SiX Connects with Legislators from Around the Country at NBCSL 2025

Written by Sydney Jemmott, MD, MPH and Melissa Madera, PhD

It was a pleasure for the SiX team (Sydney, Melissa, and Kenneth Palmer) to host an exhibit table at the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ (NBCSL) 49th Annual Legislative Conference in Biloxi, Mississippi December 9-12, 2025. Embodying the conference theme, “Together, We Legislate,” the SiX team was welcomed by NBCSL Vice President, New York Senator James Sanders Jr., who underscored the value of the partnership between NBCSL and SiX during this critical time for state-level democracy.

We celebrated the culture, community, and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) at a Tailgate Reception hosted by Mississippi Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council (RFLC) members Representatives Zakiya Summers and Timaka James-Jones. NBCSL was a wonderful opportunity to build community with new and existing RFLC members. At the President’s Reception, “Soul of the South,” we danced to the legendary Bobby Rush and got to get acquainted with new RFLC member Arizona Senator Kiana Sears. At the exhibit table we had the opportunity to reconnect with RFLC member and Cohort for Rural Opportunity and Prosperity (CROP) advocate Illinois Representative Sonya Harper.

The SiX team proudly shared SiX Repro’s new policy agenda, which includes model legislation and resources to improve access to reproductive healthcare. And, the 700th legislator decided to join the Reproductive Freedom Leadership Council! Ohio Representative Juanita O. Brent expressed appreciation that SiX was the first organization to reach out to her as a newly elected legislator. In addition, SiX’s national conference was the first conference she attended as a legislator. Moreover, Former NBCSL President, Georgia Representative Billy Mitchell was already eager for information about SiX’s biennial national conference taking place November 2026 in Arizona.

The SiX team had a wonderful time engaging deeply with legislators and reaffirming our shared commitment to shape the future. Thank you to all who visited our table! We look forward to collaborating boldly in 2026!

*Melissa’s pro-tip for tabling: Mints in the candy bowls after lunch ensure legislators stop by the SiX exhibit table to say, “Hello!”