WASHINGTON, D.C. — From September 15th through the 20th, SEIU 1021 member leaders attended the 50th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Legislative Conference, which brings together leaders, scholars, advocates, and community partners to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Americans, including Black communities.

Twenty-four members from across Northern California participated in inspiring sessions, forums, and networking events focused on protecting and expanding voting rights, ensuring artificial intelligence and financial systems create opportunity rather than deepen inequities, and addressing the rising cost of living.

“Here at this conference, we will see where Black people are today. Currently, we are looking at Trump dismantling our voting rights and redlining districts in his favor,” said Social and Economic Justice Chair Phelicia Jones. “In the upcoming midterm elections, we must defend the vote. Changing the direction of this country is very important.”

One topic that generated significant discussion among attendees was the impact of artificial intelligence on the Black workforce.

“I went to a session called Meeting the Moment: Blackness Needs No Introduction led by Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who represents California’s 37th Congressional District,” said Education Chair and Executive Board Member Maria Salazar-Colon. “We discussed how technologies like AI make it increasingly important to protect creative rights and ensure innovation does not come at the expense of workers in those industries. We also explored how AI is affecting the Black workforce.”

Many conference attendees expressed concerns about efforts to remove Black history from museums, expand immigration enforcement through raids, rising living costs, reductions in federal government programs, and cuts to public services. Participants emphasized the importance of organizing communities and mobilizing voters ahead of future elections.

San Joaquin County Executive Board Member Monique Baca attended a workshop focused on empowering Black women voters.

“It’s a time for mobilizing and planning, and one of the biggest takeaways for me was that tomorrow is already here,” said Baca. “We can’t keep putting things off. We need to get ready now. We need to start working in our communities and getting people involved. I learned some wonderful ideas and strategies. There’s a lot of voter suppression, and Trump is already trying to influence the vote. We have plans to mobilize people, be advocates, monitor the vote count, and make sure our communities are prepared. Our opposition is already organized and has been for a long time. Too often, we’re reacting instead of leading. We won’t get ahead until we begin organizing proactively and staying ahead of the curve.”

SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford attended a seminar focused on mental health and Black men and left the session feeling energized and determined.

“I have two adult sons. From the day they were born, I didn’t see them as Black men. I saw them as children. My goal has always been to help them thrive and become their best selves,” said Rutherford. “When my family and I came to America, I was horrified to see how Black men were being targeted and how their voices were constantly being smothered. What I learned on this journey, and what was reaffirmed at this seminar, is that we can’t simply accept the situation as it is. Doing nothing only perpetuates systemic racism. We must fight, believe in ourselves, and continue to lead. We must trust that we can change our circumstances and help change America for the better.”