Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club Brings Harlem to the 2026 Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Conference

Harlem stays civically engaged — and the Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club knows it.

The Club provided free transportation for Harlem residents to attend the 55th Annual Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Conference, held February 12–16, 2026 at the New York State Capitol in Albany. On February 14, community members rode together on a sponsored bus organized by the Club — turning the trip into more than transportation, but a shared civic experience.

Located at 190 West 135th Street between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, the Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club continues to serve as a steady civic force in Harlem. Working alongside New York State Assemblyman Jordan Wright and New York City Councilmember Yusef Salaam, the Club helped sponsor the bus that brought Harlem voices directly into statewide conversations. (https://www.fredsamsdemocraticclub.com)

This year’s Legislative Conference carried the theme: “Legacy Forward: Transforming Tomorrow Today.” The annual gathering focuses on empowering and educating communities of color while advancing conversations around economic development, education, public policy, and community service across New York State.

Several prominent leaders were in attendance, including:

· New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani

· New York State Senator Cordell Cleare

· New York City Councilmember Yusef Salaam

· New York State Assemblyman Jordan Wright (70th District, Harlem)

Organized by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators, the conference has been convening leaders, advocates, and residents at the State Capitol for decades. Since its formal organization in 1985, the Association has remained committed to ensuring communities of color are represented and included in the state budget process and broader policy conversations. (https://nysabprlinc.org/chairs-message-old/)

The energy this year reflected that mission. Panels, workshops, and speakers filled the Capitol halls — all centered on strengthening communities, expanding opportunity, and shaping a more equitable future for New York State.

Harlem showed up — together.

And organizations like the Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club continue to make sure the community’s voice is not only heard locally, but statewide. https://nysabprlinc.org

Written by: Danyal Sorel