“EVERYTHING MUST BE DISCUSSED-FROM DEI, THREATS AGAINST BLACK CULTURE AND HEALTHCARE”

Where Policy & Power Unite; Relentlessly”

“EVERYTHING  MUST BE DISCUSSED-FROM DEI, THREATS AGAINST BLACK CULTURE AND HEALTHCARE”


Where Policy & Power Unite; Relentlessly” 

Friday, October 3rd, 2025@ 9:30 AM (Kick off Press Conference)

Fairmont Chicago Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago, Illinois 


(Chicago, IL) Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Joint Chairwoman, Illinois State Senator Lakesia Collins (5th District) will be joined by Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch, ILBCF Executive Director Tiffany Hightower, ILBC Members, Countywide elected officials, Civic Leaders, Clergy Leaders, and various other key stakeholders of the African American communities throughout Illinois and the United States in a 9:30 AM Kick off press conference to the start of an impactful two-day Policy Summit.


This year’s theme for the ILBCF gathering is “Where Policy & Power Unite; Relentlessly.” The focus of the theme is through advocacy, fellowship, and networking; is to champion innovative ways to achieve equitable outcomes for Black Illinoisans and celebrate our theme of "Endgame: Relentless Power".



“In what has rapidly become an era of the biggest threat to upward mobility of Civil Rights and the liberties that has become paramount to the lives of millions of minorities, it is now imperative through collaboration, planning, and public policy that a programmatic thrust be achieved in advance of the upcoming midterm elections.” says Chairwoman Collins.


The ILBCF Annual Policy Summit and Power Brunch is for all ages and will convene business and civic leaders, community partners, and subject matter experts to engage on a wide range of critical policy issues in the heart of downtown Chicago. Renowned guest speakers throughout the nation will participate in the two-day summit. Some of which include Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, and other notable mayors, members of Congress, Civil Rights Leaders, Policy Experts, and organizers from various regions of the United States.


“As a people of faith, determination, and resiliency, we know all too well of Dr. King’s belief never losing infinite hope. Given the many potential challenges that will surface from the most consequential midterm election, it is imperative that we coalesce our minds and talents to create a systematic approach that will find innovative ways to achieve equitable outcomes for Black Illinoisans.” says ILBCF executive Director Tiffany Hightower.


Through the yearly challenges of enhancing the upward mobility of the African American community through its collective legislative efforts in Springfield, the ILBCF understands firsthand the impactful but often moderate gains that have been achieved within the Black experience. But with that same collective effort, the ILBCF also understands the enormous challenges and consistent roadblocks that continue to plague African American throughout Illinois. The conference will allow the leaders to engage in extremely difficult discussions that will expose, illustrate, and offer suggestions of resolve through legislation and grassroot organizing.


“The ILBCF remains the foremost champion of the consolidation of public policy, advocacy, and the premier organization that is firm in its defense of Black culture, the importance of equal opportunities, and firm advocacy of justice reform. Therefore, it is fitting that lawmakers, civic leaders, and African American business leaders from around the nation come to Chicago to discuss not only political and health issues, but the importance of creating generational wealth and enhancing our educational system.” says Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Chairman Paul Williams.

ILBCF Chairwoman Senator Collins concludes, "Partnership has allowed the vision of the Foundation to manifest and now almost 25 years later, here we are still driving forward with the hope that the seeds we plant today will bloom into a unified voice committed to making Illinois a place for everyone to thrive. Which leads us here, to our Annual Policy Summit and Brunch, "where policy and power unite, relentlessly!"

“The 2025 ILBCF summit comes at a critical time in the history of this nation as the progress achieved over the past 50 years has now been met with a spirit of reversal, confusion, and setbacks. With the dismantling of federal agencies that were originally created as protections against discrimination and biases, it is imperative that we have a common agenda that is inclusive of pushing back against such dangerous actions.” says Bishop Larry D. Trotter of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago.


The 2-Day, Annual Policy Summit and Power Brunch, “Where Policy & Power Unite; Relentlessly” is scheduled for Friday, October 3rd, 2025, through Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park Hotel (200 North Columbus Drive Chicago, Illinois 60601).


The two-day summit will offer numerous panel discussions that will bring attention to hardcore disparities in healthcare, economics, social programs, voter suppression, generational gaps, crime, gender equality, and the criminal justice system.


The ILBCF hopes to build the capacity of community leaders to shape programs, policy, and care and to engage in evidence-based advocacy. But to also share community-driven practices and initiatives to tackle various disparities, including research engagement, innovative programming, policy/advocacy, and other unique topics.

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