Elected officials and advocacy leaders gathered to stand together, build momentum, and push forward lasting change
WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —Â In light of ongoing assaults on progress, this year’s National Town Hall at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) focused on how years of effort to expand opportunities, enhance diverse representation, dismantle systemic inequities, and fulfill the promises of the Civil Rights Era are being reversed.
Across two panel sessions, leaders discussed how this significant moment is reshaping democracy, social life, and Black communities. With the support of the title sponsor, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the National Town Hall outlined a proactive strategy for all who believe in equity and justice to stand together, build momentum, and push forward toward lasting change.
The National Town Hall featured speeches from Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the CBCF; Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07); Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (MD); Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08); and Dr. Jonathan Cox, Vice President of Center Policy Analysis and Research.
During the National Town Hall, Austin-Hillery shared, “This is the event where we set the agenda for the conference. This is where we all get our marching orders so that we know what we need to do when we get back into the communities. It is especially important this year, in 2025, because of the breathtaking and challenging moment that we find ourselves in, that we come together in this moment, have this conversation and all leave here ready to get down to business in our hometowns.”
Veteran journalist Ed Gordon led the first panel discussion on addressing how we arrived at this moment in time. He was joined by Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43), Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), President of the National Council of Negro Women Rev. Sharon Arline-Bradley, and the President and CEO of the National Urban League Marc Morial. Together, they examined the factors contributing to the current socio-political climate, addressed major concerns of the present, and discussed future expectations.
Education was a popular topic, with Rep. Waters emphasizing that “We have to educate the children of this country for their future.” As the conversation continued, the panelists encouraged all to organize and mobilize within their communities, sororities, fraternities, church groups, and civic associations to continue the fight for progress.
Rep. McClellan addressed the younger generations, emphasizing how she received assistance while “learning to vote” and expressing her responsibility to support the next generation.
The second panel, which examined how to move forward in unity, was moderated by Joy-Ann Reid, a political commentator and former host of The ReidOut. It included Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Damon T. Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, and Judith Browne Dianis, Executive Director of the Advancement Project National Office. The discussion focused on what is needed from Black communities, the broader American public, and political leaders to effectively address this moment.
The discussion focused on voting and voting rights; attendees were reminded that the right to vote is not automatic. Hewitt emphasized that it is necessary to “fight and preserve our opportunity to cast a ballot.”
The National Town Hall eloquently complemented the overarching theme of ALC 54, “Made for This Moment: Power, Policy & Progress,” which serves as a platform for Black thought leadership, coalition building, and advocacy. The space brings leaders together to develop solutions and advance their communities. For over 50 years, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) has been dedicated to elevating Black communities through research, leadership development, and public policy initiatives.
ALC will continue through Sunday, September 27, featuring dynamic programming and signature events. For more information about upcoming events, please check the conference agenda online. To watch the National Town Hall, click HERE. Photos taken by Getty can be found HERE, and if you use any images, please remember to attribute them to Getty.
For updates on ALC and CBCF, follow CBCF on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About the CBCF
Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org. As a 501(c)(3), the CBCF takes no position on legislation or regulatory matters before Congress or any other government agency.
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SOURCE Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
