Beyond the Conference: Faith, Leadership, and the Responsibility to Open Doors

By Mark Johnson, Connectional YPD Parliamentarian Returning to Washington, D.C., for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference was a full-circle moment. Just one year ago, I attended for the first time, eager to learn from leaders working at the intersection of public policy, civic engagement, and the Black community. This year, I returned with a deeper understanding of public service and the responsibility that comes with leadership. The conference brought together policymakers, clergy, scholars, advocates, and emerging leaders to discuss challenges facing Black communities and the policies needed to advance equity and opportunity. For me, the week reinforced a lesson rooted in my upbringing in the African Methodist Episcopal Church: faith must be demonstrated not only through what we believe, but also through how we serve.

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