2026 SPEAKERS
Bakari Sellers Announced as Opening Speaker
for Housing Washington 2026
We are thrilled to welcome Bakari Sellers—two‑time New York Times best‑selling author, civil rights activist, attorney, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized commentator—as a featured speaker to kick off Housing Washington 2026.
Sellers has spent his career advancing equity and expanding opportunity, building on a legacy shaped by his parents, Gwendolyn Sellers and civil rights leader Cleveland Sellers. From becoming the youngest legislator in South Carolina at age 22, to his work as an attorney and DEI strategist, to his influential voice on CNN and The Bakari Sellers Podcast, he brings a rare combination of historical grounding, cultural fluency, and forward‑looking clarity.
His session will explore the intersections of justice, policy, and community leadership—offering a powerful call to action for everyone working to build a more equitable housing future.
Melvin J. Kelley Announced as Closing Speaker for
Housing Washington 2026
We are honored to welcome Melvin J. Kelley IV, associate professor of law and business at Northeastern University, as the closing speaker for Housing Washington 2026. Professor Kelley is nationally recognized for his work at the intersection of civil rights, geospatial analysis, and housing policy — research that illuminates how long‑standing systems continue to shape access to opportunity.
His closing plenary on Thursday, October 22 will challenge us to think boldly about the future of fair housing, community development, and regional equity. We look forward to ending the conference with his insight, clarity, and call to action.
