For the past 33 years, the Wilbourn sisters use the month of August to prepare to showcase their designs during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) that takes place each September in Washington, D.C.
Despite President Donald Trump federalizing the city’s Metropolitan Police Department, accepting assistance from the National Guard from other states and publicly criticizing District officials for not effectively fighting crime, the owners of Wilbourn Sisters Designs, based in Atlanta, Georgia, are excited about coming to the nation’s capital for the 54th ALC Sept. 24-28.
“That doesn’t affect us or deter us,” said Carolyn Wilbourn, a co-owner of the business, who lives in Los Angeles, California. “Coming to D.C. and participating in the Annual Legislative Conference is a part of our business. We will participate in this event until the day we die.”
The Wilbourn sisters will be part of scores of large corporations, medium and small businesses and nonprofits of all sizes that will make up the exhibit hall, as part of the annual conference held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Known informally as the vendors expo, the event attracts tens of thousands of people who attend the conference, and it encompasses such activities as book signings, author readings, cooking demonstrations, performances and showcasing the latest technology.
However, there has been a concern that the expo hall may not generate the type of participation from some corporations this year due, not only to the federal takeover of the District’s law enforcement apparatus, but also the Trump administration’s attack on the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs of corporations and colleges and universities.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Alabama), who serves as CBCF chair of the Board of Directors, said there have been rumblings from some corporate supporters about their role in the Expo this year but members of the Congressional Black Caucus have a response.
“The corporations come to us and ask for our help for their businesses and projects,” Sewell told the Informer. “We do what we can, but we also expect them to support our constituents and what we are trying to do, too.”
Nicole Austin-Hillery, president and CEO of the foundation, also emphasized the importance of the vendors’ participation in the annual conference.
“The ALC is not only a premier policy forum, it is a cultural and community experience,” said Austin-Hillery. “This year’s theme, ‘Made for This Moment’ comes to life through a vibrant and diverse lineup of vendors and exhibitors who embody innovation, entrepreneurship, and a deep commitment to preserving and advancing our culture and vision.”
Vendors Talk About Positive Effects of Expo Participation
Wilbourn Sisters Designs specializes in women’s clothing for special occasions ranging from soft flowing ensembles to wrapped dresses that fit all sizes.
“We design clothes for women who know who they are,” said Carolyn Wilbourn, 68. “We fit women of all nationalities. At the ALC, we tend to deal with women who like fancy outfits, with some wanting standard clothing and others wanting African garb.”
Janice Wilbourn, who manages operations in Atlanta, said notable women have become clients through attending the expo.
“Our first major client was Rep. Corrine Brown (a former Democratic member of Congress representing Florida from 1993- 2017) and [Rep.] Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) came along and would buy our stuff,” said Janice Wilbourn, 64. “Congresswoman Diane Watson was also a steady client. The good thing about the expo is that it exposes us to movers and shakers and it empowers businesses like ours.”
Ann Hodges, the owner of Anne’s Beautiful Creations based in Fayetteville, Georgia, has also participated as an annual vendor. A women’s retail clothing business, Hodges travels throughout the country to promote her products in trade shows and expos.
Hodges said her business, which she co-founded with her husband, has been a constant at the ALC for seven years. When asked why she participates, she simply said for “exposure and networking.”
She also noted being a participant in the expo has been beneficial and is not bothered by what is going on in the District, and the president’s impact on the city.
“I don’t agree with the present administration,” Hodges said. “I feel that we as a people must continue to live and not let this be a distraction.”
Austin-Hillery is hopeful that vendors will come to the expo to network with customers and make money and not become distracted with what is going on outside of the conference.
“From Black-owned businesses and socially conscious brands to cutting-edge tech and educational partners, these vendors represent the creativity, resilience, and brilliance of our community,” the CBCF president said. “We invite every attendee to explore, support, and engage with the wide range of offerings that celebrate Black excellence and elevate the ALC experience.”