FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
ALCmedia@apcoworldwide.com
We look forward to welcoming you to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 52nd Annual Legislative Conference (#ALC52) in Washington, DC, September 20-24, 2023!
Based on this year’s theme, “Securing Our Democracy. Protecting Our Freedoms. Uplifting Our Culture.”, #ALC52, presented by Amazon, will draw upon the more than 100 panel discussions and other events with activists, academics, and political leaders to spark a call to action that results in progress toward positive change.
Please read the full agenda to see the wide breadth of programming #ALC52 has to offer. Among many, these include:
- Defending against attacks on DEI initiatives in corporate America, with Rep. Steven Horsford
- Artificial intelligence and Black America, with Sen. Corey Booker
- Doing business after the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision, with Rep. Glenn Ivey
- Unmasking bias in academic medicine, with the CBCF’s Center for Policy and Research, and
- Black women expanding reproductive rights at the state and national level, with Emily’s List
LIVE STUDIO ONSITE
There will also be a live two-camera TV studio on site on Thursday, September 21, if your DC team wants to organize any interviews with CBC/CBCF members live from the conference! Please reach out to ALCmedia@apcoworldwide.com to book a timeslot.
SIGNATURE EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
Alongside the diverse array of over 100 issue forums, established brain trust sessions, and panel discussions, CBCF’s #ALC52 Signature Events are open to media registration. The signature events attract major names, and this year is no exception: On Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. ET at the Phoenix Awards dinner, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver keynote remarks. The culminating ceremonial event recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to society while uplifting and empowering the global Black community.
Please RSVP here for the following ALC Signature Events, and please reach out to the media team at ALCmedia@apcoworldwide.com with any questions.
Opening Press Conference*
| WHEN | Wednesday, September 20, 11:30am – 12:00pm ET; Camera Pre-Set: 11am ET |
| WHO | ALC Honorary Co-Chairs Sen. Raphael Warnock and Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett, CBCF Chair Rep. Terri A. Sewell, CBC Chair Rep. Steven Horsford, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, CBCF President and CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery, and Amazon Head of Black Business and Growth Accelerators Danyel Surrency Jones will be speaking and available for interviews |
| WHERE | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001 |
| NOTES | *Event feed is also available via livestream on the CBCF’s YouTube channel. |
CBC Spouses Community Breakfast And Health Fair
| WHEN | Thursday, September 21, 7:00am – 10:30am ET |
| WHO | Hosted by Congressional Black Caucus spouses; CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery will be available for interviews |
| WHERE | Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20005 |
National Town Hall: Securing Our Democracy. Protecting Our Freedoms. Uplifting Our Culture.*
| WHEN | Thursday, September 21, 9:00am – 11:00am ET |
| WHO | CBCF President and CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery; Vice President, CBCF Center for Policy Analysis and Research, Dr. Jonathan M. Cox, Ph.D.; Writer and Media Personality, Michael Eric Dyson; Civil Rights Advocate and Scholar, Kimberlé W. Crenshaw; President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Damon Hewitt; and Chief Policy Officer, Southern Poverty Law Center & SPLC Action Fund, LaShawn Warren will be available for interviews |
| WHERE | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001 |
| NOTES | *Event feed is also available via livestream on the CBCF’s YouTube channel. |
Gospel Extravaganza
| WHEN | Thursday, September 21, 8:00pm – 10:00pm ET |
| WHO | District choirs, CBC members and faith leaders |
| WHERE | The United House of Prayer for All People, 1117 7th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.20001 |
Day Of Healing
| WHEN | Saturday, September 23, 7:30am – 10:00am ET |
| WHO | Gospel Artist Karen Clark Sheard and Reverend Dr. Gina Stewart will be distinguished special guests; CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery, and CBC Members will be available for interviews |
| WHERE | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001 |
Phoenix Awards*
| WHEN | Saturday, September 23, 7:00pm – 9:30pm ET |
| WHO | President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 46th President of the United States Vice President Kamala Harris, 49th Vice President of the United States CBCF ALC Honorary Co-Chairs Sen. Raphael Warnock and Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett, CBCF Chair Rep. Terri A. Sewell, CBC Chair Rep. Steven Horsford, andCBCF President and CEO, Nicole Austin-Hillery will be available for interviews |
| SPECIAL GUESTS | Actor Kofi Siriboe; Comedian, Actress, and Writer Janelle James |
| WHERE | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001 |
| NOTES | *The CBCF Media Team will be in touch with additional security requirements, as well as pre-set timing and instructions for on-site coverage. Please reach out to ALCmedia@apcoworldwide.com with any questions. |
OVERALL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
The 52nd 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. Under the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus and the guidance of honorary co-chairs Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett and Senator Raphael Warnock, this conference aims to foster critical discussions and collaborations that will shape the trajectory of our nation’s future.
Read the full agenda for more information on conference sessions.
Key Themes
Securing Our Democracy: In an era marked by unprecedented challenges to democratic institutions, this conference will delve into strategies and policies aimed at fortifying our democratic foundations, ensuring fair representation, and safeguarding electoral processes.
- On-the-Record Sessions include: Passing the Black Maternal Health Momnibus; Black Women Expanding Reproductive Rights at the State and National Level; The Black Education Shortage
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: Business After the SCOTUS Affirmative Action Ruling; Defending Against Attacks on DEI in Corporate America; Modern Day Redlining; Maternal and Breast Cancer Equity
Uplifting Our Culture: Cultural heritage plays a vital role in shaping our identity as a nation. This theme underscores the importance of celebrating diversity, promoting cultural preservation, and fostering an environment in which creativity and artistic expression can flourish.
- On-the-Record Sessions include: Harnessing the Promise and Mitigating the Harm of AI on Black America; Black Women Pioneering Change in the Entertainment Sector; Hip Hop’s Struggle Against Mass Incarceration; Ensuring an Equitable Energy Transition in Africa
*Session hosts include: Rep. Alma Adams,Rep. Joyce Beatty, Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., Sen. Corey Booker, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, Rep. Shontel Brown, Rep. Cori Bush,Rep. André Carson, Rep. Troy Carter, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II,Rep. James E. Clyburn, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Rep. Danny K. Davis, Rep. Don Davis, Rep. Dwight Evans, Rep. Valerie Foushee, Rep. Maxwell Frost, Rep. Al Green, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Rep. Steven Horsford, Rep. Glenn Ivey, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, Rep. Henry Johnson, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Rep. Robin L. Kelly, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Summer Lee, Rep. Lucy McBath, Rep. Jennifer McClellan, Rep. Gregory Meeks, Rep. Gwen Moore, Rep. Joe Neguse, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr., Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Bobby Scott, Rep. Terri A. Sewell, Rep. Emilia Strong Sykes, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, Rep. Lauren Underwood, Rep. Marc Veasey, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Nikema Williams, and Rep. Frederica S. Wilson.