Davis speaks about working with the Congressional Black Caucus, shared interests with legislators and other leaders

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, Gary Davis, President and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, addressed the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s (CBCI) 21st Century Council meeting in Santa Monica. Mr. Davis’s address was entitled: “Using Media to Expand Our Reach: Building Coalitions to Move the Economic Development Conversation Forward.” His remarks focused on his background as an actor, musician, and entrepreneur and how those experiences have helped open the economic development conversation with Members of Congress, federal officials, corporate America, and others. Mr. Davis also touched on his work with the CBC, and in particular Congressman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who spoke at NCAIED’s “New Day Now” rally in front of the Capitol during June’s Reservation Economic Summit (RES) DC. Thompson is also the Chair of the CBCI’s Board of Directors.

“It was an honor and a privilege to speak to the Congressional Black Caucus Institute’s 21st Century Council Meeting,” said Davis. “I have worked closely with the CBC and many of its members over the last several years, and in particular with my friend Congressman Thompson. There are many issues in which our interests are aligned, and I hope we can continue to advance the economic development agenda for all minority communities in the years ahead. We should do this by starting those conversations by any means necessary – including through the media and entertainment.”

The theme of Mr. Davis’s remarks was appropriate given the setting in southern California, and his background as Little Bear in the Indian in the Cupboard and Bureau of Indian Affairs Secretary Michael Frost in Season 2 of the show House of Cards.  He encouraged attendees to be aggressive in getting their message across through all means of communication, and more importantly, working together to achieve economic goals. Mr. Davis noted this approach has led to significant collaboration with the Congressional Black Caucus on various issues important to Indian Country, from economic development opportunities to tribal recognition.

“Minority communities speak with a louder voice when we speak together,” Davis concluded.

The Congressional Black Caucus Institute, incorporated in 2000,  is a non-profit, non-partisan, social purpose organization operating under the IRS designation of 501 (c)(4).  Over the past 15 years, the CBC Institute has played a pivotal role in training the next generation of political leaders and providing voters with relevant information regarding issues in their communities. The Board of Directors is comprised of five Members of the Congressional Black Caucus and other dedicated professional leaders who represent academia, business, finance, law, labor and public and private organizations.

About the National Center: The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With over 40 years of assisting American Indian Tribes and their enterprises with business and economic development – we have evolved into the largest national Indian specific business organization in the nation. Our motto is: “We Mean Business For Indian Country” as we are actively engaged in helping Tribal Nations and Native business people realize their business goals and are dedicated to putting the whole of Indian Country to work to better the lives of American Indian people- both now… and for generations to come.