Angela Rye standing

Angela Rye

The Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Dinner is sold out. A waiting list is available by calling (309) 438-8790. 

Some tickets are still available for Illinois State University students who are meal plan holders. Students can contact housing at Housing@IllinoisState.edu.

Rye is principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, a political advocacy firm in the nation’s capital. A political commentator for CNN, she also provides analysis for NPR. Rye has been featured as an influential politico, lawyer, and advocate by several publications and outlets from Marie Claire to Ebony and the Washington Post.

Known for her political strategy savvy , she has spoken on BET, CNN, NBC, HBO, ABC, MSNBC, and TV One. The depth of her dialogue ranges from political campaigns to more complex legislation and administration policies that have long-term implications nationally and internationally.

Rye currently serves on the boards of the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee (CBCPAC), the Seattle University School of Law Alumni, Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network, Inclusv, and Wilberforce University. She is a member of The Links, Inc.; National Bar Association; American Bar Association; and the Washington Government Relations Group.

She served as the executive director and general counsel to the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) for the 112th Congress. In her role as executive director, Rye was tasked with developing the overall legislative and political strategy for the Caucus. Prior to working for the CBC, she served as senior advisor and counsel to the House Committee on Homeland Security under the leadership of Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. Upon moving to the nation’s Capital, Rye co-founded IMPACT, a nonprofit organization that seeks to encourage young professionals in three core areas: economic empowerment, civic engagement, and political involvement.

This event is presented by Office of the President, University Housing Services, ISU Student Chapter of NAACP, and the Association of Residence Halls.