Kevin Powell Confirmed to Speak at Washington Conference!

We are thrilled to announce that Kevin Powell will speak at the closing plenary session of our 2023 Washington Conference, which will take place from March 22-24 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

As an acclaimed public speaker and college lecturer, author, and regular media commentator on the political and cultural issues of today, Kevin Powell is widely recognized as one of the leading voices of his generation. The Jersey City product of a single mother and poverty and violence, Kevin has gone on to be a poet and journalist and the author of 15 books, including Grocery Shopping with My Mother, his new poetry collection; and his critically acclaimed autobiography, The Education of Kevin Powell: A Boy’s Journey into Manhood. Additionally he has penned articles, essays, and blogs for a wide range of newspapers, magazines and major websites. As an activist, Kevin is committed to democracy, justice, diversity, inclusion, and equality for the American people.

His broad career experience has allowed him to touch the lives of many, ranging from celebrities and journalists to politicians and housers alike. As an acknowledgment of Kevin’s life of public service and his dedication to literature and the arts, Cornell University recently become the owner of The Kevin Powell Collection, and assortment of prints, photos, videos, books, handwritten notes, speeches, and select memorabilia documenting nearly 30 years of his work to date.

In addition, the 2023 Washington Conference will feature speakers such as sociologist and author Matthew Desmond, CNN Senior Political Correspondent Abby Phillips, our first in-person Hill Day in more than three years, celebrations of our Awards of Excellence and What Home Means to Me calendar contest winners, and more!