'I left feeling empowered and determined': AKF at the CBCF's 54th Annual Legislative Conference

"This year's theme was 'Made for This Moment' and it was a perfect fit for the energy I felt from the moment I arrived to the moment I left," said AKF Ambassador Emani McConnell-Brent about her experience at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) 54th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). Held in Washington, D.C. between Sept. 24-28, the ALC brings together legislators, citizens and thought leaders to discuss and address issues impacting the global Black community. 

"The most surreal moment was having the opportunity to share my story in such a space that inspires so many," said Emani, who joined AKF President and CEO LaVarne A. Burton on a panel AKF hosted about the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD) on communities of color. 

The goal for the session was to help attendees gain a deeper understanding of how kidney disease disproportionately affects Black Americans — who are four times as likely to develop kidney failure than white Americans — reinforcing the critical need for education about prevention and management. AKF was honored to have U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD) provide opening remarks for the panel.

"This panel hosted by the American Kidney Fund is emblematic of the kinds of important topics important to the Black community. Kidney disease and new research on APOL1 gene variants require further funding to safeguard our community's health," Rep. Ivey told the Washington Informer in an interview. 

As part of our continued community engagement efforts, AKF also highlighted opportunities to actively participate in kidney disease awareness and educational programs as well as advocacy efforts. We provided information in the session as well as at our booth in the exhibit hall on our programs and services, with the help of our Kidney Health Coaches® and Ambassadors.

"I had such a great time at the CBC. This was my first time attending and I am very thankful and grateful to the American Kidney Fund for inviting me," said Crystal King, an AKF Kidney Health Coach. "I was really looking forward to learning more about the intersection of AI and health and how this can impact our future. I was also looking forward to attending AKF's panel and learning more about Emani story, [but] there were some panels that I didn't plan to attend that others from the conference suggested that ended up blowing me away."

She also noted how ALC provided a great venue for connecting with others and sharing more resources. 

"I loved walking around and talking to all of the exhibitors," Crystal said. "And it came in handy when people came to the AKF table. There was a lady who suffered from high blood pressure, and I not only talked to her about how that's a common cause for kidney disease but after learning so much about her struggles, I was able to share what I learned the table who focused on high blood pressure for women."

AKF Ambassador Brittany Dickerson was also impressed by the slate of events at CBCF. "All of the events were great, especially the Gospel Extravaganza!" she said. "Being able to be a part of CBCF ALC made me extremely proud to be a Black woman and grateful to AKF for giving me a platform to share with others."

"I witnessed my fellow Ambassadors and I soaking up all of the positive energy around us," said Emani. She also echoed Brittany's thoughts about how the conference made her feel. "I left the conference feeling empowered and determined to show up as the resilient Black woman my community needs."

Showing up for community was also important for AKF Ambassador Christopher Bryant.

"I [attended] the CBCF Conference with the American Kidney Fund because health equity cannot wait," said Christopher. "Together, we are raising our voices to ensure that kidney disease prevention, treatment and support are accessible to every community."

"All in all, the CBC was an amazing experience for me," said Crystal. "I got to hear from my senator directly, meet other health care providers and strengthen my relationship with them and AKF. I look forward to attending the CBC next year."

AKF is grateful to participate in the CBCF ALC and be given a platform to discuss issues of health equity, and continue our nationwide effort to close gaps in care through education and policy change with our Kidney Health for All™ initiative. 

AKF's AMKD awareness campaign is supported by Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated.

AKF's Kidney Health for All initiative is supported by Presenting Sponsors Boehringer Ingelheim and Lilly and Company and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Equity Sponsors AstraZeneca, Merck and Co., Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., Sanofi and Travere Therapeutics.