Norton's Congressional Black Caucus Forum on Stopping the Decline of Marriage for Blacks (9/17/09)
Norton's Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Forum on Stopping the Decline of Marriage among Blacks to Foster Frank Discussion
WASHINGTON, DC - "Single Women, Unmarried Men: What Has Happened to Marriage in the Black Community" will be the topic of discussion on Thursday, September 24, 1-3 p.m., Walter E. Washington Convention Center, room 140-B, when Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton convenes her forum during the 39th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Conference. "For centuries the family was central to African-American survival in our country. However, in recent decades, we have seen a precipitous decline in marriage, and with it, family life itself," Norton said. "What is needed is a no-holds barred discussion of why never-married Black men and women are becoming something of a norm in our community, and what keeps Black men and women from viewing marriage as a natural and desirable stage in their lives." Audrey Chapman, host of the popular "Audrey Chapman Show" on WHUR radio, and Dr. Shane Perrault, psychologist and coach, and founder of African American Counseling, will lead a discussion with the audience on issues such as why so many young people opt out of marriage; how to bring into equilibrium the growing pool of "marriageable" Black women and the diminished pool of comparable Black men, deemed ineligible because of poor education, joblessness, felony records and similar issues. Norton said Whites are going in the same direction, but with far fewer never-married individuals. The forum is free and open to the public.
WHO: Congresswoman Norton, relationship expert Audrey Chapman, and Dr. Shane Perrault
WHAT: "Single Women, Unmarried Men: What Has Happened to Marriage in The Black Community" forum
WHEN: Thurs., Sept. 24, 1-3 p.m.
WHERE: Washington Convention Center, room 140-B located at 801 Mount Vernon Pl., N.W.