Filming Begins on Congress Black Caucus Documentary “The Conscience of the Congress”
EXCLUSIVE: Production has commenced on The Conscience of the Congress, a documentary that will explore the history of the Congressional Black Caucus, which has been described as “the most influential collective of Black lawmakers in American history.”
Scheduled to premiere later this year, the documentary is directed by David S. Massey and produced by Massey, Donna Brown Guillaume, Sam Pollard, and Diem Van Groth. Charles Floyd Johnson serves as the executive producer.
A recent release underscores the film’s timely significance: “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 documentary will trace the CBC’s influence over five decades, featuring the stories of prominent figures such as Shirley Chisholm, Charles Rangel, Kwesi Mfume, Barbara Jordan, John Lewis, Karen Bass, Kamala Harris, and Barack Obama, as well as current leaders like CBC Chair Yvette D. Clarke and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
President Richard Nixon meets with the Congressional Black Caucus on March 25, 1971. In attendance: Augustus Hawkins, William Clay, Ronald Dellums, Robert Finch, George Romney, Ralph Metcalfe, George Collins, Robert Nix, Clark MacGregor, John Conyers, Louis Stokes, Charles Rangel, Donald Rumsfeld, James Hodgson, Parren Mitchell, Shirley Chisholm, Charles Diggs, Jr.
Massey remarked, “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.”
Guillaume added, “At a time when history is being erased and democracy is under attack, this film speaks to the enduring power of truth. The CBC itself illustrates how moral leadership and unity can move a nation forward.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
The documentary originated from a discussion between Guillaume 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,” Bass said. “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 include exclusive archival footage, chronicling the CBC’s founding in 1971 to its present-day representation of 82 million Americans. The film will highlight pivotal moments in American history, including the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the impeachment of Richard Nixon, the fight to end apartheid in South Africa, and the elections of Barack Obama and Kamala Harris, as well as ongoing efforts to preserve voting rights.
The Conscience of the Congress is an independent, non-partisan endeavor that is not produced, endorsed, or officially affiliated with the CBC. It is being developed under the fiscal sponsorship of the nonprofit Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center. After its release, the film will embark on a nationwide Democracy Tour aimed at fostering community discussions on justice, civic responsibility, and the significance of collective leadership.
“The CBC has always stood at the intersection of justice and democracy,” stated producer Van Groth. “This story reminds us what happens when courage meets purpose—and why that matters right now.”
The documentary’s sizzle reel is available for viewing below:
