‘Made for this Moment’: ALC 2025 to Inspire Vision for Black Progress, Political Mobilization

September 24, 2025

The article discusses reactions to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) amid concerns about the Trump administration's policies affecting Washington, D.C. Some D.C. residents, like Chioma Iwuoha, are opting not to participate in ALC events, instead focusing on grassroots activism to combat federal overreach in the District. The conference, themed "Made for this Moment: Power, Policy and Progress," aims to address policy issues affecting Black Americans through panel discussions, exhibits, and networking opportunities. Local activists and leaders express varying perspectives on the CBC's effectiveness and call for stronger resistance to policies they view as threats to democracy, D.C. autonomy, and civil rights.

Who is affected

Washington, D.C. residents and local government
Black Americans across the nation
Low-income and working-class residents facing potential budget cuts
Youth, particularly those without strong father figures (according to activist Ambrose Lane)
Medicaid recipients, with 25,000 working-class people potentially losing coverage
Voters who may face restrictions under proposed legislation like the SAVE Act
Organizations involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives

What action is being taken

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is hosting its 54th Annual Legislative Conference with discussions on health care, education, civic engagement, social justice, and economic empowerment
Grassroots organizations like Harriet's Wildest Dreams are mobilizing against Trump administration policies affecting D.C.
D.C. National Guard members are currently patrolling the streets of Washington
Activists are planning awareness-raising activities during the ALC, while explicitly avoiding disrupting conference events
D.C. officials including Mayor Bowser, Council Chair Mendelson, and Attorney General Schwalb recently testified before a House committee on local governance issues

Why it matters

The federal government has implemented policies directly affecting D.C.'s autonomy, including freezing $1.1 billion in local funds and federalizing the Metropolitan Police Department
The Trump administration's actions are characterized as threats to democracy, civil rights, and Black history
Local officials are being criticized for insufficient resistance to federal overreach into District affairs
The 2025 midterm elections offer an opportunity to change the current political landscape
Budget cuts could jeopardize Washingtonians' access to healthcare and social services
The conference provides a platform for Black leaders to address systemic issues affecting Black communities

What's next

The conference aims to equip Black Americans to run for and win city, county, and municipal elections
Some participants hope the ALC will inspire Black leaders to defend D.C. rights during the federal takeover
Organizers intend for the conference to galvanize community action ahead of the 2025 midterm elections
Some activists hint at future civil disobedience actions (though not during the ALC itself)
Conference attendees are expected to leave with "information that's pivotal to their work"

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer