Photo credit: Viola Davis
The 55th Annual Legislative Conference enters a major day on Saturday, September 19, with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation placing faith, service and leadership at the center of its programming.
The day features two of the conference’s signature events, the Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast and the annual Phoenix Awards Dinner. Both events are part of CBCF’s five-day gathering in Washington, D.C., which also marks the organization’s 50th anniversary.
Day of Healing opens Saturday
The Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast is scheduled for 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Doors open at 7 a.m., according to the official conference schedule.
The event continues a long-running CBCF tradition that brings faith leaders, public officials and community voices together around themes of healing and service.
Award-winning gospel artist John P. Kee is among the featured participants. Reverend Dr. George L. Parks Jr., senior pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, is also scheduled to take part.
Representatives Terri Sewell, Yvette Clarke, Alma Adams and Glenn Ivey, along with CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery, are also listed among the participants.
The Day of Healing has roots in the role faith played in Black communities during periods of social and political struggle. The Washington Informer reported that the event has continued to connect spiritual reflection with conversations about civic life and community action.
Phoenix Awards mark a milestone
Later Saturday, the spotlight shifts to the Phoenix Awards Dinner.
The event is scheduled for 7 to 9:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. A VIP pre-dinner reception is scheduled for 5 p.m., followed by an official after-party from 9:30 to 11 p.m.
This year’s Phoenix Awards carry additional significance because they mark the 50th presentation of the awards.
CBCF announced four 2026 honorees: EGOT winner Viola Davis, civil rights leader and former U.S. ambassador Andrew Young, former Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty and former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder.
Davis will receive the CBC Chair’s Award. Young will receive the CBCF Board Chair Award. Beatty will receive the CBC Body Award, while Wilder will receive the ALC Honorary Co-Chairs Award.
The honorees represent different areas of public life, including entertainment, civil rights, congressional leadership and government service.
A night tied to CBCF’s history
The Phoenix Awards also connect directly to CBCF’s 50th anniversary.
Established in 1976, CBCF has built programs focused on leadership development, public policy research, education and civic engagement. The foundation describes the ALC as its largest initiative, with the conference bringing together policymakers, advocates, professionals, students and other community leaders.
Saturday therefore gives ALC 55 a different rhythm from its policy forums earlier in the week.
The morning emphasizes faith and reflection. The evening recognizes individuals whose careers have shaped public life and culture.
Together, the events highlight the conference’s broader 2026 theme, “Rooted, Ready & Rising,” while CBCF marks five decades of its work.
As ALC 55 moves toward its final day, Saturday provides a moment to recognize both the people who helped shape the past and the institutions preparing for what comes next.
Source: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
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