Photo credit: CBCF
The CBCF 55th Annual Legislative Conference officially gets underway Wednesday in Washington, D.C., bringing together lawmakers, advocates, academics, activists and community leaders for five days of conversations focused on the future of Black communities.
Hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the conference runs from September 16 through September 20 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This year’s theme, “Rooted, Ready and Rising,” also marks the CBCF’s 50th anniversary.
The opening day puts policy, leadership and community engagement at the center of the conversation.
Opening day begins with key voices
The conference’s first major media event is the Opening Press Conference, scheduled for Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET. The event follows the CBC Spouses Community Breakfast and Health Fair, which begins at 7:30 a.m.
Congresswoman Terri Sewell, CBCF Board Chair, CBC Chair Yvette Clarke, CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery, and ALC honorary co-chairs Congresswoman Alma Adams and Congressman Glenn Ivey are among the leaders scheduled to participate.
The opening press conference provides an early look at the issues expected to shape the five-day gathering.
CBCF says ALC 55 will feature more than 100 issue forums, brain trust sessions and other discussions. The organization describes the conference as a major gathering for policy conversations affecting Black communities and the broader nation.
This year’s theme looks to the future
“Rooted, Ready and Rising” connects the conference’s current policy discussions with CBCF’s five decades of work.
The organization was established in 1976 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. CBCF says the conference theme recognizes the history behind the organization while looking toward the next generation of leaders.
That focus is reflected across the conference’s major discussion areas.
One area, “Securing the Future,” examines political, economic, legal and institutional challenges. Another, “Protecting Our Freedoms,” focuses on civil rights, social justice and equal opportunity.
“Uplifting Our Culture” also brings cultural heritage and Black civic engagement into the conversation.
More than 100 conversations ahead
Following Wednesday’s opening events, attendees will have several opportunities to hear from lawmakers, policy experts and community leaders.
Thursday’s National Town Hall is scheduled for September 17 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET. The event will include political strategist Symone D. Sanders-Townsend and MS NOW senior Washington correspondent Eugene Daniels as moderators, with additional participants expected to be announced.
The National Town Hall will center on “Forward Together: The Black Policy Playbook for an Equitable America.” CBCF has also highlighted its resources on voting rights and the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais decision as part of the town hall’s policy resources.
The conference continues through Sunday, with signature events including the Day of Healing and Phoenix Awards.
For CBCF, ALC 55 is both a celebration of 50 years and an opportunity to bring current policy conversations into one space. As the conference opens today, the focus turns to the discussions, ideas and connections expected to shape the days ahead.
Source: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF).
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