“Restoring America’s Cities: Black Mayors at the Forefront of Revitalization”
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On 
Monday, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell hosted a panel discussion as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The panel, titled “Restoring America’s Cities: Black Mayors at the Forefront of Revitalization” was moderated by renowned journalist Roland Martin.
Panelists included: Julian Castro, Secretary of HUD
William Bell, Mayor of Birmingham
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor of Baltimore, Md.
George Evans, Mayor of Selma
Stephen K. Benjamin, Mayor of Columbia, S,C.
Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor of Gary, In.
Michael B. Coleman, Mayor of Columbus, Ohio
Valarie J. Allen, Partner at Ballard Spahr LLP
“The Annual Legislative Conference provides an outlet to highlight the mission of CBCF to develop leaders, to inform policy and to educate the public,” Congresswoman Sewell stated.
“I was pleased to host such a dynamic panel of distinguished mayors from across this nation. It was an honor to have HUD Secretary Julian Castro join us to offer his unique perspective as a both a former Mayor and now a part of the Obama administration. Cities across America are experiencing a renewal and many Black Mayors are at the forefront of this revitalization. Despite federal budget constraints and political gridlock, it was clear from today’s panel that these visionary Black Mayors have found a way to leverage public/private partnerships and innovative financing solutions to revive their cities.”
