Open to all attendees. Reconnect with leaders and members from across the labor movement before the weekend begins.
Keynotes, panels, and workshops with dynamic labor and community speakers.
We honor outstanding service and raise funds for sickle cell disease education and research.
From Thursday, November 12, 2026, through Saturday, November 14, 2026, UFCW leaders and members, along with their family and friends, will come together to celebrate the 28th Anniversary of the UFCW Minority Coalition Educational Conference and Ball. You are cordially invited to take part in this very special weekend, which will take place at the Hyatt Regency Washington D.C. on Capitol Hill. The weekend will begin with a Welcome Cocktail Hour for all on Thursday, November 12th, followed by our Educational Conference on Friday, November 13th, featuring dynamic labor and community speakers from the AFL-CIO, UFCW, and other affiliates, as well as the NAACP. The weekend will culminate with the Ball on Saturday, November 14th, as we award outstanding individuals for their exceptional service and raise funds to promote Sickle Cell disease education and research.
This year’s theme, “Still Here. Still Fighting. Still Rising. Continuing the Fight, Redefining the Future,” is more than a statement—it is a declaration of our resilience, our purpose, and our unwavering commitment to justice. At a time when workers’ rights, civil liberties, and the rights of historically marginalized communities continue to face growing challenges, we gather not only to reflect on how far we’ve come, but to renew our commitment to the work that lies ahead. Together, we honor the legacy of those who paved the way while embracing our responsibility to build a stronger, more equitable future through collective action and courageous leadership.
Throughout this conference, you will hear from an inspiring and diverse group of labor leaders, educators, advocates, activists, and allies who are united by a common purpose. Through thought-provoking keynote presentations, engaging panel discussions, and interactive workshops, we will exchange ideas, strengthen our skills, and build meaningful connections that empower us to confront today’s challenges, uplift our communities, and advance equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.
This conference is more than an educational gathering—it is a call to action. Every conversation, every workshop, and every new connection strengthens our collective power to create lasting change. Your voice, your experiences, and your leadership are essential as we continue the fight, redefine the future, and ensure that the progress we’ve made is not undone. Thank you for joining us, standing in solidarity, and demonstrating that together, we are still here, still fighting, and still rising.
Our Annual Ball serves as the main fundraising event for the Coalition’s charity, Faces of Our Children (a 501(c) non-profit organization). Much of our success in battling Sickle Cell disease is rooted in our commitment to educating the public and raising awareness about the devastating effects of Sickle Cell within our communities. We could not achieve these milestones without your generous financial support. The Coalition extends its deepest gratitude and respectfully asks for your continued assistance to ensure the success of this crucial mission.
Below, you will find details on how to register online, accommodations, and sponsorship information, including the list of the 2026 UFCW Minority Coalition Award Recipients. Please note that the deadline for registration and sponsorship tickets is October 23, 2026.
Thank you again for your continuing support, and make sure you do not miss this incredible event.
Seven leaders will be recognized at the Ball for outstanding service to workers and communities.
The Ball is the main fundraising event for the Coalition’s charity, Faces of Our Children, a 501(c) non-profit. Our progress is rooted in educating the public and raising awareness of the devastating effects of sickle cell within our communities — and it depends on your support.
Online registration for the full weekend, including the Conference and the Ball.
Register online →Hyatt Regency Washington D.C. on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave NW. Coalition rate $309/night plus tax. Booking by phone? Call (202) 737-1234 and reference UFCWMC.
Hotel deadline: October 23