“Rebuilding the American Dream”conference to feature historic discussion with seven Black state House speakers and one Black state Senate president, moderated by MSNBC’s Symone Sanders-Townsend
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) proudly announces its 48th Annual Legislative Conference, scheduled for December 2-7, 2024, at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. This event will gather over 500 African American state legislators, policymakers, and community leaders from across the nation to tackle pressing issues impacting Black communities, including health, education, transportation, labor policy, diversity and inclusion, and social justice.
“We very much look forward to hosting hundreds of state legislators to our upcoming conference because, now more than ever, we need to continue to engage in critical conversations and find creative solutions to ongoing challenges,” said LaKimba DeSadier, NBCSL Chief Executive Officer. “This year’s theme, ‘Rebuilding the American Dream,’ underscores our commitment to uniting state legislators as catalysts for change, striving to make this vision attainable for all, especially Black constituents.”
An historic highlight of this year’s conference will be the Opening Plenary Session on Wednesday, December 4, from 1:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., featuring seven distinguished Black State House Speakers and one State Senate President. Moderated by MSNBC’s Symone Sanders-Townsend, these leaders—Senator Bobby Joe Champion (MN), Representative Carl Heastie (NY), Representative Adrienne A. Jones (MD), Representative Joanna McClinton (PA), Representative Rachel Talbot Ross (ME), Representative Don L. Scott (VA), Representative Joe Tate (MI), and Representative Chris Welch (IL)—will explore the conference theme, discussing the role of representative leadership in enabling constituents to achieve the American Dream. They will also share insights on driving change within their states.
The Benjamin Ruffin Corporate Round Table Luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, December 5, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., will feature a panel discussion titled, “Keeping DEI Alive in 2025,” moderated by Ms. Stacey Abrams, voting rights activist and former Minority Leader for the Georgia House of Representatives. This discussion will provide legislators with actionable strategies to promote DEI in their jurisdictions, explore effective practices for using data to tackle systemic inequities, and foster a collaborative environment for sharing ideas and experiences toward the conference’s shared mission.
Additionally, the conference will offer six in-depth policy sessions with notable speakers and panelists exploring issues affecting Black communities. Sessions will be held on Tuesday, December 3, from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and on Thursday, December 5, from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. Topics include:
- Digital Equity and Inclusion: How Broadband Impacts Equal Access to the American Dream
- What Happens to a Dream Deferred: Reimagining an Education Ecosystem that Elevates and Protects Black Brilliance
- Artificial Intelligence and the American Dream: Leveraging AI to Improve Equity and Opportunity for Black People
- The Right Prescription: How Public Policy Can Promote Equal Healthcare Access for People with Lower Incomes
- Keeping the Lights On: How Energy Influences Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
- Maximizing Your Value: Leveraging Public Policy to Promote Equitable Economic Opportunities
The conference’s Closing Plenary Breakfast, led by Harold Fisher, host of WHUR’s award winning show The Daily Drum, is scheduled for Friday, December 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and will feature a panel discussion titled “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Are We Being Left Behind?” This conversation will examine the consequences of non-representation of Black voices in AI development and policies.
Additional conference highlights include Youth Congress Day, where over 100 local students will engage in interactive mock legislative sessions and policy discussions; the President’s Reception, honoring organizations dedicated to voter education and turnout; and the David P. Richardson Nation Builder Awards Ceremony, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing social justice and championing equity for African Americans.
For more information on NBCSL and the full 48th Annual Legislative Conference schedule, please visit www.nbcsl.org.
About National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL)
Founded in 1977, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) represents more than 700 African American state legislators across the United States. NBCSL is committed to advancing policy solutions that address the unique challenges facing Black communities, with a focus on education, healthcare, economic equity and criminal justice reform. Through advocacy, research, and collaboration with public and private sector partners, NBCSL empowers legislators to create transformative change. By amplifying the voices of its members, NBCSL ensures that Black communities have a strong and unified presence in shaping national and state-level legislation. Visit www.nbcsl.org to learn more.
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