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: TBD

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.