2026 Democracy Summit

The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University invites journalists, media executives, civic leaders, journalism students and scholars to register for the 2026 Democracy Summit on Oct. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET at the Howard University Blackburn Center. As journalists and newsrooms across the country fight to defend press freedom, the Democracy Summit will feature substantive conversations examining the growing threats to journalism and democratic institutions and how journalists and news organizations can respond. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, join more than 300 newsroom executives, domestic and international journalists, legal scholars and democracy leaders for a full day of learning, strategy and preparation focused on press freedom, election coverage and democratic resilience. Here's what you can look forward to: Conversations with the nation's leading voices in media and journalismTimely discussions on press attacks, democratic erosion and the fight to defend journalismExchanges with international journalists sharing lessons on democratic backsliding and recoveryA real-time election reporting scenario to stress-test your decision desk preparednessA live newsroom simulation testing editorial and legal judgment Registration is required to attend and submissions will be reviewed and approved attendees will be notified. The 2026 Democracy Summit will be livestreamed for the public on YouTube @c4jdhowardu.