Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL) is spearheading a Capitol Hill briefing on Tuesday June 9 at 4:30 p.m. to focus on the “Julia Carson Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act of 2009.” The briefing will be held in Room B-369 of the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C.

For the Illinois Congressman, the briefing represents a continuation of his work targeting Black males. Davis previously spearheaded the Congressional Black Caucus’ State of the African American Male (SAAM) initiative and was the lead sponsor of the landmark “Second Chance Act.” The latter was the first recognition by federal lawmakers that alternative means are necessary to address the challenges facing the formerly incarcerated. Davis’ attention is now turned to one of the issues generally acknowledged as a fundamental to the health and welfare of the Black community

The briefing will:

Identify complex factors—TANF Welfare Reform; EITC; child support; and criminal justice issues—associated with a web of policies affecting lower income minority families and communities of color, specifically non-custodial fathers and how black children are specifically affected by poverty and incarceration of a parent; and

Examine key provisions of the 111th Congress' “Julia Carson Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act of 2009” legislation, a national social infrastructure which supports effective fatherhood, that will be reintroduced the week of Father’s Day. Examine key provisions of the 111th “Julia Carson Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act of 2009” legislation, a national social infrastructure which supports effective fatherhood, that will be reintroduced the week of Father’s Day.

The late Julia Carson represented the 7th Congressional District in Indiana. Her son, Andre Carson, succeeded her and currently represents the district. He serves on the House Committee on Financial Services and is one of the invited panelists for the briefing. In addition, Joshua DuBois, White House Director of Religious Affairs; Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN); Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means; Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) and chair of the House Judiciary Committee; Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA) and member of the House Committee on Ways and Means; Rep. Artur Davis (D-AL) and member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, have been invited as panelists for the briefing.

Seating is limited so you must RSVP to secure your attendance. You must contact Helen Mitchell in the office of Rep. Danny K. Davis at Helen.Mitchell@mail.house.gov.