Forum: Midterm Mobilization - The Cost of Living and the Power of Community

Time:
July 31, 2026 - 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Room:
Music City Center Expo Hall // Level 3, Hall A

Day 5, Friday, July 31

To view the Young Professionals Schedule Click Here

Today begins with another powerful plenary, Courage Under Fire: Organizing in an Age of Retaliation — a timely conversation on leadership, advocacy, and resilience in challenging times.

The day continues with the Legacy Leadership Awards Luncheon, honoring trailblazers whose impact continues to shape our communities and movement.

It’s also the final day to experience Urban League Connect: Experience & Lounge — our must-visit activation exclusively for conference attendees, featuring culture, innovation, networking, and interactive experiences.

This evening, we close out the day with the prestigious Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Gala, a signature celebration recognizing outstanding leaders and changemakers.

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Forum: Midterm Mobilization  - The Cost of Living and the Power of Community-Which Issues Will Engage Voters and Turn the Tide in 2026?

Midterm elections are fast approaching. The race is on to maximize civic engagement and mobilize Americans to the polls. This session explores the power of community at the grassroots level, offering fresh strategies to increase voter turnout, combat misinformation, and amplify the voices of the underrepresented. Central to the conversation are the hot-button issues with the greatest potential to drive record voter participation and shape outcomes nationwide, from affordability and healthcare to the future of employment and how to protect and maintain the safety and integrity of our communities. The goal is to ensure that all Americans are informed, inspired, and determined to participate.

Moderator: Jeff Johnson, Chief Curiosity Officer, JIJ Impact

Panelists:
Cliff Albright, Co-founder and Executive Director of Black Voters Matter and the BVM Capacity Building Institute
Gale Jones Carson, President & CEO of the Memphis Urban League
Damon T. Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
Shia Rozier, Student, North Carolina A&T
Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters
Victoria “Tori” Wenger, Manager of Black Voters on the Rise

Speaker(s)