This year’s theme, “Ready, Rooted and Rising,” commemorates CBCF’s 50th anniversary and reminds us of our community’s collective perseverance and indomitable spirit. The ALC ’26 Honorary Co-Chairs are Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC-12) and Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD-4).
The conference’s location is the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (Address: 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001).
SIGNATURE EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
Alongside the diverse array of over 100 issue forums, established brain trust sessions, and panel discussions, CBCF’s #ALC55. The signature events attract major names, and this year is no exception: On Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET, at the Phoenix Awards dinner, the culminating ceremonial event recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society and uplifted and empowered the global Black community.
CBC Spouses Community Breakfast and Health Fair
WHEN Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 7:30 am – 9:45 am ET; Camera Pre-Set: 7:00 am
WHO Congresswoman Terri Sewell, CBCF Board Chair
Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO, CBCF
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, CBC Chair
Congresswoman Alma Adams, ALC ‘26 Honorary Co-Chair
Congressman Glenn Ivey, ALC ‘26 Honorary Co-Chair
More names to be announced!
OPENING PRESS CONFERENCE
WHEN Wednesday, September 16, 10:00 am – 11:00 am ET; Camera Pre-Set: 9:30 am ET
WHO Congresswoman Terri Sewell, CBCF Board Chair
Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO, CBCF
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, CBC Chair
Congresswoman Alma Adams, ALC ‘26 Honorary Co-Chair
Congressman Glenn Ivey, ALC ‘26 Honorary Co-Chair
More names to be announced!
NATIONAL TOWN HALL
WHEN Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a ET; Camera Pre-Set: 8:15 am
WHO MODERATORS: Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, Political Strategist and Political Commentator, Host of MS NOW’s The Weeknight
Eugene Daniels, Senior Washington Correspondent for MS NOW and Co-Host of The Weekend
More names to be announced!
WHERE Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
Thank you again for your ongoing support of CBCF and the Annual Legislative Conference. We look forward to seeing you in 11 days!
Day of Healing
WHEN Saturday, September 19, 7:30 am – 10:00 am ET; Pre-set: 6:15 am
WHO Award-winning Recording Artist, John P. Kee; Revered Dr. George L. Parks Jr., Senior Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist Church; Congresswoman Terri Sewell, CBCF Board Chair; Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO, CBCF; Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, CBC Chair; Congresswoman Alma Adams, ALC ‘26 Honorary Co-Chair; Congressman Glenn Ivey, ALC ‘26 Honorary Co-Chair.
WHERE Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y Lew Place NW, DC 20001
Phoenix Awards
WHEN Saturday, September 19, 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm ET; Camera Pre-Set: 6:15 pm
WHO TBD
WHERE: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001
OVERALL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
The 55th Annual Legislative Conference is a prominent convening of policymakers, thought leaders, advocates, and citizens committed to addressing the most pressing issues facing our democracy, civil liberties, and cultural heritage. Led by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and guided by honorary co-chairs Rep. Alma Adams and Rep. Glenn Ivey, this conference aims to foster critical discussions and collaborations that will shape our nation’s future.
Key Themes
Securing the Future: Examine the political, economic, legal, and institutional challenges America has confronted over the past 18 months. What happens when longstanding civil rights protections, federal institutions, economic opportunities, voting rights, and democratic norms are tested simultaneously? Where have institutions and communities demonstrated resilience? Where have we discovered vulnerabilities? And what lessons should America carry forward regardless of who controls Washington?
- On-the-Record Sessions include: Where Do We Go From Here? Building Black Political and Economic Power for This Moment; Emerging Leaders Town Hall: The State of Young Black Males – Challenges, Opportunities, and the Path Forward
Protecting Our Freedoms: Discussions will focus on preserving and expanding civil rights, social justice, and equal opportunities for Black Americans. Attendees will examine ways to combat systemic inequalities and promote inclusive policies.
- On-the-Record Sessions include: Voices of the Movement: A Conversation with Civil Rights Leaders; Defending Against Attacks on DEI in Corporate America; Judiciary/Justice for All Braintrust: America250: The Urgent Need for Reforms to Uphold the Constitution, Rule of Law, and American Democracy; Invisible No More: African American Women, the Criminal Justice System, and the Road to Reentry.
Uplifting Our Culture: Cultural heritage plays a vital role in shaping our national identity. This theme underscores the importance of celebrating diversity, preserving culture, and fostering an environment where creativity and artistic expression can flourish.
- On-the-Record Sessions include: Not for Sistah’s Only: 2026 Showdown: Politics, Power, and Personalities; Roots at 50 and Beyond: Diplomacy and Economic Empowerment of the Diaspora; Divine Nine Civic Engagement & Voter Turnout: Our Vote, Our Power — The Divine Nine and the Ongoing Fight for Black Political Participation; A U.S.–Africa Diaspora Forum: The Impact of Aid Cuts and Tariffs in Africa.
Vision
We envision a world in which all communities have an equal voice in public policy through leadership cultivation, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.
Mission
Our mission of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is to advance the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.
About The Author
