The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) is more than a convening of policymakers and power players—it’s a rallying cry. For Nicole Austin-Hillery, president and CEO of the CBCF, it’s also a moment to remind Black youth that they already have what it takes to lead.

“I want each of them to realize that no matter where they sit, no matter where they live, they have an opportunity to lead,” Austin-Hillery tells BET. “Do not look to others to problem-solve. Look inward, because you have the capabilities, you have the creativity, and you have the opportunity right now to be the problem solvers you want to see.”

This comes at a time when youth are increasingly sharing their frustrations with legacy Black organizations not stepping in ways they have in the past, namely during the civil rights movement. For instance, one TikTok user, @Kingvonnn, stated in a video that there are no Black leaders, but placeholders with leadership titles.” In it, he explained that some people in high places aren’t stepping up for the generations behind them. 

“There is a group of adults who actually have power. They are leading national nonprofit organizations,” he says. “They are business executives. They are presidents of universities. They are our civil rights leaders or people on the ground who are fighting for us because adults like to have authority of who gets to speak on certain topics. I feel like they are just existing. They're placeholders in these different leadership roles. And what we're experiencing politically right now, there's nobody really stepping up to either defend us or guide us to where we should be going.”  

Austin-Hillery points out that while this is a valid concern, youths already have what it takes to effect change. 

“You already have what you need,” she shares emphatically. “They already have a place in creating the parameters and the blueprint for how we're going to move forward. So, we want them to be here.”

ALC as a Connector

A big theme of the event includes, for four days, prepping attendees with the tools they need to fight the good fight for the rest of the year. 

This year’s conference takes place September 24–28 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Billed as the largest Black public policy gathering in the nation, the ALC blends cultural celebration with policy strategy. Austin-Hillery says the event reflects the very spirit of Black community life. 

“The beauty of the conference is that it brings us all under one umbrella,” she says. “There is value in all of us being able to come together in one space—to share information, to problem-solve, to cry together, to laugh together, and to pledge together how we’re going to move forward.”

The four-day program includes hundreds of sessions, from policy forums and networking receptions to cultural showcases and the Phoenix Awards Gala. But for Austin-Hillery, the magic lies in what happens when Black people gather across generations. “Even when we thought there was no hope, our culture gave us strength,” she says. “ALC is where that strength gets renewed and transformed into action.”

Empowerment in Action

When asked how she hopes people will feel walking away from ALC 2025, Austin-Hillery doesn’t hesitate.

“I want them to feel prepared, I want them to feel hopeful, and I want them to feel strong,” she says. “We as a community have faced myriad struggles from the moment we came to these shores in 1619. But our history shows that we face challenges head on and rise to greater levels.”

She added that joy must be part of the equation. “We have two obligations,” she says. “One, to resolve challenges on behalf of our people. And two, to ensure that we bring joy into our lives and our communities. That’s a part of our Blackness.”

Leadership for the Future

This year’s co-chairs, Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado, embody the forward-looking spirit Austin-Hillery hopes will guide the conference. 

“They represent the voices of the future,” Austin-Hillery explains. “They show us that Black power and representation exist everywhere, not just in the places people typically think of. And they are reaching forward and reaching backward—bridging generations in a way that excites me for what’s ahead.”

For young professionals, students, and creatives, the CBCF has designed specific tracks. These include college fairs, professional development workshops, and policy sessions that place youth voices side by side with lawmakers. “They don’t have to wait to finish a degree or gain a title,” Austin-Hillery says. “Their insights are needed right now. I want them to walk away knowing their leadership has a place in shaping our future.”

Meeting Frustration With Urgency

Acknowledging concerns from younger voters who feel legacy Black-led organizations have not done enough, Austin-Hillery offers both reassurance and challenge.

 “Legacy organizations have historically moved us forward,” she says. “But don’t wait on any one leader or entity. Take that frustration and use it to fuel the energy for what you want to see happen. We all have a responsibility in this moment.”

She pointed to tools the CBCF offers beyond the conference, such as the Executive Order Tracker and the Black Public Policy Playbook, which help communities translate policy into tangible action. “The work doesn’t end in four days,” she says. “It continues 365 days a year, on the ground in communities nationwide.”

A Call to Gather

Above all, Austin-Hillery stressed the urgency of showing up. “You need to be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center September 24th through the 28th,” she says. “We don’t want there to be any deterrence. There are day passes and opportunities for people who may find the cost prohibitive. Be with us, because we want to set the tone that we as Black America are not deterred in this moment. In fact, we are emboldened.”

She adds, “I want people to walk away with power, connectedness, and hope. History has shown us we can rise above these challenges and become an even stronger community. That’s what ALC represents—our past, our present, and our collective future.”

Registration for the CBCF’s 54th Annual Legislative Conference is now open at cbcfinc.org.