Congressional Black Caucus chairman to address minority business presence

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Cedric Richmond, U.S. Representative for Louisiana’s 2nd Congressional District, will speak at an invite-only engagement focused on improving the presence of minority businesses in the Greater Memphis Area. The meet-and-greet will take place from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on March 16, at The Crescent Club.

In addition to his congressional seat, Richmond serves as chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the political organization comprised of African-American members of Congress. For nearly 50 years, CBC has pursued a policy agenda that includes reforming the criminal justice system reform, combatting voter suppression, expanding access to world-class education, eliminating racial health disparities, strengthening protections for workers, and expanding access to capital, contracts, and counseling for minority-owned businesses, and more.

“It’s great to have Congressman Richmond in town to further shine the light on this important issue. We’ve worked to lead by example in this community when it comes to improving minority business performance — our first full fiscal year in MWBE contracting finished 60 percent ahead of the previous one. But it takes more than just City government to move this needle in Memphis, so the more attention to this issue, the better,” said Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland.

Since becoming chairman of CBC in 2017, Richmond has addressed engagement, economic and equity issues in the African-American community. At the upcoming event, hosted by The Redwing Group and Jerry Hall & Associates, he will discuss how private and public sectors can improve engagement with African-American businesses.

“This event is focused on moving the needle when it comes to developing partnerships between African-American businesses and the private sectors in Memphis. As an African-American-owned business, The Redwing Group is eager to hear Congressman Richmond’s recommendations and be a part of the next steps discussed,” said Ron Redwing, CEO at the Redwing Group, LLC.

“The time is now. Jerry Hall & Associates understands the value that minority-owned businesses bring to this city and we are committed to promoting partnerships in the Memphis business community. I look forward to hearing best practices for doing so from Congressman Richmond,” said Jerry Hall, president of Jerry Hall & Associates.

At a glance

Born and raised in New Orleans, Chairman Richmond is a strong believer in the value of mentorship in his hometown. He is a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, earned his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College, in Atlanta, and his Juris Doctorate from the Tulane University School of Law in New Orleans. Richmond is also a graduate of the Harvard University Executive Education Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.