WASHINGTON DC – Sept. 8, 2006 – Two-time NBA All-Star Baron Davis of the Golden State Warriors participated in the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC today by honoring Hurricane Katrina heroes at a special lunch with other Congressional leaders. Davis also spoke on a panel with other legislators and experts to examine African-American health care.

Baron Davis speaks at the conference in Washington. NBAE

Davis presented awards alongside U.S. Representatives William Jefferson (D-LA) and Donna M. Christensen (D-VI), the Chair of the CBC Health Braintrust, and Tony Zook, CEO of Astrazeneca to several individuals for their work during the Hurricane Katrina aftermath and in the 12 months since to maintain and restore the healthcare system in the Gulf Coast at a luncheon in the Washington Convention Center. Congratulatory remarks were also given by Senator John Kerry (D-MA). In addition to the awards ceremony, a panel including Davis discussed the current situation in the Gulf region.

Following the luncheon, Davis participated in the CBC Health Braintrust panel before an audience of 500 people to examine the current state of African American health and strategize minority health care advocacy. The panel included Dr. Sandra Gadson, Immediate Past President of the National Medical Association; Debra Frazer-Howze, President and CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission of AIDS, Inc.; Dr. Lorraine Cole, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA USA; and Dr. Victor Scott, Howard University Hospital, among others.

Davis also attended the California Reception for the Congressional Black Caucus where three Congressional leaders were honored including: Congresswoman Juanita Millender McDonald, Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Congresswoman Diane E. Watson.

Davis’s participation stems from his commitment with his Foundation to impact the quality of life for underprivileged and at-risk youth and their families in the Oakland/San Francisco Bay area, New Orleans and Los Angeles communities. Through his Foundation’s efforts, he has raised more than $100,000 for Hurricane Katrina victims, held events for the Lincoln Child Center and Grandparents as Second Parents and serves as a spokesperson for LA’s Best (an after-school mentoring program) and the Professional Athletes Council: Driving America Healthy.

The CBC ALC is the premiere event in Washington, DC for the black community to engage in community related discussions with Members of Congress, business leaders, state and local officials from around the country, and celebrities. During this four-day event, more than 21,000 people participate in activities associated with it.