The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 53rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) roared to life Wednesday morning, calling on Black America to not only celebrate its cultural heritage but also fight fiercely to protect fundamental freedoms.
This year’s conference theme, “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” comes as the nation grapples with the Supreme Court’s gutting of affirmative action and the stagnation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in corporate America. The stakes could not be higher, and the ALC is answering the call with a powerful agenda designed to safeguard progress and push for equal economic opportunities for Black Americans.
Nicole Austin-Hillery, CBCF president and CEO, set the tone for the conference.
“We are at a defining moment in history. Just weeks ago, we saw the first African American woman nominated to run for president by a major party,” Austin-Hillery said at the opening press conference. “As we open this 53rd Annual Legislative Conference, we carry forward our mission to empower the global Black community — and that means creating real opportunities and ensuring true equity for all.”
U.S. Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-Ala.), CBCF board chair, emphasized the ALC’s role as a driving force for change.
“This is more than just a conference. It is a rallying cry, a catalyst for action. In just a few months, we have the chance to make history by electing the first Black woman president of the United States,” Sewell declared, urging attendees to seize the moment.
Amazon, returning as a major sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to the CBCF’s mission with a $30,000 donation, made live at the press conference.
“Amazon is proud to stand with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in the fight for progress and equity,” said Tonya Hallett, global vice president at Amazon. “The ALC is a powerful testament to the future we can build together, amplifying Black voices and paving the way for generations to come.”
Leading this year’s ALC as honorary co-chairs, U.S. Reps. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) and Troy Carter (D-La.) are championing a wide range of critical issues, including healthcare equality, voting rights, and closing the racial wealth gap.
McBath captured the urgency of the moment: “Our theme, ‘From Vision to Victory,’ speaks directly to our ongoing fight for progress. This is our moment to push forward.”
Rep. Carter echoed those sentiments, declaring: “The Annual Legislative Conference is not just a gathering—it’s a battleground for justice. We’re here to confront the challenges ahead, celebrate our wins, and strategize for the future. We are standing tall on the legacy of those who fought before us, and we will not back down.”
Thursday’s National Town Hall, beginning at 9 a.m. ET, will tackle one of the most urgent issues facing Black America: the staggering wealth gap between Black and white families. The event will be streamed live on CBCF’s YouTube channel, ensuring widespread access to this vital conversation.
As the CBCF ALC continues throughout the week, the message from officials is clear: Black voices are rising, and the fight for justice, equity, and representation is far from over.
“This conference is more than a celebration — it’s a call to action, a reminder that the future is ours to shape,” they said.