WHEN 21 days to go November 05, 2026 at 2:00pm 3 days
WHERE Houston, TX

The future is being built. Black legislative leaders must help shape it.

Join the Black Legislative Leaders Network (BLLN) in Houston during AfroTech for three days of relationship-building, policy education, industry partnerships, legislative action, and HBCU community, designed to position Black state legislative leaders at the forefront of the emerging technology agenda.

We’re bringing together legislators, HBCU leaders, industry experts, and partners to connect innovation with the decisions being made in state capitols—and the opportunities those decisions create for our communities.

From advances in healthcare to artificial intelligence and the careers of tomorrow, Houston is where we turn big ideas into a shared agenda for 2027 legislative sessions.

Three Days. One Purpose: Move Our Communities Forward.

CURE | Advancing Health & Opportunity
Explore healthcare innovation, health equity, diversity in medicine, and the policies that connect scientific progress with better outcomes for our communities.

CODE | Shaping the Technology Agenda
Engage on artificial intelligence, data centers, digital rights, and the public investments and community benefits that should accompany technology’s rapid growth.

CAREERS | Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
Put HBCUs at the center of conversations about talent, research, industry partnerships, and pathways into the emerging economy.

Throughout the activations, participants will help identify priorities and policy ideas to inform BLLN’s 2027 legislative work.

Policy Meets Relationships

The Houston experience includes substantive discussions, opportunities to connect with colleagues and partners, and an evening of conversation and celebration.

All times Central. Program subject to final confirmation.

Thursday, November 5 | Arrive & Connect

  • Throughout the day: Arrivals and hotel check-in

  • Time forthcoming: Leaders Roundtable on data centers, energy, and community benefits

  • Time forthcoming: “We’re Building Next: Who Owns Your Data, Your Voice, and Your Bag” — BLLN’s technology policy discussion; venue forthcoming

  • 6:00 PM: Welcome Reception

  • 7:00 PM: Welcome Dinner and networking

Friday, November 6 | Cure, Code & Careers Policy Summit

Texas Southern University

  • 8:30 AM: Registration, Networking & Opening Breakfast

  • Morning: Pharma 101; AI in Healthcare; Harm Reduction, Age Verification & Privacy

  • Working Lunch: Careers Forum — HBCU partnerships and pathways into healthcare, biotechnology, and technology

  • Afternoon: Policy Lab — developing legislative priorities and proposals for 2027

  • Closing: Legislative commitments and Campus to Capitol Fellows Program introduction

Evening at Riverside

  • 5:30 PM: Cocktail Reception

  • 7:30 PM: Dinner with Black state legislative leaders, corporate leaders, and partners

Saturday, November 7 | HBCU Community & Connection

  • 8:30–10:30 AM: Breakfast and informal debrief

  • Late morning: HBCU Tailgate & Community Expo

  • Afternoon: Texas Southern vs. Alabama State football at W.W. Thorne Stadium

  • Evening: Open for independent networking and exploring Houston

Sunday, November 8: Departures and travel home.

Final session times, hotel details, and transportation instructions will be shared with registered participants.

Who Should Attend?

  • Black state legislative leaders and legislative staff

  • HBCU presidents, government relations teams, and institutional leaders

  • Healthcare, technology, and workforce partners

  • Corporate, philanthropic, and community leaders interested in supporting this work

Be in the Room. Help Shape What Comes Next.

Bring your experience, your questions, and your state’s priorities. Leave with stronger relationships, actionable ideas, and a clearer path toward the 2027 legislative session.

Register to join us in Houston.

The Black Legislative Leaders Network is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.