By Doyal D'angelo Bolin
In a world where the voices of underrepresented communities often struggle to be heard, The Burton Family Foundation was proud to support the 2024 Arizona Delegation to the Congressional Black Caucus in September. The Leadership Consortium (TLC), which organizes the delegation, stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment.
Founded in 1999, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting leadership development among African American, Hispanic, and other communities of color. Through a diverse range of programs and initiatives, TLC is committed to enhancing the skills and capacities of its participants, fostering a new generation of leaders who are poised to effect meaningful change in their communities.
At the helm of TLC’s efforts is Michael Kelly, a tireless advocate for Black empowerment in Arizona. Kelly's influence can be seen in various initiatives, most notably the Community Alliance for Black Student Support, which later evolved into the Sankofa Leadership Institute in partnership with Arizona State University. This groundbreaking program focuses on the recruitment and retention of African American students, creating pathways to success that have far-reaching impacts. Kelly’s commitment to uplifting the Black community is further exemplified by his involvement in initiatives such as the Arizona Black Film Showcase and the Arizona Black Expo, where he has worked to elevate Black culture and history in Arizona.
In 2018, under Kelly's leadership, TLC launched the Black Brown and College Bound Program in collaboration with College Depot at Phoenix Public Library and the AKA Sorority. This program significantly expanded scholarship opportunities for African American and Hispanic students, providing crucial support to those aspiring to pursue higher education. The impact of this initiative is profound, as it not only addresses financial barriers but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among students.
One of TLC’s flagship initiatives, the Arizona Delegation to the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), has evolved into a vital platform for leadership development. First organized in 2014 with support from then-Councilwoman (now Mayor) Kate Gallego, this delegation has grown exponentially. This year, over 130 participants—including legislators, business leaders, medical professionals, educators, and students from local colleges—converged in Washington, D.C. This year’s event highlighted the strength and potential of Arizona’s African American community, showcasing leaders who are committed to growth.
The Arizona Delegation to the CBC offers students a transformative experience in civic engagement and political participation. Dr. Vernon Morris, who has taken part in the delegation for two years, describes the atmosphere as vibrant and exhilarating, noting the palpable energy that surrounds the convention center in Washington D.C.
For many students, it's their first time in Washington D.C. and potentially "the largest gathering of black folks that they've ever seen," Morris says. This is paired with the fact that many high profile professionals and leaders are in the room, and students are nudged to make connections with the attendees to improve their chances of building and leveraging social and professional capital.
Morris emphasizes the importance of active participation: "I'm trying to make sure that the students get connected - that they're not just standing there sort of off to the side in awe, but that they shake that off and then go shake some hands." A hands-on approach allows students to interact with heads of industry, government representatives, political leaders and renowned academics.
Morris also highlights sessions on "leveraging young talent across the diaspora" and discussions on the role of artificial intelligence in the black community as particularly impactful to him.
The CBC serves as more than just an annual trip; it's becoming an integral part of students' academic and professional development. "This shouldn't be an add-on. This should be part of what we do, more centered, part of what we do," Morris explains.
Looking to the future, Morris aims to deepen student involvement: "We're thinking about, how do we propose sessions for the next one so that students aren't just going and meeting people and listening in the sessions, but they're on the stage and they're sharing, and they're contributing as thinkers."
Ultimately, the AZ Delegation to the CBC is about inspiring action and fostering long-term civic engagement. As Morris puts it, it's about "making it part of the fabric of their experience, their total experience versus an event in their experience."
Building on the success of the CBC initiative, TLC took another significant step in 2024 by launching the Leadership Consortium Student Leadership Institute (TLC-SLI). This innovative program aims to empower students from local institutions including Arizona State University, South Mountain Community College, the University of Arizona. Supported and funded by The Burton Family Foundation along with sponsors such as Southwest Airlines, ASU, and Dr. Michele Halyard, the TLC-SLI offered comprehensive support for 21 students and their chaperones to attend the CBC in Washington, D.C, which serves as a way for students to learn of the most pressing governmental, social and political issues in the country that affect communities of color - teaching them the importance of staying involved and becoming leaders in their spaces.
Dr. Corinice Wilson (Tulsa Community College), Sonya Pearson (formerly of Mesa CC), and Vernon Morris (ASU West) played instrumental roles with their participation in the TLC-SLI, helping students get more from their experiences and further solidifying the organization's commitment to educational empowerment. Over the past three years, 24 students have participated in this program, which has provided invaluable opportunities for leadership development, policy analysis, and advocacy.
This year, student participants engaged in a range of activities, including a meeting with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and attending events like the Kickoff Breakfast sponsored by SRP. They networked with professionals at a lunch sponsored by APS to honor the legacy of Jean E. Fairfax, a prominent civil rights activist and distinguished educator, and participated in receptions and cultural experiences, including a tour of Howard University and visits to the White House and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. These experiences not only enhance students’ understanding of leadership and advocacy but also instill a deep appreciation for their cultural heritage.
As TLC continues to evolve, its commitment to sustainability and future leadership development is evident. TLC envisions a future where hundreds of individuals, regardless of their background, can engage meaningfully with the CBC and other platforms for political, social, and economic advancement.
The organization’s work is especially critical in addressing the challenges facing the Black community, from economic disparities and student loan debt to police reform and social justice issues.
Scholarship programs offered by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) further amplify these efforts, providing over 300 scholarships annually ranging from $3,000 to $70,000. These awards recognize students who demonstrate leadership through community service and academic achievement.
The Annual Legislative Conference, the largest convening of Black and African American elected officials, policymakers, and activists, fosters professional development and networking opportunities, empowering students to build relationships that extend beyond their academic environments.
Photos courtesy of The Leadership Consortium.