When I think of the beginning of Autumn, I think of seasonal change, leaves changing colors only to drop to the ground, cooler temperatures, shorter days, and longer nights. This September brought me a much needed surprise. I say this is the most wonderful time of the year (folks normally reserve that for Christmas) because it is the annual convening of Black folks in national politics. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) is where I spent some of my best early years as a young professional in politics. I had the great benefit of co-founding a nonprofit—IMPACT— with colleagues Joe Briggs, Semhar Aria, Adria Crutchfield, and Ryan Scott.
We held an annual reception called Preview every ALC where we highlighted young professionals under 40. As our organization grew, we welcomed Dr. David Johns and Kendra Davis Briggs. And later, Michiel Perry and Krystal Leaphart (our organization’s Chiefs of Staff), Nina Smith, Sarah Misailidis, Brandon Andrews, Eugene Brown, and many others to continue the organization’s mission. We held an Emerging Leaders Town Hall co-hosted with Congressman Bennie Thompson. This work provided us with organizing experience that propelled us in our careers. This ALC I did not plan any events. I spoke on and moderated panels. I visited with some of my favorite CBC members at their events. And I got to watch my peers and mentees kill it at their own events. That is LEGACY.
It is not just my legacy. It is the legacy of the members who we worked for and with. The CBC is now 57 members strong—that, too, is legacy. There are a number of YOUNG, Black people in Congress—that is legacy. This year has been one of my most challenging and while my roots are in Seattle, my young professional roots are unequivocally from the Nation’s Capital. I had some earth shattering experiences on my own team that had me questioning everything and frankly, made it difficult to get out the bed. Going back to DC in my darkest hour allowed me to see the light. I spent time with my old team and a newer team member, Camera.
My parents and partner being there was also grounding. I heard some great news from a dear friend that brought tears to my eyes. After revelations that damn near broke me and a broken heart late last year, I felt my heart burst open with joy this month. resurgence I so desperately needed is here. Resurgence rather than resilience because I am honestly tired of resilience for all of us. Resurgence because it feels like a rebirth but with power. And I know so many of us are in need of the kind of rebirth that comes with the strength of community.
Thank God for the people who hold us up and encourage us whether we are up or down. Here is an excerpt I sent my old team:
“My forever work fam (and real fam): I love you guys dearly. I just touched down in LA with tears in my eyes, I want you to know how grateful I am. My heart needed to be with you all it feels full and healed. You all remind me that 9 times outta 10 humans are good. So just thank you.”
I pray for each of us who are in need of or going through a rebirth that we have midwives and doulas on the journey who get us to resurgence with grace.
A Very Special Episode of Do You Know Your Black Facts Mayne
Filmed at CBCF ALC ’23
Shout out to Beyoncé for the $4.5 billion economic impact from her Renaissance tour. I got the attend the show in my hometown of Seattle at Lumen Field. Here are the top 5 moments from the show I saw with my bestie, Leonetta Elaiho.
In Case You Missed It
IMPACT’s Professional Development Program was launched for it’s Fall ’23 Cohort.
Sending you all the love, joy, freedom, justice, and power you can stand.
Righteously and cheerfully,
