EXCLUSIVE: Production is underway on The Conscience of the Congress, a documentary that will chronicle the Congressional Black Caucus, “the most influential collective of Black lawmakers in American history.”
The film, which aims to premiere later this year, is directed by David S. Massey, and produced by Massey, Donna Brown Guillaume, Sam Pollard, and Diem Van Groth. Charles Floyd Johnson serves as executive producer.
Watch a sizzle reel for the project below.
A release notes, “As the nation approaches the 2026 midterm elections and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence—amid ongoing debates over voting rights, educational curricula, and the preservation of democratic institutions — The Conscience of the Congress offers a timely examination of how moral leadership has guided America through its most challenging moments. The film traces the CBC’s influence through five decades of American politics, featuring the stories of trailblazers such as Shirley Chisholm, Charles Rangel, Kwesi Mfume, Barbara Jordan, John Lewis, Karen Bass, Kamala Harris and Barack Obama and continues through current leaders including CBC Chair Yvette D. Clarke, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senator Cory Booker, Congressman James Clyburn, Congressman Bennie Thompson, and dozens of others who have shaped legislation and influenced the nation’s conscience.”
In a statement, Massey said, “The CBC has shaped American democracy in ways the world rarely sees, and we’re honored to bring these stories to the screen for the first time. These lawmakers didn’t just pass legislation — they transformed what America believes is possible.”
“At a time when history is being erased and democracy is under attack, this film speaks to the enduring power of truth,” commented Guillaume. “The CBC itself illustrates how moral leadership and unity can move a nation forward.”
The project sprang from a conversation between Guillaume (Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives) and former CBC Chair and current Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass.
“I thought it was important, now more than ever, that the world knew the stories of the caucus; leaders who fought for working-class people of all nationalities, creeds, religions, and ethnic groups globally, not just in America,” said Mayor Bass. “These are the voices that spoke up when it was dangerous to do so, and their legacy matters today more than ever.”
The production will feature exclusive archival footage spanning the organization’s founding in 1971 to its present-day influence representing 82 million Americans. “The film captures pivotal moments in American history: the battle for the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the impending impeachment of Richard Nixon, the fight to end apartheid in South Africa, the historic elections of Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, and the current fight to preserve voting rights for all.”
The Conscience of the Congress is an independent, non-partisan documentary and isn’t produced, endorsed or officially affiliated with the CBC. It’s being produced independently under the fiscal sponsorship of the nonprofit Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center. Following the film’s release, it will head out on a nationwide Democracy Tour and educational campaign to “engage communities in conversations on justice, civic responsibility, and the power of collective leadership.”
“The CBC has always stood at the intersection of justice and democracy,” said producer Van Groth. “This story reminds us what happens when courage meets purpose — and why that matters right now.”
Watch the sizzle real for The Conscience of the Congress here:
English (US) ·