Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Pushes Plan to ‘Secure Democracy’ at Annual Conference

October 1, 2025

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), themed "Made for This Moment: Power, Policy, Progress," took place in Washington D.C. from September 24-28 against the backdrop of a government shutdown. The conference united legislators, community officials, influencers, and citizens in advocating for democracy and civil rights through various events including the Day of Healing Prayer Breakfast and Phoenix Awards Dinner. Programming addressed numerous issues affecting Black communities, including healthcare, criminal justice, environmentalism, redistricting, and attacks on diversity initiatives.

Who is affected

Black Americans and communities across the United States
Residents of inner cities dependent on federal funding
Poor and low-waged Americans (60% of Blacks and 40% of the voting population)
Municipal governments like South Fulton, Georgia facing project funding delays
Potential voters in communities with redistricting efforts
The 61 members of the Congressional Black Caucus who could be impacted by redistricting
Communities affected by the government shutdown

What action is being taken

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is hosting educational panels and discussions on policy issues
Community leaders are mobilizing to increase civic engagement and voting participation
Local officials like Dr. Catherine Rowell are advocating for release of earmarked project funds
Civil rights leaders are organizing resistance to mid-decade redistricting efforts
Faith leaders like Bishop William Barber are conducting outreach to poor and low-waged potential voters
CBC members are working to protect democracy and civil rights through legislative efforts

Why it matters

The government shutdown is delaying funding for crucial local infrastructure projects
Mid-decade redistricting threatens to "neutralize minority voting power" and potentially eliminate 10 or more CBC members
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on October 15 regarding a Louisiana redistricting case that could limit the Voting Rights Act of 1965
According to Forbes Magazine reporting cited in the article, issues affecting poor and low-waged Americans cost the 2024 presidential election 90 million voters
Local governments depend on federal appropriations for community projects
Increasing voter participation among marginalized communities could significantly impact election outcomes

What's next

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on a Louisiana redistricting case on October 15
Community leaders are expected to take information from the ALC back to empower people in their communities
Focus will shift to preparation for the 2026 midterm elections
Continued advocacy to release funding for projects delayed by the government shutdown

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer