Clean Slate at CBCF ALC 2025: From Policy to Celebration

The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI) was proud to host two powerful events during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 2025 Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) in Washington, D.C. — a thought-provoking policy panel and an evening reception honoring champions of second chances. Together, these events highlighted how Clean Slate is reshaping the workforce, strengthening communities, and unlocking opportunity nationwide.

Our ALC Policy Panel: America’s Got Talent – How Record Sealing Became a Workforce Imperative

At a time when employers across the country continue to face workforce shortages, millions of qualified workers remain sidelined by old records — even after they’ve paid their dues and remained crime-free. CSI’s salon-style panel, America’s Got Talent – How Record Sealing Became a Workforce Imperative, highlighted automated record sealing as a workforce and economic solution.

The panel was moderated by Dr. Nyron Crawford of Temple University, who helped lead CSI’s Impact Survey in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Utah, which provides critical insights into how Clean Slate laws are working in the three states that have fully-implemented them.

Panelists included Kenya Jenkins of Lillian’s Southern Box Catering, a directly impacted small business owner, Michele Lawrence of JPMorgan Chase, a leader on second chance hiring, and Jason Cooper, CSI’s VP of State & Federal Campaigns. We were also joined by Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-7), the lead sponsor for the federal Clean Slate Act in the House.

CEO Sheena Meade opened the session by underscoring one key takeaway: record sealing is no longer just a moral choice — it’s a competitive necessity. The conversation left policymakers, funders, and business leaders with concrete insights and action steps to take back to their work, ensuring Clean Slate remains at the forefront of workforce solutions.

Our ALC Reception: Celebrating Leadership and Second Chances

Later that evening, CSI welcomed partners and allies to a vibrant reception, where we celebrated the progress of Clean Slate and the leaders who make these policies possible.

The highlight of the evening was honoring Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-7) for her tireless leadership on Clean Slate and justice reform. We also heard from Illinois State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth about her championing of the state’s proposed Clean Slate bill, and their race to become the 13th Clean Slate state. Guests enjoyed music, networking, and powerful reflections on how far the movement has come — and where we’re headed next.

From the morning’s policy insights to the evening’s celebration, CSI’s presence at ALC 2025 showcased the growing recognition that Clean Slate is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. We’re grateful to our partners, allies, and champions who continue to drive this work forward, and we’re energized to keep building a future where second chances are real for everyone.