Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 6 March 2003 — Page 31

BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION BUYS $3 MILLION D.C. OFFICES

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) has acquired a new, permanent headquarters in a prestigious location with the recent purchase of a building and property designated as a historic landmark. The property, at 1720 Massachusetts Ave. in northwest Washington, D.C., is a five-level, 10,000 square-foot, brick and masonry structure surrounded by embassies and “think tanks,” such as the Brookings Institution, The Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, the Embassy of The Republic of Uzbekistan and the Embassy of Chile. “The acquisition of this structure further affirms the permanence and seriousness with which we regard the growth and development of the CBCF as an important national

resource,” said CBCF Board Chairman Rep. William J. Jefferson (DLa.). “We are delighted that we will have a larger home and that we have made an investment that will yield dividends both for the institution and for the larger community,” He added. The property was purchased at a closing price of $3.3 million. Robert L. Johnson, founder and CEO of Black Entertainment Television (BET), provided essential financial assistance for the purchase. Johnson will also be spearheading the effort to retire the CBCF mortgage on the new headquarters building. iThe Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is in a position to build a world-class organization and this new building moves the foundation one step closer to that goal. My involvement in this process signifies that I am

fully committed to helping that process move forward,! he said. CBCF has also changed its logo to reflect the new leadership and direction of the organization. The abstract symbols that now make up the logo represent the foundatioms global emphasis and its focus on the future. iThis is a significant undertaking for the foundation.! said CBCF President Weldon J. Rougeau. ilt gives us the capacity we need to pursue our strategic objectives in the areas of education, economic development, public health and African Globalism. It also gives us the opportunity to more easily interact and collaborate with other public policy organizations and to serve as a conduit for policyoriented information to the African American community.! The CBCF was

established as a nonprofit corporation in 1976. It was initially created to address the underrepresentation of African American professionals * in congressional offices. In its early history, the organization also established an internship program that allowed

young people to gain knowledge and experience about the inner-workings of Capitol Hill. The foundation has evolved into a multifaceted, international public policy organization with an emphasis on education, economic development, and public health.

CRIME PREVENTION GROUP OFFERS SAFETY TIPS

INDIANAPOLIS— Homeland security begins with hometown security, says Col. Scott Minier of the Indiana Crime Prevention Coalition. “Connecting the dots requires citizens and law enforcement to know normal routines to help them spot anything, out-of-place...and then to take seriously threatening conduct or suspicious activities,” he said. Minier said federal, state and local agencies

are working more closely than ever to prevent crime and terrorism, but there are things average citizens can do. ICPC is offering a free 24-page booklet titled “United for a Stronger America: Citizens” Preparedness Guide! published by the U.S. Department of Justice, USA Freedom Corps and National Crijne Prevention Council. Minier emphasized that these steps will help safeguard homes, schools,

workplaces and neighborhoods from other crimes as well: • Know the routines. Be alert during daily business. Learn the normal routines of your neighborhood and workplace. Know your neighbors at home or while traveling. This will help you spot anything out of place. Spot the unusual. Knowing what’s normal will help you spot what’s not. Be on the lookout for

suspicious vehicles, persons, activities and packages. Remember, even conversations can be good indicators of criminal activity. Take suspicions seriously. You have a great ally in human nature or “gut feelings.” If it doesnft seem right, it might not be. Itis natural to secondguess suspicions of criminal activity. When in doubt, err on the side of safety. Report it to authorities, especially if

you hear someone brag about harming others or claiming membership in a violent organization. For a free, single copy of “United for a Stronger America: Citizens” preparedness Guide,” call ICPC toll-free at 800-241-BITE or write: ICPC, 1229 North Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN. 46202.