Elected Officials and Community Leaders to Discuss Policy Priorities
Join us on Friday and Saturday, September 5–6, 2025 when the African American Leadership Institute – DFW (AALI-DFW) will host the 9th Annual Fall Policy Summit at Paul Quinn College. The Summit brings together African American leaders and community stakeholders to examine critical issues impacting Black Texans. Elected officials and community leaders will host interactive sessions designed to deliver critical information to attendees, which will empower them to engage local leaders and work collaboratively to develop lasting policy solutions.
AALI-DFW’s goal is to advance viable policy recommendations in six key areas: civic engagement, criminal justice, economic development, education, health and housing. Each of these focus areas are chaired by the following local elected officials and community leaders:
- Civic Engagement – Former Dallas City Councilmember Casey Thomas
- Criminal Justice – Judge Mike Jones and Constable Eddie Brown
- Economic Development – Texas State Senator Royce West
- Education –Texas State Representative Aicha Davis
- Healthcare –Texas State Representative Toni Rose
- Housing – Former Dallas City Council Member Erik Wilson
Friday, September 5th, we will host a Healthcare Day in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Texas State Representative Toni Rose to address the concerns and issues related to a healthy mind, body and spirit. From 9am until 2pm, specialists will provide support for chronic illnesses, screenings, nutrition and other conditions and information to address them both now and in the future.
On Saturday, September 6th, we will focus on identifying solutions surrounding community concerns. Education, Civic Engagement, Criminal Justice, Economic Development, Housing and Healthcare with the goals of collaborating with other social justice partners to promote continued involvement in these areas for long term solutions.
This year’s opening address will be delivered by Lorie Blair, City Council Member – District 8, City of Dallas (TX).
AALI-DFW is designed to provide elected officials with a vehicle to discuss policy issues with the community and establish priorities for our cities, schools, state and federal governmental bodies. Additionally, AALIDFW hosts workshops throughout the year for elected officials and community leaders with a focus on public policy development and community relations. AALIDFW also serves as a platform to elevate, educate and empower young people by creating relationships between present and future leaders.
- Texas State Senator Royce West
- Texas State Representative Toni Rose
- AALI Executive Director Maurice West
African American Leadership Institute – DFW
Fall Policy Summit Agenda
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
T i m e : 8:00 A M – 3:45 P M
Location: Paul Quinn College
Isabell and Comer Cottrell Student Union Building
3837 Simpson-Stuart Road
Dallas, Texas 75241
www.aalidfw.com
AGENDA
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
• Remarks from Chairman Benn and M. West
• Overview of the day’s agenda
• Housekeeping and logistics
8:30 A M – 9:30 A M
Housing Panel Discussion
Topic: Housing Equity…………What is the best use of it?
Description: 45-minute panel with Q&A to follow
9:35 AM – 10:35 AM
Criminal Justice Panel Discussion
Topic: Criminal Justice and Mental Health
Description: 45-minute panel with Q&A to follow
10:40 AM – 11:40 AM
Economic Development Panel Discussion
Topic: Growing a Blue Zone below I-30
Description: 45-minute panel with Q&A to follow
11:45 AM – 12:05 PM
Healthcare Recap & Report (Condensed Session)
Topic: Healthcare Concerns
12:05 PM – 12:30 PM
Lunch and Networking
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Legislative Session Updates
Speaker: Senator Royce West, Texas State Representatives Bowers, Collier, Davis, Jones, Rose
Description: Description: 60-minute panel with Q&A to follow
1:35 PM – 2:35 PM
Civic Engagement Panel Discussion
Topic: Now that the legislative session is over, where do we go from here?
Description: Description: 45-minute panel with Q&A to follow
2:40 PM – 3:40 PM
Education Panel Discussion
Topic: Community and Legislative Issues that are affecting Texans
Description: Description: 45-minute panel with Q&Ato follow
