By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) kicked off their 53rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. on Sept. 11. Attendees from across the country and beyond have traveled to the nation’s capital to partake in the panel sessions, networking opportunities and social events planned Sept.11 to Sept. 15.
The opening ceremony featured several leaders and elected officials, including CBCF CEO and President, Nicole Austin-Hillery. The CBCF leader spoke on empowering the global Black community and taking action aligned with this year’s theme of “Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices.”
“We are carrying on with our mission of empowering the global Black community and we know that empowering the global Black community means creating opportunities, creating spaces and ensuring equity for all,” she said. “We refuse, as a community, to go backwards…we will achieve all of the visions for success that we have for our community in front of us.”
Attendees spoke with the AFRO about why they decided to attend the legislative conference.
“I’m a sponsor. I’m also Black and in government to a very large degree,” said Kwame Canty, managing director of external affairs for Edison Electric Institute.
“People from all over the world– from parliaments and governments from other countries– come here to learn and to hear some of the policy discussions. The diaspora isn’t just in the Americas–it’s all over the world and Black culture is all over the world,” Canty said. “It’s good to hear policy descriptions that germinate from different places.”
Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL-7) spoke on the organization’s commitment to empowering and advancing the Black community.
“We on the CBCF Board take seriously our mission to uplift, empower and advance the Black community. That’s exactly what #ALC53 is all about– it’s more than just a conference it’s a catalyst for change,” said Sewell. “In less than two months, we will have the opportunity to enter into a new chapter in America’s history in electing the first Black woman president of these United States.”
The ALC has always been a breeding ground for innovation and change. Many use the conference to encourage young women and men alike to get involved in politics.
“Within legislation we need a lot more young people that can be the voice for the future,” said Taylor Robinson, 29-year-old former CBCF fellow from Houston, Texas. “It’s important for people our age to be active within this space, to really talk about what’s happening in our communities, nationally and worldwide.”
Vendors at the event range from Black authors and designers to members of service organizations and researchers, such as David Asiamah, Ph.D. The research and content developer manager for the Black Wealth Data Center said Black data is imperative in creating policy for wealth equity.
“Until now, the data needed to fully understand racial wealth equity has been out-of-date, inaccessible, and difficult to find in a single location. This has made it difficult for policymakers and practitioners to leverage data to make decisions that affect Black communities,” said Asiamah. “That’s why Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Greenwood Initiative launched the Black Wealth Data Center to better inform research, investment decisions, and policies that support Black communities.”
Sessions that took place on day one of the event included a panel addressing an equitable approach to Black infertility and family building; a session titled, “AI and How It Can Be Leveraged by Small Businesses”; a discussion on DEI and children and a forum on how Project 2025 could impact Black women if implemented after the next presidential election.
In addition to the workshops, forums and panel discussions, a variety of both professional and social events will be held throughout the length of the conference, providing attendees with plenty of opportunity to brainstorm, empower one another and network.
“Through the CBCF I’ve met a plethora of people and I’m glad that I was able to expand myself and connect with a couple of people,” said Janelle Edge, a former CBCF fellow from Orlando, Fla. “The fellowship was great, I was able to learn how policy is actually implemented and know the logistics of different stakeholders. I learned how essential partnership is.”
This year the CBCF is partnering with Amazon to help make the conference possible. Several people from the retail conglomerate spoke about the importance of their company supporting the CBCF and all of their initiatives.
“Growing up in D.C. I had the privilege of attending CBC programs and it was in those spaces that I saw first hand how policy makers, community activists and corporations come together to address critical community challenges,” said Terreta Rodgers. “Much like the CBCF, Amazon believes that solving our complex issues requires collaboration, innovation and deep commitment to community. Whether it’s advancing social equity, supporting education, helping small businesses thrive or fostering social justice, we are proud to partner with organizations like the CBC to drive impactful solutions.”
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