he Congressional Black Caucus Foundation convened the 54th Annual Legislative Conference from September 24th through 28th in Washington, D.C. The annual conference is the leading public policy convening focused on issues impacting African Americans and the global Black community. The ALC is a unique platform where thought leaders, legislators, influencers, and concerned citizens converge to discuss and address critical issues, forge partnerships, and promote political, economic, and social advancement of Black communities.
This year’s theme was “Made for this Moment: Power, Policy & Progress" and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., through Hon. David A. Turner, International President and other General Board officers, was well represented, engaged, and at the table discussing policies and issues impacting the communities we serve. Standing alongside President Turner throughout the week were Bro. Malwan Johnson, First Vice President, Bro. Devean Bush, Second Vice President, Bro. Dr. Errick Farmer, Director of Social Action, Bro. Charles L.
Jones, Director of Bigger and Better Business, Bro. Kris Jackson, Bro. Dr. Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, Executive Director, Bro. Frederick Bell, Chairman-SigmaPAC 1914, Bro. Steve E. Ballard, Director of Communication and Bro. Ronald Hart Brown, Lead Designer. Also attending were collegiate leaders representing the organization’s seven regions. They were Bro. Ernest Turner, Bro. Elijah Williams, Bro. Joshua Grant, Bro. Jalen Wilson, Bro. Nicholas Brown, Bro. Elvis Mosquera and Bro. Chancelon Rice.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD
Prior to the conference kick-off, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. hosted the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Portrait Unveiling at the American Red Cross.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH
The 54th Annual Legislative Conference was underway and the National Pan-Hellenic Council member organizations’ meetings were at the top of the day’s agenda. Following breakfast, the leadership groups parted to their respective meeting spaces in the American Red Cross building. The Council of Presidents (COP) entertained a full list of presenters, including Tyronne Stoudemire, Global Vice President, Hyatt Hotels, seeking to engage the Divine Nine in collaborative initiatives and programs. At the meeting’s end Soror Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant, International President & CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was elected the COPs Chairwoman and Frater Jimmy McMikle, Grand Polemarch of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. elected Vice Chairman.
Meeting separately were the Council of Executive Directors & Chiefs of Staff. The Collegiate Leadership, selected Soror Kayla Clark, Zeta’s International 2nd Vice President as Chair and Odyssey Butler-Borner, International Second Vice President, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. as Co-Chair.
At the close of the meetings, everyone quickly exited and headed to the convention center for the annual Divine Nine Town Hall, sponsored by Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. Titled “D9 & Democracy: Civic Duty is Divine”, this year’s forum switched the international presidents as panelists to feature each organization’s social action lead. Moderated by journalist and commentator Jeff Johnson, the panel featured Bro. Frederick Bell representing Phi Beta Sigma.
Powerful remarks were shared by Rep. Yvette D. Clarke, Chairperson of the Congressional Black Caucus.
President Turner and delegation joined welcome receptions host by Black Men Vote and the CBC Foundation, before attending the NPHC Chairman’s Reception where Soror Dr. Grant officially took the helm as chairperson.
25TH
Early Thursday morning, President Turner and Bro. Dr. Farmer hosted Charlotte M. Carter, Chief Operating Officer, American Diabetes Association, for breakfast to review the exciting new Memorandum of Understanding and the partnership initiative of the two organizations.
Immediately following the MOU signing, Amazon hosted an invitation-only roundtable brunch for a select number of the company’s national partners. It was attended by President Turner and Bro. Dr. Flapp, while Brothers Malwan Johnson, Charles L. Jones and Dr. Errick Farmer attended Alpha Phi Alpha’s Memorial Foundation’s 19th Annual Leaders between Democracy Awards Luncheon.
Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta jointly sponsored REAL TALK 2025: The Community-Based CounterOffensive to Project 2025 at The Westin Washington DC Downtown. Led by Bro. Dr. Errick Farmer, Director of Social Action and Soror Cheryl Pemberton-Chase, Zeta’s Director of Social Action, the goal of the forum was to equip Sigmas, Zetas and allies with the tools to defend our communities against this agenda -- The Community Defense Blueprint. The forum’s panel included President Turner, Rep. Bro. Maxwell Frost, D-Florida, Soror Andrea Hunley, Indiana State Senator, Bro. N.Scott Phillips, Maryland House of Delegates, Soror Sydney Kamlager-Dove,
Representative, D-California and Soror Christale Spain, Chair, South Carolina Democratic Party. Soror Krysta Jones, Zeta’s International Director of Programs served as the moderator.
Immediately following REAL TALK, Phi Beta Sigma, in partnership with the SigmaPAC 1914 held The Legacy of Leaders Reception honoring Representative Maxwell Frost. Attendees partied until the lights came on!
26TH
President Turner, Bro. Jackson and collegiate leaders attended the Black Men Vote Breakfast, where Congressional leaders handed out marching orders for mens’ organizations committed to enhancing and elevating the voting strength and engagement of Black men.
Sigma leaders supported forums held by the National Dental Association and Brother Frost.
As the night lights began to loom, Phi Beta Sigma’s delegation supported the receptions of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the local chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.
SATURDAY,
SEPTEMBER 27TH
The collegians rose early to visit The Smithsonian African American Museum of History & Culture, while other leaders participated in “ABC’s of African American Hotel Ownership” sponsored by the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers.
The coveted Annual Phoenix Awards & Gala was the black-tie closing event of the conference. Phi Beta Sigma’s leadership celebrated the evening with the best and brightest of all industries under one roof.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH
The National Pan-Hellenic Council’s Council of Presidents and their respective delegations closed out their participation by attending the Alfred Street Baptist Church worship services as special guests. Reverend Dr. Howard-John Wesley welcomed the leaders and provided a message to carry everyone home – near and abroad.
