC@NBLSA.ORG WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

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Chair’s WelcomeGreetings,

On behalf of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), it is my sincere pleasure to invite you to Washington, DC from September 19-22, 2012 for NBLSA’s events during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference.

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) celebrates its 42nd anniversary this year, calling upon both local leaders and students alike to become servants of our communities. As NBLSA continues developing talented, socially conscious Black lawyers, we must also be willing to answer the call to lead and serve.

NBLSA's 2012-2013 theme, Enhancing the Dream, embodies our commitment to our history, our legacy of advocacy, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision of a better tomorrow. We will continue to seek opportunities to make positive social change, serve our communities by developing student leaders, diversify the legal profession, and serve as a voice for the voiceless.

Through our collective efforts, NBLSA has once again renewed its dual commitment to lead and serve. We hope that you will use this year's CBC Conference as an opportunity to discover your own leadership and service paths. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you at our events and sincerely hope that you will take advantage of the numerous leadership development and networking opportunities that NBLSA has lined up for you.

Stand Your Ground Law Symposium | Thursday, September 20th NBLSA will discuss various Stand Your Ground laws and their implications for the doctrine of self defense. Panelists include esteemed attorneys, professors, and community members.

Washington, DC School Visits | Friday, September 21st NBLSA visits Washington, DC public schools to educate students about democracy, the importance of exercising one's right to vote, and how to fully participate in the political process.

Congressional Kids Day | Friday, September 21st Washington, DC students will come to Capitol Hill and meet with Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton as they learn about the legislative process and how laws are made. They will also journey to Georgetown University Law Center for lunch with NBLSA members.

College Affordability & Accessibility Forum | Friday, September 21st NBLSA recognizes and understands the challenges students face in obtaining funding for higher education. This forum will feature members of the Obama Administration, a member of Congress, attorneys, and agency officials.

Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat | Saturday, September 22nd NBLSA's Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat provides an opportunity for current and future chapter leaders to connect with national leadership and discuss best practices for fundraising, chapter management, and implementing NBLSA programming. Our panels addressing career paths and professional development help participants explore programming possibilities.

DC Monument Tours | Saturday, September 22nd NBLSA students will embrace the history of our Nation's Capital by visiting the monuments along the National Mall.

Networking Events | September 19th - 21st NBLSA is partnering with CLEO, The National Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division and other organizations to continue to build the pipeline of diverse students in the legal profession. The networking events are meant to assist students as they build relationships and expand their professional network. Wednesday, September 19th features a networking social at MIA. Network with students and professionals on Thursday, September 20th as NBLSA partners with CLEO at Bar 7. Finally, the 9th Annual CBC Networking and Alumni Reception will take place on Friday, September 21st allowing students to interact with members of Congress, attorneys, and alumni.

For additional information about these events, please visit http://www.nblsa.org/cbc2012 or email nblsacbc@nblsa.org.

In service,Kendra BrownThe George Washington University School of LawNational Chair, 2012-2013National Black Law Students Association

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NBLSA’S CBC WEEKEND EVENTS OVERVIEW

Greetings!

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) will hosts its 42nd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) from September 19 – 22, 2012. CBC-ALC host more than 12,000 public officials, industry leaders, community activists, emerging advocates, media, and everyday Americans in the Nation’s Capital to network and engage in policy discussions. During CBC-ALC, NBLSA will host a variety of events to serve as a catalyst in furtherance of our theme, Enhancing The Dream. NBLSA is aware that while parts of Dr. King’s dream has been achieved, there is much work to be done. NBLSA’s events during CBC-ALC equip our members to become true social engineers by providing opportunities to achieve the following goals: develop leadership skills; network with alumni, professionals, community leaders and other NBLSA students; have meaningful discussions about issues that affect our communities across the country; and become acclimated with the culture of the Washington, DC area.

NBLSA does not require any registration fees for our events, however, all attendees must complete the registration form found online at www.nblsa.org/cbcregistration on or before September 16, 2012 at 11:59pm EDT.

We look forward to seeing you in Washington, DC!

In NBLSA Love,

Yvesner “Yves” ZamarNational Attorney Generalag@nblsa.org

Telecia RoseDirector of Programmingprogramming@nblsa.org

Ericka AikenDirector of Community Servicecommunityservice@nblsa.org

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Thursday, September 20, 2012When Self Defense Violates Civil Rights: A Stand Your Ground Law Symposium

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS

Marc MorialPresident, National Urban League

Christopher W. BrownCommunications Director, Second Chance At Shoot First

Kemit MawakanaProfessor on Race & Law, UDC-David A. Clarke School of Law

Joe BriggsFounder & Director of Strategic Operations of IMPACT-DC | Public Policy Counsel NFL-PA

Daryl ParksPartner, Parks & Crump Law Firm | Counsel for Trayvon Martin

Michael Ashley Office of Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL)

Tanya Clay House Public Policy Director, Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Ahmad Abuznaid Law & Policy Director, Dream Defenders

What to Expect: This event will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Several CBC-ALC events take place at this venue, so be on the look out for signage or guides to assist in finding the room. The location is at a metro stop and it is highly suggested to ride metro. (Green/Yellow Line: Mt. Vernon Square)

Attire: Business Professional

Enacted in Florida in 2005, the Nation’s first Stand Your Ground law allows the reasonable use of force in self defense when a reasonable belief of threat is imminent. This law has expanded on the notion of "no duty to retreat" doctrine to public areas, and has become a staple for advocates of more gun rights in cases of self-defense.  Since 2005, 24 additional states have adopted their own Stand Your Ground Laws, which begs the question of how much responsibility should be left in an individual's hands when human lives lay in the balance? In the wake of Trayvon Martin’s death, NBLSA’s Judicial Advocacy Team has prepared a white paper proposing revisions to all forms of Stand Your Ground Laws. Join NBLSA in a discussion on Stand Your Ground Laws, what they really mean, their effects on racially motivated crimes, and potential changes that can be made to prevent abuse and injustice.

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Friday, September 21, 2012Congressional Kids Day sponsored by Bowman & Partners,LLP  NBLSA continues to Enhance the Dream through educational initiatives. NBLSA is bringing students from District of Columbia Public Schools to Capitol Hill. Students will have an opportunity to tour the Capitol building and meet with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and her staff. NBLSA will also be visiting schools in the District of Columbia to educate students about democracy, equality, voting, and lobbying.

Participating Schools:

AnacostiaBallouBannekerCardozoColumbia Heights Educational CenterDunbarDuke EllingtonEasternIncarcerated Youth ProgramLuke MooreSpingarnSchool Without WallsThurgood MarshallWilson

What to Expect:Volunteers will either be assigned to chaperone the group of students during the Capitol Hill visit or assigned to visit local schools where they will conduct a short lesson educating students on Voters’ Rights issues, including Voter ID laws and disenfranchisement. The lesson plans will be made available to volunteers on or before September 14th.

Attire:Business CasualPartners:Georgetown University Law Center Street Law Program and Georgetown University Black Law Students Association

“The function of education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically…Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Preserving The Pathway To Prosperity: A Forum on College Affordability & Accessibility

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS

Zakiya Smith,Senior Education Advisor, The White House

Jummy Olabanji,Emmy-Award Winning Reporter, ABC7

Angela Peoples,Policy Analyst, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Donald C. GarnerTeacher Recruitment Manager, NYC Department of Education

Deborah Archer Director, Racial Justice Project at NYLS | Counsel of Record for NBLSA Fisher v. Texas Brief

Judith Browne-DianisCo-Director, Advancement Project | Past NBLSA National Chair

Eddie Connor, Jr. Office of Congressman Hansen Clarke

Tiffany Dena LoftinPresident, United States Students Association

Donna Harris-Aikens Director, National Education Association

What to Expect: This forum will take place at Jones Day law firm. The location is conveniently located within walking distance from the hotel and a short walk from the metro station (Red Line - Union Station).

Attire: Business Professional

The National Black Law Students Association is bringing together policy experts, educators, and Congressional leaders for a panel discussion on "Inequality, Educational Access and the Future of Higher Education."

African-Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans remain underrepresented at many of the nation’s elite law, business, policy and medical schools despite an overall increase in undergraduate attendance rates over the last decade. Research suggests that there are a variety of factors that contribute to this disparity ranging from less competitive academic performance to a greater desire to enter or remain in the workforce. Underrepresentation seriously impedes minorities’ ability to influence many of the policies and practices that directly impact their communities. Additionally, people of color, especially African Americans, graduate with more student loan debt than white students and have a harder time paying off that debt.

This panel will discuss the magnitude of the issue as well as some of the factors that could explain why this disparity persists and offer strategies that could improve future outcomes. Panelists will also discuss how higher education can positively impact individual economic outcomes, and what strategies we as a community can employ to ensure all students can access higher education and do it with minimal debt.

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What to Expect: Congressional members, senior level public servants, and esteemed legal professionals will provide remarks at this event. Please be mindful to listen attentively while they are at the podium speaking and to be respectful of their time. It is only appropriate to speak during times when the program allows for conversation. This is a networking event, we highly encourage attendees to BRING BUSINESS CARDS. This event may serve as an informal interview or as the first impression to potential employers. Public transportation is highly suggested. The site is very metro accessible (Orange/Blue Line McPherson Square Metro Station).

Attire:Business Professional

Ninth Annual CBC Networking and Alumni Receptionsponsored by Reed Smith, LLP

Since 1968, NBLSA has united many social engineers under one common bond of Striving To Balance. In celebration of NBLSA’s success, we will host our Ninth Annual CBC Networking and Alumni Reception at Reed Smith (1301 K Street, NW) on Friday, September 21, 2012 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and NBLSA Alumni will provide remarks on the outstanding impact NBLSA has made and shed light on areas we can continue to address.

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Saturday, September 22, 2012

Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat NBLSA’s Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat provides an opportunity for current and future chapter leaders to connect with national leadership and discuss best practices for fundraising, chapter management, and implementing NBLSA programming.  Our panels addressing career paths and professional development help participants explore programming possibilities. The panels addressing advocacy initiatives equip our members with knowledge and connections to be effective social engineers.

This Year's Programming

Breakout Session 1 | We L.E.A.D. (Leadership Exploration and Development)

• The Total Money Makeover: Ensuring Your Chapter's Financial Fitness - Budgeting, Fundraising & Sponsorship

• iMembership: Recruiting, Communicating, and Connecting with Your Members - Chapter & Membership Development

• NBLSA Cares: Essentials to Planning a Successful Community Service Event and Navigating the Chapter of the Year Application Process - Community Service & Becoming the Chapter of the Year

• Cordially Invited: Learning the Elements of Strategic Event Planning and Organizational Leadership - Pragmatic Programming & Organizational Leadership

Breakout Session 2 | S.T.E.P. Up! (Striving Towards Excellence in Programming)

• STILL Waiting for Superman: Educational Inequality--America's Kryptonite Educational Inequality (K-12)

• deVOTEd: The Ballot or the Bullet--Obstacles to Exercising Your Right to Vote

• Each One, Reach One: Mentorship and Mobility--The Importance of The Minority Mentoring Movement

What to Expect: Legal professionals and NBLSA leaders will lead panels to educate members on NBLSA programming. Attendees will have the opportunity to dialogue with their colleagues regarding various challenges that arise when implementing NBLSA’s programming. We highly encourage attendees to BRING BUSINESS CARDS. This event may serve as an informal interview or as the first impression to potential employers. Public transportation is highly suggested. The site is very metro accessible (Red Line Union Station or Judiciary Square Metro Station).

Attire:Business Professional

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DC Monument ToursRegistrants will be taken on a highly engaging tour through the heart of the National Mall with stories, hidden secrets and historical information. The walking tour will stop at the Washington Monument, National World War II Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial. The tour will also pay homage to NBLSA’s theme of Enhancing The Dream, by stopping at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Additionally, the US Capitol Building, White House, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial will be covered from afar.

What to Expect: Attendees will meet at the host hotel and take a metro over to the starting point of the tour. At that time, a guide will take the group on a walking tour through our Nation’s historical sites.

Attire: Casual/Summer clothesComfortable shoes

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Networking & Social Events | September 19 - 21

NBLSA hosts several events during CBC-ALC to help NBLSA members build relationships and extend their personal network. On September 20th, connect with other professionals over cocktails at NBLSA’s CBC Happy Hour at Bar 7. On September 21st, interact with members of Congress, attorneys, alumni and fellow law students at NBLSA’s 9th Annual CBC Networking & Alumni Reception. Following NBLSA’s reception, network with emerging leaders and celebrate IMPACT's Preview ’12 at the St. Regis Hotel. Throughout CBC weekend, NBLSA will host a social event every night that provides all registrants complimentary admission before midnight. Register here.

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Ladies | Cocktail AttireNO Sneakers

Gents | Most sneakers are not allowedNO SHORTSNO HATS

Registration for CBC weekend on the NBLSA site will secure your place for all social events.

Attire: GQ | Sophisticated Chic

NBLSA CBC Socials

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General Metro Information

Each person needs his/her own farecard or pass to ride Metrorail. A pass or farecard cannot be shared with another person. Farecards hold between $2.70 and $45 and are available at fare vending machines in Metrorail stations. For more information on purchasing farecards, see farecard purchasing instructions. You can also buy farecards worth $10 or $20 online.

Customers can also purchase a SmarTrip card, which is a permanent, rechargeable farecard. It's plastic, like a credit card, and is embedded with a special computer chip that keeps track of the value of the card. SmarTrip® cards are usable on either bus or rail and must be used to pay for parking at Metrorail stations. SmarTrip cards save you a $1 surcharge per metro rail ride.

If you need help determining how much fare you'll need, use Metro’s Trip Planner. Not only can it help you plan your trip, including rail/bus information and walking directions, it will also tell you how much your trip will cost.

$14 One Day Pass

With a One Day Pass, you can ride Metrorail as much as you want in a day. It's good on weekdays and all day on weekends and federal holidays. Buy online or at any Metro station from a Passes/Farecards machine.

www.wmata.com has interactive map information as well as a trip planning tool.

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Hours of Operation

! Stations open at: " " 5 a.m. – Monday – Friday" " 7 a.m. – Saturday – Sunday

" Stations close at: " Midnight – Sunday – Thursday" " 3 a.m. – Friday & Saturday

For More Information

! Customer Assistance! ! Please call (202)-637-1328"

" Customer Information" " Please call (202) 637-7000

GETTING AROUND IN DCCirculator InformationThe DC Circulator is a bus system in Washington, DC. The DC Circulator buses are similar to shuttles since they operate on a predictable fixed route and schedule, and run between the city's main attractions and most popular neighborhoods for visitors. With buses arriving every 10 minutes and fares costing just $1, the Circulator is an easy choice for getting around the District.

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DC METRORAIL MAP

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LODGING INFORMATIONThe official NBLSA CBC-ALC Hotel is the Washington Court Hotel. This Hotel is conveniently located within a few metro stops of most of our programming.

Washington Court Hotel

!Directions to the hotel from Reagan (DCA) Airport using the metro:

1. Take the Yellow Line toward Fort Totten or Green Line towards Greenbelt from Reagan Airport to Chinatown/Gallery Place

2. Transfer to the Red Line towards Glenmont3. Take Red Line to Union Station4. Exit station5. Head west toward 1st St NE6. Turn left toward E St NE7. Turn right toward E St NE8. Turn right onto E St NE9. Turn right onto New Jersey Ave NW10. Hotel will be on the right

Directions to the hotel from BWI Airport using the metro:1. Take the MARC train from BWI Rail Station to Washington's Union Station.2. Exit station3. Head west toward 1st St NE4. Turn left toward E St NE5. Turn right toward E St NE6. Turn right onto E St NE7. Turn right onto New Jersey Ave NW8. Hotel will be on the right

Alternative Transportation MethodsSupershuttle: This is probably the most cost effective means of transportation from the airport other than the metro system. www.supershuttle.comCabs: Taxi Cabs are plentiful in the Washington DC area, but many are cash only. This may be costly especially if you arrive during rush hour traffic (7:00 AM - 9:30 AM or 4:30 PM -7:00 PM. Monday - Friday).Car Rentals: All of the surrounding airports have car rental facilities at the airport, however, parking costs should be taken into consideration if choosing this method.

525 New Jersey Ave, NWWashington, DC 20001202-628-2100Metro: Judiciary Square Metro Station (Red Line) or Union Station (Red Line)"

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EXCITING PLACES TO EAT & DRINK DURING CBC WEEKEND

Aria Pizzeria & Bar $$1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW(202) 312-1250DINING ROOMMon - Thur: 11:30am – 9:00pm Fri: 11:30am – 10:00pmSat (Dinner Only): 5pm – 10pmWALK-UP WINDOWMon – Fri: 11:30am – 2:00pmHOURS OF HAPPINESSMon – Fri: 4:00pm – Close

Au Bon Pain $700 13th St NW(202) 639-0846Mon - Fri 6:00am - 8:00pm Sat 8:00am - 4:00pm Sun: CLOSED

Ben’s Chili Bowl $1213 U Street. NW(202) 667 0909Mon-Fri 6:00am - 4:00amSat 7:00am - 4:00amSun 11:00am - 11:00pm

Carmine’s Restaurant (Italian) $$425 7th St NW(202) 737-7770Sun - Thur: 11:30am – 10:00pm Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 11:00pm

$: " " $20 and under$$:" " $30 and under$$$:! " $31 - $50

**All locations are walking distance from the hotel.

Ceiba Restaurant $$$701 14th St NW(202) 393-3983Mon - FriLunch: 11:30am - 2:30pm   Mon - ThurDinner: 5:30pm - 10:30pmFriday and SaturdayDinner: 5:30pm - 11:00pm Sunday Dinner: 5:00pm - 9:00pm Bar & Lounge:Mon - Thurs11:30am - 11:30pm Friday11:30am - 12:00amSaturday 3:00pm - 12:00amSunday4:00pm - 9:00pm **Late night happy hour 9:30pm/10:00 pm (weekends) to close

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Chipotle Mexican Grill $50 Massachusetts Ave, NE(202) 706-5935Mon – Sun: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Chop’t Creative Salad Company $50 Massachusetts Ave, NE(202) 688-0330Mon – Fri: 10:30 am – 10:00 pmSat & Sun: 11:00am – 10:00pm

The Oceanaire Seafood Room $$$1201 F St NW(202) 347-2277Lunch Hours Mon - Fri: 11:30am – 5:00pm

Dinner HoursMon - Thur: 5:00pm -10:00pmFri - Sat: 5:00pm -11:00pmSun: 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Eatonville $2121 14th Street Northwest(202) 332 9672Mon-Sat 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5:00pm - 11:30pmSun 10:00am - 3:00pm, 5:00pm - 11:30pm

Ping Pong Dim Sum $900 7th Street, NW(202) 506-3740

Mon – Fri: 11:30 am – 11:00 pmFri & Sat: 11:30 am – MidnightSun: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Fire & Sage $$775 12th St NW(202) 661-8925Daily 6:30am – 12:30am Breakfast available 6:30am – 11:00am

Vapiano’s $623-625 H Street, NW(202) 621-7636Mon - Thurs: 11:00am – 11:00pmFri & Sat: 11:00 am – 1:00amSun: Noon – 10:00pm

Funxion $1309 F St NW(202) 386-9466Mon – Thurs: 10:00am – 10:00pmFriday & Saturday: 10:00am – 6:00am

Zengo $$781 7th St NW(202)-393-2929Lunch: Mon – Fri: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Dinner: Sun –Thur: 5:00pm -10:00pm; Fri – Sat: 5:00pm -11:30 pm; Sun: Closed

Lounge: Mon – Thur: 3:00pm -11:00pm; Fri: 3:00pm - 1:30am; Sat: 5:00pm - 1:30am

McCormick & Schmicks $$$600 13th St NW(202) 347-1500Mon - Thur: 11:30am - 12:00amFri: 11:30am - 12:00amSat: 4:00pm - 12:00amSun: 3:00pm - 12:00am

$: " " $20 and under$$:" " $30 and under$$$:! " $31 - $50

**All locations are walking distance from the hotel.