Omega Psi Phi Strengthens Civic Engagement at CBCF’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference
43rd Grand Basileus Mark E. Jackson Sr. calls Brothers, family and friends to engage, learn and carry the work back to their communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. is maintaining a strong presence in Washington, D.C., during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference, bringing together leadership, civic engagement, voter education and fellowship throughout the week.
The 55th Annual Legislative Conference is being held September 16-20, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center under the theme “Rooted, Ready & Rising.” The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation describes the conference as five days of conversations, networking, professional development and signature events bringing together leaders, advocates, professionals, students and community stakeholders from across the country. (Congressional Black Caucus Foundation)
From Washington, Brother Mark E. Jackson Sr., 43rd Grand Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., encouraged Omega men, friends and family to take full advantage of the opportunities available throughout the conference.
Grand Basileus Jackson emphasized that the week extends beyond simply attending events. He pointed to the symposiums, fireside chats and educational sessions as opportunities for participants to gather information and return home better equipped to serve their respective communities. Central to that effort, he said, is civic engagement and empowering people to become more active participants in their communities.
Developing the Next Generation of Civic Leaders
Jackson began his conference activities with the James E. Clyburn Leadership Institute, where he delivered greetings and welcomed a new cohort beginning a year-long leadership development experience.
The program focuses on public engagement, civic participation, campaigns and other areas designed to prepare participants for greater involvement in public and community leadership. Jackson also highlighted Omega Network for Action (ONFA) while recognizing Congressman James E. Clyburn’s connection to the Fraternity.
That focus on civic leadership continued Thursday, September 17, at Howard University’s Blackburn Center Ballroom, where representatives from across the National Pan-Hellenic Council came together for a conversation centered on voter engagement, civic participation and increasing youth participation in the electoral process.
The gathering included representation from all nine NPHC international organizations, including six of the nine International Presidents, creating an opportunity to discuss how historically Black Greek-letter organizations can coordinate efforts to educate and engage the communities they serve.
“Where Do We Go From Here?”
Omega Psi Phi’s engagement continued Friday with “Where Do We Go From Here: Addressing the Systemic Dismantling of the Civil Rights Act,” presented in conjunction with Congressman James E. Clyburn during ALC55.
The session, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, focused on voter participation, collaboration, approaches to voter registration and efforts to increase Black male civic participation. Grand Basileus Jackson specifically highlighted the forum in his message to Brothers and supporters as one of the Fraternity’s major activities during the conference.
The forum reflects the broader civic-engagement emphasis of this year’s conference. CBCF opened ALC55 with its own call for leadership, civic engagement and collective action, with programming addressing public policy and issues affecting Black communities nationwide. (Congressional Black Caucus Foundation)
Fellowship Continues Friday Evening
Following the day’s conference programming, Brothers and guests are invited to the Official CBC Omega Psi Phi Reception on Friday, September 18, at 7:00 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Washington Downtown/Convention Center, 901 L Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Grand Basileus Jackson described the reception as free and open to the public, with no RSVP required, and invited Brothers, family and friends to join the Fraternity for fellowship, heavy hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment.
For Omega Psi Phi, the week represents an opportunity to connect the Fraternity’s tradition of leadership and service with substantive conversations about civic participation, public engagement and community impact.
As Grand Basileus Jackson emphasized, the value of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference is not limited to what happens in Washington. The opportunity is to learn, engage and take that knowledge back into communities across the country.
Omega men, family and friends are encouraged to remain engaged throughout ALC55 and continue advancing the work of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift.
His message echoed the central purpose of the 2026 mobilization: the work begun generations ago remains unfinished. Organizers described the March as a response to continuing challenges to voting rights and equal opportunity and a call for communities to remain engaged in protecting the rights secured through generations of sacrifice.
Closing with the spirit of two giants of the Civil Rights Movement, Grand Basileus Jackson invoked Congressman John Lewis’ charge to “get into some good trouble” and Dr. King’s enduring reminder that injustice anywhere threatens justice everywhere.
For Omega Psi Phi, the moment represented more than participation in a historic gathering. It was a reaffirmation that Uplift requires action—and that the Brotherhood remains committed to helping move the work of justice forward.
Photo Credit: Bro. Norm Senior, International Editor of the Oracle
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