54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) September 24-28, 2025

BY CBCF

Get ready! The 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), presented by Amazon, is where bold ideas meet powerful action. This is the place where visionaries, leaders, and changemakers come together to amplify their voices and shape what’s next for the global Black community.

This year’s theme, “Made for This Moment: Power, Policy, & Progress,”celebrates the unique strengths and perspectives you bring to our community to foster change and solutions around today’s critical issues. Whether you’re seeking to engage in thought-provoking discussions, network with influential leaders or spark lasting change, you belong right here, right now.

We’re proud to announce this year’s ALC Honorary Co-Chairs: Congressional Black Caucus Members, Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Representative Joe Neguse. Their bold leadership and deep commitment to advocacy and service inspire progress and embody the transformative spirit at the heart of the conference.

Here’s What to Expect at ALC54:

💼 Engage with Trailblazers: Learn from keynote speakers and experts at the forefront of policy, advocacy and innovation.

🤝 Expand your Network: Connect with a diverse community passionate about making a difference.

🎫 Celebrate at Signature Events: Attend unforgettable events and prestigious award ceremonies that honor excellence and leadership within our community.

🛍️Explore Exhibits & Vendors: Discover a diverse array of exhibits showcasing products and services designed to empower the Black community.

📍September 24–28, 2025

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

Washington, D.C.

You are Made for This Moment — and ALC54

is where your journey continues.

Annual Legislative Conference Frequently Asked Questions

CBCF FAQs

What is the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation?

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute.

The CBCF Vision: We envision a world in which all communities have an equal voice in public policy through leadership cultivation, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.

The CBCF 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.

We achieve this by:

  • Facilitating the exchange of ideas and information to address critical issues affecting our communities.
  • Promoting public health and financial empowerment for all communities through innovative programs.
  • Providing leadership development and scholarship opportunities to educate the next generation of leaders
  • Developing strategic research and historical resources for the public, academics, educators, and students

How can I support the mission of the CBCF?

To further support the mission of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., we encourage you to consider individual giving or corporate giving and sponsorship. Donation opportunities will be available during ALC registration and in-platform during the conference.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., (CBCF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and contributions to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Where will the 54th Annual Legislative Conference take place?

The conference will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center located 801 Allen Y Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001. For more information on the Convention Center please visit: https://www.eventsdc.com/venue/walter-e-washington-convention-center

Conference Overview FAQs

What is the Annual Legislative Conference?

The CBCF Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global Black community. Thought leaders, legislators and concerned citizens engage on economic development, civil and social justice, public health and education issues. Join subject experts, industry leaders, elected officials and citizen activists to explore today’s issues from an African American perspective. This year’s conference includes issue forums and established braintrusts, 5 signature events, receptions, and more.

What is this year’s ALC theme?

What is the format of the 2025 Annual Legislative Conference?

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) will host its Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) with 100% of content/signature events offered in-person with select sessions recorded and released after the conference. The conference is scheduled from Wednesday, September 24 – September 28, 2025. The conference will include over 100 issue forums and established braintrusts, our signature events, receptions, and more. CBC members will continue to serve as honorary co-hosts for many of these sessions.

Registration credentials are required to access all ALC programming.

Will any conference sessions, special events, or receptions be held in-person this year?

Yes, 100% of content/signature events will be offered in-person.

What is the cost of in-person conference registration?

General Attendee $ 200.00 Early-Bird (through 9/5/25); $300 Standard (9/6/25 – 9/28/25)

Emerging Leader $ 100.00 Early-Bird (through 9/5/25); $150 Standard (9/6/25 – 9/28/25)

  • Attendees 25 years old and under ONLY
  • Date of Birth must be after 2000; ID will be required at registration

Senior $ 75.00 Early-Bird (through 9/5/25); $125 Standard (9/6/25 – 9/28/25)

  • Attendees 65 years old and older
  • Date of birth must be prior to 1960; ID will be required at registration

What is included with the in-person conference registration?

All attendees that purchase a conference registration will have access to issue forums, established braintrusts, exhibit hall and some receptions.

All tickets include the following:

  • Required Access Badge
  • Conference Bag
  • Mobile App
  • Exhibit Hall Showcase
  • Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
  • HBCU Fair
  • Opening Night Reception
  • National Town Hall
  • Gospel Extravagaza
  • CBCF Chair’s Reception
  • Access to Issue Forums & Braintrust

What are the Special Ticketed Events and how much do they cost?

Tickets are available for sale online on the Registration tab under “A La Carte Special Events Tickets” (until capacity is reached). This year conference registration is separate from Special Events Tickets.  If you are registering for the full conference, you will be directed to the A La Carte Special Events Ticket page upon completing your full conference registration. 

Special Events Ticket pricing and schedule is as follows:

ALUMNI NETWORKING RECEPTION
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2025
DOORS OPEN AT 8:00 PM

Must be 21+ to attend

The CBCF Alumni Association was created to foster continuous engagement among previous interns, fellows, and scholarship recipients. CBCF alumni are some of the most accomplished and dedicated professionals in the country, and they work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities. The foundation is proud to recognize more than 2,000 alumni. To give alumni an opportunity to interact with each other, CBCF hosts an annual alumni reception at the ALC.

  • General Admission $ 50.00
  • VIP $ 75.00

SOJOURNER TRUTH WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP RECEPTION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025
DOORS OPEN AT 8:00 PM

The Sojourner Truth Legacy Project (STLP) recognizes women leaders making a positive difference in the lives of the communities they serve in the spirit of Sojourner Truth’s fearless, courageous, visionary spirit for freedom, justice, and equality. The reception at ALC honors extraordinary Black women leaders and the women of the Congressional Black Caucus for their leadership nationwide.

  • General Admission $ 75.00


BLACK PARTY
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
DOORS OPEN AT 8:00 PM

Must be 21+ to attend

A play on Jay-Z’s 2003 “Black Album,” the Black Party is one of the most popular events at the Annual Legislative Conference. Since its debut in 2004, the Black Party has been a highlight of the Emerging Leaders Series (ELS), the special track of sessions during ALC designed to address the unique needs of young professionals between the ages of 21 and 35. Twenty years later, the tracks have grown from just a few attendees to thousands of registrants from across the world. The CBCF’s signature party with a purpose features celebrity musical talent and is a must-attend event for ELS registrants.

  • General Admission $ 125.00
  • VIP $ 200.00
  • Emerging Leaders $ 75.00 (Attendees 25 years old and under ONLY)


DAY OF HEALING PRAYER BREAKFAST
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
DOORS OPEN AT 7:00 AM

Generations of Black Americans have relied on their spiritual strength to guide them through the challenges of life. The Day of Healing formerly known as the Prayer Breakfast was founded more than two decades ago to honor the critical role faith has played in the lives of Black Americans. Over the years, the event has become more ecumenical in nature, incorporating representatives from multiple religious faiths. The Day of Healing has hosted celebrities, political leaders, top gospel artists and ministers, making it one of the most popular events in the nation’s capitol. Music and a strong message resonate across denominations and religions. To that end, the event boasts a rich mix of talent messengers and ministers of music.

  • Patron Ticket $ 85.00
  • Table (10 seats) $ 850.00


PHOENIX AWARDS
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM

Each year, the CBCF recognizes extraordinary individuals who, through their efforts and accomplishments, have made significant contributions to society. The Phoenix Awards Dinner pays tribute to the legacy and achievements of these extraordinary individuals. At the dinner, they receive the prestigious, CBCF-commissioned Phoenix Award. Traditionally held on the Saturday night of the conference, the Phoenix Awards Dinner celebrates the achievements of the awardees for their exceptional contributions to our communities, our culture and the nation. This dinner is one of the largest gatherings anywhere of Black political leaders, educators, diplomats and other influential individuals. The Phoenix Awards Dinner is also an opportunity to honor the members of the Congressional Black Caucus for their service, accomplishments and efforts to eliminate the many disparities that continue to exist for millions of Black Americans.

  • Bronze Ticket $ 750.00
  • Silver Ticket $ 1,000.00

DONALD M. PAYNE SR. FOREIGN POLICY FELLOWSHIP CRUISE
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2025
BOARDING BEGINS AT 10:00 AM

This annual cruise is a tribute to the late Rep. Donald M. Payne, former chairman of the CBCF, and honors his commitment to the foundation’s education programs. The funds raised by the cruise will support the CBCF Donald M. Payne Foreign Policy Fellows Program, which provides training and leadership development for early-career policy professionals who are dedicated to advancing positive global change. The relaxing cruise aboard the Washington Odyssey traditionally occurs on Sunday, the final day of the conference, and features breakfast, brunch, live entertainment, special guests, VIPs, and current Donald Payne Foreign Policy Fellows.

  • General Admission $175.00

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