Congressman John Lewis Leadership Conference

2026 John Robert Lewis Leadership Conference

Troy University and the City of Troy will present the 2026 John Robert Lewis Leadership Conference February 6-7 on the main campus of Troy University. The conference, now in its 22nd year, seeks to bring individuals together to promote dialogue that fosters multicultural collaboration to strengthen relationships and empower diverse leaders with the tools to better serve their organizations and communities.

Conference registration is now open, and we look forward to seeing you on February 6.

Conference Theme: History as Power: Leadership Rooted in Legacy

Keynote Speakers: Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims and Sean Freeman

Opening Speaker: Dr. Dionne Rosser-Mims

Rosser-Mims, who will speak during the conference's opening session on Friday, Feb. 6, has been a member of the Troy University faculty since 2007 and has held numerous administrative positions throughout her tenure with the University. She has previously served as an Interim Site Director, Interim District Director and Associate Director of Academics within the University's Global Campus operations, Assistant Department Chair, Associate Dean and Dean of the College of Education, Professor of Adult Education and Global Leadership and Vice Chancellor in Phenix City. She was recently named Vice Chancellor of TROY's Montgomery Campus.

Rosser-Mims completed Harvard's Women in Educational Leadership Institute and was the recipient of the 2023 East Alabama Chamber of Commerce Individual Leader of the Year Award, the 2021 Women in Leadership Member Community Outstanding Senior Scholar award, the 2013 Wallace D. Malone, Jr. Distinguished Faculty Award, and a Chancellor's Fellow.

Rosser-Mims holds a Ph.D. in adult education and a master's in public administration from the University of Georgia.

Luncheon Speaker: Sean Freeman

Freeman, a two-time TROY alumnus with a bachelor's degree in human services and a master's degree in strategic communication, currently stars in the role of Andre Richardson in CBS's “Beyond the Gates.” He will deliver the keynote address during the Conference's closing luncheon session on Feb. 7.

Born in Ozark and raised in Dothan, Freeman discovered his niche for the performing arts when his mother had him and his siblings take part in events at the local Boys & Girls Club. After college, he did a brief but impactful stint at the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts.

A multi-talented actor, singer and dancer, Freeman's previous acting credits include “Finding Friday,” BET's “Tales,” and Peacock TV's “Boxed In.” His theatre credits include: the original production of “Poor Girl, Rich Girl” in Harlem, New York and “Selma The Musical” (workshop cast). Freeman has also done commercial work with companies like Volkswagen and The Home Depot.

Advisory Board

History

Registration

Schedule

Events and Speakers

In addition to valuable breakout sessions for both University students and community participants, we have outstanding keynote speakers. Past speakers have included Dr. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Dr. Mary Frances Berry, Mrs. Peggy Wallace Kennedy, the Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, Dr. Quinton Ross, Congressman John Lewis, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, Rickey Smiley, Bishop James Davis, Juanita Jones Abernathy, Jasmine Guy, Hill Harper, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Fernandez “Frank” Ponds, the Rev. Bernice King, Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, Dr. Randal Pinkett, the Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock, Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie, Dr. Calvin Mackie, Ms. Lyn Vaughn, Mr. Tim Reid, Judge Greg Mathis, Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Joseph Lowery, Dr. Belle Wheelan, Mr. Thomas N. Todd, the Honorable Lois DeBerry, columnist Cynthia Tucker, former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington, Rev. Jamal-Harrison Bryant, Larry D. Thornton, Pastor Daryll Caldwell, Mr. Rodney Bullard and Ms. Michelle Summer.

Mission Statement

To bring individuals together to promote dialogue that fosters multicultural collaboration to strengthen relationships and empower diverse leaders with the tools to better serve their organization and community.

Each year the committee selects a new chairperson. This year, the co-chairpersons are Quinton Blocker and Jaylen Tuck

In Memory of Bishop S.D. James

The Congressman John Lewis Leadership Conference lost one of its most ardent supporters on November 15, 2020 with the passing of Bishop S.D. James. Bishop James was a member of the Conference's Advisory Board and served as the board's chairman in 2018. His dedicated leadership and loyal support helped to make the Conference a success, year in and year out. The Advisory Board sends its sincerest condolences to Bishop James' family, parishioners and to all whose lives were impacted by his ministry.