Lawson hosted “FAMU Made: From Mayor to Main Street,” on Friday, September 14. The issues forum examined the role that FAMU played in preparing the mayors for leadership.
“Mayors are leading the way at a time when politics have become divisive and require local leaders to find innovative ways to tackle America’s most difficult and pressing challenges,” Lawson said. “These men and women are strengthening our communities, building our economy and developing pathways for a brighter tomorrow. FAMU has distinguished itself from other institutions with its premier academic programs and set the foundation for individuals, like these mayors, to make their marks on the world.”
The FAMU Made: From Mayor to Mainstreet panelists were: Mayor Booker Gainor IV, Cairo, Ga.; Mayor Oliver Gilbert, Miami Gardens, Fla.; Deana Holiday Ingraham, East Point, Ga.; Mayor Marcus Knight, Lancaster, Texas; and Mayor Melvin Carter, III, St. Paul, Minn.
Keneshia Grant, assistant professor of political science at Howard University and FAMU alumna, served as the moderator.
Lawson represents Florida’s 5th Congressional District, which includes Florida A&M University. Lawson, who is finishing up his first term in Congress, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 1970 from FAMU. He serves as ranking member of the Health and Technology Subcommittee of the House Small Business Committee, and on the House Committee on Agriculture.
The CBCF Annual Legislative Conference attracts nearly 30,000 participants each year from throughout the nation and is widely regarded as the leading public policy conferences discussing issues of concern to African-Americans.