It was with great pleasure that Chairman Munisteri accepted an invitation to deliver the keynote address at the first annual Conservative Black Leaders’ Summit. The day-long summit, hosted by State Representative James White, took place on September 20th at the NASA Hilton hotel in Houston. The summit covered a variety of topics including economic empowerment, education reform and recruitment of future leaders. According to Representative White, “The summit presents the case that the American Dream is still achievable and reminds us that our ancestors taught us that a conservative lifestyle is the best way to avoid or escape poverty.”

 During his remarks, the Chairman reiterated the importance of minority engagement and what the changing demographics indicate relative to the future of the Republican Party in Texas. In addition to discussing the party’s ongoing engagement efforts, he praised the efforts of Bill Calhoun and the Texas Federation for Republican Outreach. Summit presenters included Bill Calhoun-Chairman of Voters for Prosperity,J.T. Edwards-SREC member, Bob Jones-former SREC member and Tommy Coleman-RPT Director of African American Engagement.

Calhoun, who helped to plan the event, stated, “This event would not have happened without the support of Representative White and the hard work of TFRO Vice Chairman Mona Lisa Chambers and her team of dedicated volunteers including our high school and college student leaders.” He added, “I especially want to thank Chairman Munisteri and each of our presenters for addressing the summit attendees and we look forward to hosting the summit in other parts of the state.” J.T. Edwards, who was recently elected to the SREC for SD11, served as both a co-host and the Master of Ceremony for the summit which was attended by almost 80 people from various parts of the State of Texas. There were also presentations from Rice University professor, Dr. Michael ClineEugene Ralph from Americans for Prosperity andAlan Graham of Mobile Loaves & Fishes that explored both the causes and cures of poverty. Bob Jones offered the closing address after he and Eugene Pack were recognized for the past service as members of the SREC.

If you are interested in getting involved with the engagement efforts of the Republican Party of Texas, please contact Tommy Coleman at tcoleman@texasgop.org or 512-477-9821.