WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Black Caucus of States Institute (NBCSI) and its Task Force on Financial Literacy (FLTF) will convene the 3rd Annual National Symposium on Financial Literacy on February 23rd at the National Press Club, Washington, DC. Black State Legislators from across the nation will lead a series of expert panelist in discussions that examine the status of financial literacy education and the policies that promote the development of personal finance skills and decision- making in the areas of debt, credit, homeownership, business ownership and savings & investments. Community, faith-based, business and governmental organizations have been invited to attend the daylong symposium. The goal of the Symposium is to bring this leadership together to commit to further action, to improve the policies, to expand the research and lead the effort to transform the policies and trends to bring about greater personal financial and economic success to African American families and communities.
In addition to the full day agenda, NBCSI will convene a national press conference to announce five initiatives focused on Financial Literacy and Asset Building. They include a new partnership with the Consumer Federation of America - America Saves (CFSA) to work in several states and develop local partners to bank the unbanked, release of a CD on Understanding Your Credit Score co-partnered with Fair Isaac; partnership with CFSA to expand a program to inform legislators and community organizations about credit; announcement of a new web-based resource directory for legislators on Financial Literacy and Asset Building Legislation and Policy that was funded in part through a grant through the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the announcement of the 2007 recipients of the Pillars of Excellence award-NBCSI's premiere recognition awarded to individuals and organizations for their exemplary vision and work in Financial Literacy and Asset Building.
Barbara M. Blackmon, President of NBCSI and former State Senator from Mississippi stated that, "the Symposium comes at a time where research indicates that Black families across the nation are in an economic crisis -- significant lower credit scores, living pay check to pay check, and burdened with high debt and interest rates on credit cards and home loans. These challenging times are further fueled by the record low number of home ownership and rising foreclosures, limited assets and savings where families are left without safety nets in times of financial trouble. The time is right for our organization to once again take a leadership role in seeking solutions to these issues."
While these issues are complex with no quick fix solutions, over the past few years, nearly fifty proposals have been introduced across the country to advance financial literacy education at the state level. We are proud to say that the NBCSI Financial Literacy and Asset Building Task Force members are leading the way. Representatives Jerry Govan, SC; Karen Yabrough, IL; Fred Strahorn, OH; Larry Bell, NC; Marlow Colvin, IL; Rosemary Marshall, CO; Virgil Fludd, GA; Assemblymen Darryl Towns, NY and Assemblyman Jerome Horton, CA. have raised the bar by introducing legislation calling for financial literacy education in the public schools, expanding policy initiatives at the state level and adopting resolutions to raise the visibility of financial literacy education throughout their respective states. "It is their leadership and commitment that drives NBCSI to seek new opportunities, partnerships and forums to assist in bringing the programs and resources to enable financial education to reach all corners of the African American community." said Linda Wallace, NBCSI Executive Director.
The Symposium is free and is open to the public. Registration is required and seating is limited. To learn more or to register for the Symposium please contact NBCSI +1-919-620-8878.
The National Black Caucus of States Institute (NBCSI) is a 501(c) 3, non partisan organization with a mission to serve as resource arm for policy makers to improve the policies and delivery of services to African American communities. NBCSI's key program focus is in community economics, which includes the areas of Financial Literacy Education, Credit, Savings & Investments and Asset Building. To fulfill its mission, NBCSI convenes symposiums and forums, conducts research, serves as a resource center for distribution of information, raises the visibility of issues, expands partnerships and identifies best practices that can be replicated in African American communities throughout the country. NBCSI is guided by a distinguished and diverse Board of Directors.
National Black Caucus of States Institute
