Made for This Moment” — A Reflection from Ulrica B.
Founder of Sisterhood The Go
 

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My Experience at the 54th Annual Legislative Conference the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

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Walking into Washington, D.C. for 54th Annual Legislative Conference, themed “Made for This Moment: Power, Policy, and Process,” I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. I arrived with a heart full of purpose and a mind set on learning all I could to bring back to the great state of Georgia. In that moment, I carried with me the voices of my mother, my children, and the memory of the late Congressman John Lewis, a man who saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself. As the plane touched down, the questions started swirling: Why is the world the way it is? How did we get here? Am I truly doing all that I can to make a difference? But when I stepped into the conference space — organized like the Super Bowl of Black politics, those questions turned into clarity. I realized that being “in the room” wasn’t just symbolic; it was historical It was powerful. It was necessary. The Beauty and Power of Black Excellence Everywhere I turned, I saw excellence. Men and women of color dressed with purpose, walking with confidence, and speaking with conviction. The energy was electric. Historical displays reminded us of the 54-year legacy of the Congressional Black Caucus; vinyl records, photos, and memorabilia capturing decades of progress and pain. As a Georgian, my mission was clear: to connect with my state’s representatives, such as, Rep. D. Bishop, Rep. David Scott, Rep. Hank Johnson Rep. Lucy McBath, Rep. Nikema Williams, and Senator Raphael Warnock, and to focus my attention on the issues that matter most to me: criminal justice reform, voter protection, small business development, DEI, and education.

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A Celebration of Culture and Connection: The opening block party set the tone, led by the Howard University Marching Band, with food, music, and culture filling the halls. From there, the Divine 9 Forum gave me chills. The room was powerful. I could feel the same kind of energy that must have filled the air when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and other civil rights giants gathered in unity. God reminded me of something He whispered years ago: “The time is now.” And standing there, I knew that the time is now, for women like me, for advocates like me, for Sisterhood On The Go.

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In the Room with Leaders Who Inspire One of the highlights was attending “Black Business is Everyone’s Business,” hosted by Congresswoman Nikema Williams. Seeing her confident, vibrant, and authentically Atlanta — filled me with pride.

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She embodies the people she serves, and she’s fighting for communities like mine in Decatur, GA. To be in that room with Donald Cravins Jr., Dr. Glenda G, Alphonso David, Dr. Alex Camardelle, and Danielle Squires was inspiring, but it was Congresswoman Williams who left biggest impression. She reminded me why representation matters — why we must continue to “be in the room.” Faith, Justice, and Courage Another unforgettable moment came during Representative Lucy McBath’s forum: “Faith, Justice, and the Fight to End Gun Violence.” The room was standing room only. As a mother of three sons, felt every word deep in my spirit. Watching her speak with such conviction and grace — even after unimaginable personal loss — moved me to tears. Her faith is her foundation, and it reminded me of my own calling: to lead with both compassion and courage.

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​Divine Order and Powerful Encounters At the Georgia Prayer Breakfast, the atmosphere was overflowing with love and divine purpose. Seeing familiar faces — Quad Webb, Representative Lucy McBath, Dr. Heavenly Kimes, and CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson — reminded me how interconnected our journeys are. Dr. Heavenly’s decision to run for Congressional District 13 struck a chord with me. I knew our paths would cross again. It felt divine And then, seeing Senator Gail Davenport — who I affectionately call “Auntie” — confirmed that I am walking in my purpose. Her encouragement gave me the strength to keep pressing forward.

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​​A Night of Legacy and History The closing Phoenix Awards Dinner was nothing short of magical. Walking the Gold Carpet felt — but standing in that ballroom as Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage was the pinnacle of the weekend. She spoke with passion and purpose, reminding us that “We must fight fire with fire.” Her words were a call to action, a reminder that change requires courage and unity. With 62 members strong, the Congressional Black Caucus now represents largest number of Black women in history. Shirley Chisholm, who once said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” I realized then, I didn’t just bring a chair. I am the movement. Reflection and Resolve, as I left Washington, D.C., I was with gratitude and determination. This was more than a conference — it was a spiritual awakening, a reminder that the blueprint for justice has already been laid before us. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl — but by all means, keep moving.” And as the Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:28 (NIV): “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” So, I press on. For children. For my community. For Georgia. And for the sisterhood that continues to rise — made for this moment. —By Ulrica B. Founder,

Sisterhood On The Go Advocate • Organizer • Community Builder