48th ALC Daily Digest – Day One

Corporate Round Table Speaks to High School Students

In the early morning of December 4, 2024, members of NBCSL’s Corporate Round Table welcomed more than 100 high school students from Mississippi and Washington, D.C., for a panel discussion focused on the 48th Annual Legislative Conference theme, Rebuilding the American Dream. Panelists included Cleo Washington from AT&T, Chelsi Bennett from Stubhub, Kristin Givens from State Farm, and Calvin Booker formerly of Waste Management (retired).

Representing diverse sectors, the panelists shared invaluable insights. Discussion included how to be yourself and why giving yourself grace when it comes to mistakes and shortcomings is part of the learning and growth process. Booker reflected on his journey as a self-proclaimed C-student, inspiring attendees to embrace their authentic selves with the mantra, “You’re the greatest you, you can be!”

Panelists also shared how self-love is important to growth and reminded students that everyone’s definition of success is different. Bennett highlighted the role of faith in her life, recounting her path from being a student on welfare to becoming a leader in public policy and government affairs. Givens and Washington underscored the importance of resilience, authenticity and meaningful connections in career growth.

More Than 100 Students Participate in Youth Congress Day

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, NBCSL welcomed more than 100 high school students from Washington, D.C.’s Archbishop Carrol Senior High School, Cardozo Education Campus, and Cesar Chavez Public Charter School, as well as visiting students from Mississippi’s Social Educate for its annual Youth Congress Day event.

During Youth Congress Day, students participated in hands-on policy discussions and mock legislative sessions that explored issues on truancy, bullying, curfew and the importance of voting. The event provided a unique opportunity for students to learn about the legislative process and see firsthand how they can impact their own communities by becoming more informed leaders. Two students, Essence Brown from Cesar Chavez Public Charter School and James Johnson from Social Educate, each received $500 scholarships for their outstanding engagements during Youth Congress Day.

In addition, students interacted with elected officials and heard from motivational speakers, including Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and nationally recognized actor Clifton Powell.

Reverend Nicholas K. Young, youth pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church, provided the invocation, and the students enjoyed music provided by award-winning violinist Heru Peacock and DJ Set Fire.

NBCSL Hosts Historic Opening Plenary Session

Following the delivery of the State of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators by Chief Executive Officer LaKimba DeSadier, NBCSL President and Alabama State Representative Laura Hall kicked off its 48th Annual Legislative Conference by welcoming more than 500 members to Washington, D.C.

The Opening Plenary Session featured MSNBC host Symone Sanders-Townsend who moderated a historic panel of Black state leaders, featuring six State Speakers of the House and one State President of the Senate. Sanders-Townsend was joined on stage by Minnesota Senator Bobby Joe Champion, New York Representative Carl Heastie, Maryland Representative Adrienne Jones, Pennsylvania Representative Joanna McClinton, Virginia Representative Don Scott and Illinois Representative Chris Welch. Michigan Representative Joe Tate, who was in session in his home state, joined the conversation via satellite.

The Presidential Ballroom at the Capital Hilton was alive with a feeling of gratitude as Sanders-Townsend began the historic conversation by addressing “the elephant in the room,” and asking for a temperature check from each leader and their respective states about how they are feeling and how things are going post-election. The discussion then transitioned to the conference theme of Rebuilding the American Dream, asking leaders how they define the American Dream today and if it comprises homeownership. As panelists answered, the conversation included how to redefine the American Dream for Black America, making sure legislators return to talking about pocketbook and table issues with all constituents, especially Black residents of rural communities, to help build investment in the vision of their states. Panelists also agreed about the importance of meeting constituents where they are, emphasizing listening to the concerns of those living in their districts. The remarkable discussion ended with each legislator sharing what concerns them the most and what they’re hopeful about in the coming year.

Relive the magic of today’s historic conversation. Watch the Opening Plenary Session.

Alabama State Representative Laura Hall Hosts President’s Reception

On the eve of her penultimate day as President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Alabama State Representative Laura Hall welcomed NBCSL members to her President’s Reception at the 48th Annual Legislative Conference. NBCSL Financial Secretary Toni Rose led a warm toast, and all those in attendance lifted a glass in honor of their leader for the past two years.

Building on the theme of the evening, Honoring Advocacy and Action, President Hall recognized organizations and advocacy groups who have made outstanding contributions to empowering communities and strengthening the foundation of democracy by motivating and moving people to learn more about the issues and vote their voice.

The honorees include: African American Mayors Association; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Congressional Black Caucus Foundation; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Higher Heights Leadership Fund; Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.; National Action Network; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; National Coalition on Black Civic Participation; National Council of Negro Women; National Medical Association; National Urban League; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.;  Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc.; and Win With Black Women.

The evening concluded with music by Push Play and DJ Heir Raid.