DALLAS -- Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, former United States Senator Carol Moseley Braun will be one of the featured speakers to participate in the 6th Biennial African American Legislative Summit. Hosted by State Senator Royce West (D-Dallas) and State Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston), the Summit kicks off Thursday February 26, 2004 and continues through Saturday, February 28 in Austin, Texas. Most recently, Ambassador Moseley Braun was a presidential candidate for the 2004 Democratic primary.

"Americans across the country are bound together by common concerns for jobs, health care and quality education," said Ambassador Moseley Braun. "America is at a crossroads and we must take this opportunity to lead the country towards peace, progress and prosperity. My Presidential bid was informed by these and other factors and I look forward to discussing my campaign experiences and for the opportunity to engage in an exchange of ideas with my friends in Texas."

Austin native, former Dallas Mayor and 2002 U.S. Senatorial Candidate Ron Kirk will be the featured speaker for the Saturday evening banquet beginning at 7:30 p.m. Nationally known minister, Pastor Frederick D. Haynes III of the Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas will speak at the Youth Luncheon at noon on Saturday. And Rev. Ralph West, pastor of the Brookhollow Church Without Walls in Houston will highlight Saturday morning's Prayer Breakfast. The time is 7:30 am.

"It is indeed a great opportunity for African Americans across this state to have in our midst one of this country's most dynamic public figures. Ambassador Moseley Braun has had the unique experience of serving in the U.S. Senate and is a trailblazer in that and many other respects," said Senator West. "Needless to say, Austin's favorite son Ron Kirk is no stranger to Texas politics. I am happy that both he and Pastor Haynes have chosen to again join us. And we welcome for the first time, Pastor Ralph West. I'm hopeful that citizens in this critical election year, will come to Austin in record numbers to better equip themselves for what lies ahead."

The Saturday Prayer Breakfast, Youth Luncheon and Closing Banquet will take place at the Austin Capital Marriott, at 701 E. 11th St. Ambassador Moseley Braun's Friday afternoon address will be held in the Capital Extension Auditorium, scheduled for 2:15 p.m.

The African American Legislative Summit is held every two years when the Legislature is not in Regular Session. The Summit gives citizens the opportunity to meet and speak with state elected officials on issues of statewide and national importance. Panels scheduled for Friday and Saturday will discuss topics such as the reorganization of Texas' health care agencies, the state's response to Homeland Security efforts, and President Bush's faith-based initiatives.

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