Representative Bishop’s service on behalf of the great state of Georgia began when he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1977. In 1992, he was elected to represent Georgia’s second congressional District. Currently, he is serving his ninth term in Congress, while holding a number of leadership positions. He is Chairman of the Democratic House Task Force on Homeland Security and the Working Group on Defense of Physical Infrastructure and Natural Resources. Representative Bishop also serves as Senior Whip in the Majority Whip operation for the 111th Congress. Before going to Washington, he served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1977 to 1990 and in the Georgia Senate from 1991-1992. Throughout his career, Representative Bishop’s efforts have been recognized by several organizations including the Boy Scouts of America and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

As a leader among the fiscally responsible Democrats in Congress, Representative Bishop has dedicated his efforts to support social programs and policies that empower families and working Americans, provide tax relief during times of surplus budgets, and use targeted tax relief to promote economic growth during times of budget deficits. At the same time, he has supported measured, responsible tax cuts that support deficit reduction while preserving spending for key federal responsibilities. Representative Bishop affirms that the overarching goal for his public life is “seeking a higher, better quality of life for all citizens...”

As the Founder, President, and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, Inc., Ms. Xernona Clayton is a broadcast media pioneer and civil rights activist who continues to serve her community by highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans. In 1965, Ms. Clayton moved to Atlanta to work at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference where she worked closely with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She also traveled extensively with Mrs. Coretta Scott King on her nationwide tours. In 1967, she began her television career, when she became the south’s first African American to host her own television show. The Xernona Clayton Show was a regular feature on WAGA-TV, a CBS affiliate in Atlanta.

For close to 30 years, Ms. Clayton worked as a corporate executive at Turner Broadcasting, where she continued her fight against prejudice and bigotry and promoted racial understanding. As a testimony to her efforts, in 1968 the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan denounced the Klan, crediting Ms. Clayton as the influence for his change of heart. Throughout her career, Ms. Clayton has received accolades from many organizations and institutions, including the first Coretta Scott King Award from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Madam C. J. Walker Award from Ebony's Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communications. Among her most significant achievements is the creation of the Trumpet Awards, a prestigious event initiated by Turner Broadcasting in 1993, televised annually, and distributed internationally to over 185 countries around the world.

Shirley Clarke Franklin entered politics in the City of Atlanta as the Commissioner of Cultural Affairs for the first African American Mayor of Atlanta, Maynard Jackson. Ms. Franklin continued her service to the City of Atlanta as Chief Administrative Officer and City Manager for the subsequent mayor, Andrew Young, and during Mayor Jackson’s third term, remained as the city’s Executive Officer of Operations.

In 2001, Ms. Franklin was elected Mayor of Atlanta where she earned the distinction of becoming the first female mayor of a major city in the South. During her tenure, her accomplishments were heralded in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune magazine, Ebony magazine, Black Enterprise, and many other local and national publications. Governing Magazine named her the 2004 Public Official of the Year. In 2005, Time Magazine named Ms. Franklin one of the top five mayors in the country. She was also named one of “America’s Best Leaders” by U.S. News and World Report and the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Since leaving Atlanta’s city hall, one of Ms. Franklin’s new roles is grooming future women leaders. She currently serves as the 2010 – 2011 William and Camille Cosby Endowed Chair at Spellman College where she lectures about ethics, budgeting, conflict resolution, and the image of women in the media. In addition, Ms. Franklin sits on three non-profit boards and consults on a part-time basis with the Alliance for Digital Equality.

Congressman Meek's responsibilities and accomplishments are as broad as his talents and passions. He serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, where his voice is regularly heard on such paramount issues as trade, Social Security, Medicare, affordable public housing, child welfare, and job creation.

As an experienced legislator whose public service includes twelve years in the Florida House and Senate, Congressman Meek has left his mark on a diverse range of legislation. He secured major funding for the Miami Metrorail. He spearheaded an initiative to reduce school class size in Florida. He expanded the number of Medicare-supported physician residency training positions throughout the U.S. In short, his legislative accomplishments have improved the lives of millions.

Representative Meek's leadership extends into the international arena, as well. Since 2007, he has served on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly—one of only twelve members of Congress appointed to this important position. As the Congressman with the largest number of constituents of Haitian descent, he has been instrumental in passing legislation to address poverty and instability in this nearby neighbor.

Congressman Meek has rightfully been hailed as a rising star in American politics. His legacy burns brighter with each new day he serves in the House of Representatives.

Hill Harper is a familiar face to millions of Americans. He stars in the television series CSI:NY and has played major roles in some of the most critically acclaimed films of our generation. Through his celebrated work, Harper has continued the legacy of our nation's great African American performer.

Many of Hill Harper's finest accomplishments, however, have been forged off set. Harper is a role model for young Americans who aspire to improve themselves through education. He graduated from Brown University, then received Juris Doctor and Master of Public Administration degrees from Harvard.

These credentials paved the way for Harper to launch one of our nation's premier non-profit organizations serving young people: the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation. With a mission of empowering and inspiring underserved youth, the organization focuses on mentoring, internships, scholarships, community service, and small business support.

Harper is also the author of Letters to a Young Brother, a best-selling book that was named "Best Book for Young Adults" by the American Library Association. He also wrote the highly acclaimed follow-up, Letters to a Young Sister. These publications have received glowing reviews for reaching an audience that is largely disregarded by the publishing industry.

As a celebrated author and performer, Harper maintains a rigorous schedule of appearances—speaking at colleges and serving as guest of honor at many social events. He has emerged as one of the most compassionate, charismatic, and multi-talented leaders of his generation. For his countless endeavors and successes, Hill Harper is eminently worthy of the title of Nation Builder.

President-Elect Obama has committed to providing effective leadership to the nation and to creating the change we all aspire to achieve.

As an organizer on the south side of Chicago, President-Elect Obama learned from the community, shared his knowledge, and led by example. As a former NBCSL member, he served in the Illinois State Senate where he worked as a bi-partisan advocate for early childhood education and an earned income tax credit that provided tax relief to working families in Illinois. During his time as a United States Senator, President-Elect Obama fought on behalf of veteran’s benefits, government transparency, and for alternative fuels to lessen America’s dependence on foreign oil. His global perspective and bi-partisan approach has well-positioned him to lead the nation through this challenging time of change.

President-Elect Obama’s vision is focused on the well-being and success of working and middle class Americans through employment, education, the rebuilding of our economy, and reclaiming the American dream. He is committed to the creation of green jobs and ensuring that social security is available to this generation and future generations. He plans to bring American soldiers home safely, with the honor and support they deserve. Using a bi-partisan approach, he will re-establish America as the world’s leader in diplomacy and democracy.

Through a campaign that used emerging technologies to increase civic participation and inspired a new wave of volunteerism, service, and local leadership, President-Elect Obama has raised the bar. His presidential campaign served as a call to action to Americans of all races, from all backgrounds, who firmly embraced the value and power of our vote.

President-Elect Obama has committed to providing effective leadership to the nation and to creating the change we all aspire to achieve.

Former President William Jefferson Clinton is hailed as one of the most accomplished and visionary Presidents in American history. He led the United States through an extended period of peace and prosperity.

Rather than fade into history, President Clinton has intensified his efforts to make the world a better place. The William J. Clinton Foundation is a national and global leader in multiple landmark initiatives.

President Clinton has enjoyed a long, productive, and sincere relationship with the African American community as he rose to ever-higher levels of power within our government. Perhaps because of his upbringing in rural Arkansas, he has been able to identify with the struggles faced by countless African Americans and many of our country’s most vulnerable and disenfranchised populations

Today, President Clinton’s personal office is located in Harlem, New York—a symbol of the productive relationship he continues to enjoy with the African American community and its leaders. All Americans owe much to this man of principle—a man whose leadership continues to build a better, stronger and more equitable world.

In the 1970’s, a visionary newcomer to Washington D.C. began changing that city’s future. Marion Barryfounded the Free D.C. movement, and his pressure ledCongress to grant the District new powers of autonomy. After serving on the city’s first school board, Barry successfully ran for City Council, and then for Mayor in 1978. High crime rates, poor public health, broken infrastructure, rampant drug abuse, and a rising AIDS epidemic were just some of the challenges he faced. With a pragmatic and direct approach, however, Barry reversed the city’s fortunes. His landmark four terms in office transformed the nation’s capital, and he continues to serve the people today as a D.C. Council Representative.

As Chair of the Council of the District of Columbia, Ms. Linda Cropp has advanced an ambitious agenda to improve both the lives of her constituents and the experience of thousands of tourists who visit the nation's capital every year. In additional to expanding key community services such as a public transportation, she has introduced structural and legislative reforms that have streamlined government and saved taxpayers money. Her expertise in health care, housing, and welfare reform and renowned. Known as a skilled politician and consensus-builder, Ms. Cropp has re-elected three times by her constituents - an overwhelming endorsement of her effective leadership.