November 2, 2026 – NASHVILLE, TENN.—The annual Tennessee Black Caucus Legislative Summit will be held this November 13-14 in Jackson, TN at historic Lane College. For years, The Black Caucus Legislative Summit has brought together legislators, local lawmakers, community leaders, and concerned citizens from across the state to discuss issues facing Tennesseans from Memphis to Mountain City.
Sponsored by the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators Leadership and Education Foundation, the TBCSL members hope to come away from the summit with concrete ideas that they can turn into legislation to introduce when the legislature reconvenes in January.
Summit Policy Focus Areas and Panel Topics this year include:
- Criminal justice policy, reform, and community safety.
- Economic opportunity, business growth, and community investment.
- Educational access, resources, and student achievement.
- Healthcare access, health disparities, and community wellness.
- Voter access, civic engagement, and protection of voting rights.
TBCSL Chair Jesse Chism of Memphis says, “With so much taking place across our state and our country that directly affects African Americans, we are working to bring together leading voices and talent from across Tennessee to organize, strategize, and implement a unified legislative agenda with an emphasis on advancing and protecting Black Tennesseans that can also enhance the entire state.”
TBCSL Foundation president Joe Armstrong looks forward to this impactful event. “This is a way for legislators and the community to come together and truly hear what the community thinks that legislators should consider working on in the upcoming session. The foundation board is committed to ensuring the programming is relevant and timely and invite elected officials at every level of government and the community to register to attend.”
Visit www.tnblacklegislativesummit.com to register to attend. The registration fee is $100 and $75 for students. Funds raised go towards scholarships for students.
The summit will also include an award presentation to local community leaders across Tennessee in a variety of areas. Lane College is located at 518 W Forest Avenue, Jackson, TN 38301.
For more information, contact Ken Jobe, Ken.jobe@capitol.tn.gov or (901) 277-0606.