As we come together in Washington, D.C. for #ALC54, I want to extend my warmest welcome to every participant. For more than five decades, the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) has been the place where our community convenes to confront challenges and chart solutions. It is where wisdom meets fresh ideas, where strategies take shape, and where our collective power is affirmed. This is more than a conference; it is a declaration that we will not retreat, that we are ready to lead, and that we are committed to building a future defined by justice and opportunity. What makes this year different is not simply the content of the agenda but the urgency of the moment. We Are Made for This Moment is more than a theme; it is a declaration of resilience and readiness.
Every September, ALC draws between 10,000 and 15,000 participants from all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, and across the globe, making it the largest policy forum dedicated to issues that shape the lives of Black communities worldwide. With over 100 sessions, this year’s ALC will take on topics that cut to the core of justice and well-being. Panels will explore how to better protect Black women and girls, how lessons from Ferguson and Baltimore can lead to more accountable systems, and how food and nutrition can be treated as central to healthcare.
Together, we will address the tough questions: How do we strengthen democracy? How do we close health and wealth gaps? How do we protect our communities and prepare future generations for leadership? These conversations will not remain in meeting rooms; they are designed to translate into action and lasting change.
We also recognize the concern many have expressed about heightened law enforcement activity in Washington, D.C. Let me be clear: your safety is our priority. We are working closely with the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and local officials to maintain a secure environment. Additional security measures are in place both at the convention center and at offsite events to ensure that all who attend feel comfortable and protected. At this time, we do not anticipate law enforcement presence beyond what is typically deployed for a gathering of this size, and our team remains vigilant and ready to adjust if needed. ALC’s impact extends far beyond the convention center walls. The conference contributes millions of dollars to the city through hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local businesses, many of them Black-owned. This means that when we gather, we not only strengthen our political and social capital but also fuel the economic vitality of Washington, D.C.
Let this week be a powerful reminder of what happens when we gather as a community determined to shape a just and equitable future. Around us, the challenges to democracy and equality grow more urgent, but within us lies the courage to meet them. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is here to ensure that. Together, we will learn, lead, and carry forward the enduring legacy of the Congressional Black Caucus. We ARE made for this moment.
Have a great week!