The Indianapolis congressman convened artists, advocates and political voices for a conversation connecting culture, civic engagement and public policy.

Congressman André Carson brought hip-hop into the political conversation during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 2026 Annual Legislative Conference.

Presented Friday, Sept. 18, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, “Hip Hop & Politics” gathered leaders from music, politics, media and community advocacy for a discussion centered on the relationship between culture and civic life.

Political commentator Elizabeth Booker Houston, JD, MPH, moderated the panel. Featured participants included Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, Congressional Black Caucus endorsed Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan; entrepreneur and music executive Damon Dash; Madam Walker Legacy Center President Kristian Little Stricklen; Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood; and Indianapolis rapper and humanitarian Lil Billy.

The panel also carried a strong Indianapolis presence. Carson represents Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, while Stricklen leads one of the city’s legendary historic cultural institutions. Lil Billy brought another hometown perspective to the national gathering, representing the city’s hip-hop community on a stage where music, public leadership and community responsibility intersected.

Hip-hop has long served as more than entertainment. Through music, fashion, entrepreneurship and organizing, the culture has documented community experiences while giving people a platform to respond to the issues shaping their lives. Carson’s panel created space for those cultural voices within one of the country’s largest annual gatherings focused on Black leadership and public policy.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference brings together elected officials, policy experts, community leaders, advocates and attendees from across the country for several days of conversations about issues affecting Black communities.