Monday morning, Florida Republican Allen West brought black officials and community leaders from around the country to Capitol Hill for discussions on issues regarding unemployment in the black community, conservative values, and social disparity in urban communities.
During the event, panel members also tackled the issue of the overall negative perception of black conservatives in the black community. Rep. West urged his African-American Republican brethren to be more vocal.
We "can't have this fear of standing up and saying who you are," he said.
Following the discussion, panelists fielded questions from audience members. On the same day thousands of anti-abortion activists are in DC for the 39th annual "March for Life," a few of the questions were about Planned Parenthood, with askers wanting lawmakers to help stop government funding for the organization.
Panel participants included:
• Rep. Tim Scott (R-SC)
• Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH)
• Former Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK)
• Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)