CBCF Annual Legislative Conference Focuses on Future of Democracy

September 21, 2026

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation held its 55th Annual Legislative Conference in Washington D.C. from September 16-20, celebrating 50 years of empowering Black communities while issuing urgent calls to action against threats to civil rights and democracy. Thousands of attendees, including politicians, civil rights leaders, entrepreneurs, and celebrities like Viola Davis, gathered under the theme "Rooted, Ready and Rising" to discuss strategies for combating federal efforts to erase African American history and roll back progress. The conference emphasized collective cooperation and provided networking opportunities while CBCF leaders pledged to supply legislators with data and resources needed to fight regressive policies.

Who is affected

African American communities across the United States
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (62 current members)
Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), who was verbally attacked by President Trump and had her microphone muted
Conference attendees Angel Livas (founder/CEO of ALIVE Podcast Network) and Yusef Henriques (founder/CEO of IndyGeneUS Bio)
Black and brown communities excluded from genome data testing and screenings
All U.S. citizens facing potential negative impacts from proposed legislation
Ambassador Andrew Young (94-year-old civil rights leader and award recipient)
Actor Viola Davis (award recipient)
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

What action is being taken

The CBCF is providing data, facts, and evidence to representatives and senators to fight regressive policies
Rep. Joyce Beatty is working to preserve the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Yusef Henriques is working through IndyGeneUS Bio to bridge the gap in genomic data for Black and brown communities
The CBC is pushing legislation in the House and Senate
Angel Livas is working to further African American representation in tech and media industries
The Kennedy Center is temporarily closed for renovations (a decision Beatty opposes)

Why it matters

This conference matters because it addresses existential threats to civil rights progress achieved over decades, with speakers warning of federal efforts to erase African American history and roll back democracy. The gathering represents a critical mobilization moment as leaders confront what they describe as attempts to "turn back the hands of time and bring back the chains of the past." The emphasis on collective action, voter participation, and intergenerational leadership development reflects the urgency felt by the Black community in protecting hard-won rights. With challenges to healthcare, education, housing, and fundamental democratic institutions at stake, the conference serves as both a strategic planning session and a rallying cry for sustained resistance and community empowerment.

What's next

Attendees are urged to vote in the November midterm elections and beyond
The CBCF pledges to continue supporting CBC leaders for the next 50 years
Conference attendees are expected to create connections and collaborations to continue their work
New leaders need to be developed to eventually replace current leaders who have been serving for 50-60 years
The community is called to "go forward, be rooted in our legacy, be ready for this moment, and rise"

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer