Norton to Attend U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Dinner at the White House Tonight

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will attend the inaugural U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and dinner at the White House tonight. The dinner will be hosted on the South Lawn of the White House at 6:45 p.m., and will be preceded by a toast and remarks by President Obama. The dinner will be a roundtable event, and is expected to draw more than 300 guests, with nearly 50 leaders from African nations. Before being elected to Congress, Norton was a leader in the Free South Africa Movement.

"Africa is quickly turning to economic issues, and this first summit of its kind is set to capture and expand that synergy with some of the fastest growing economies in the world," Norton said. "African leaders are working to create an environment that fosters the opportunity for growth their people, particularly their youth, deserve. I look forward to meeting with leaders and policymakers from all across Africa as we enjoy this historic event at the White House."

The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, scheduled to end on Wednesday, August 6, began last Friday with a meeting that honored the efforts of the faith communities in Africa. The overall theme of the summit is "Investing in the Next Generation," and most forums will feature discussions between policy leaders and established and emerging voices on economic growth and sustainability, climate change, women's issues, and health.