Welcome Delegates, Members, and Supporters of the A. Philip Randolph Institute.
We are proud to officially welcome you to the 2026 APRI Southern Regional Conference, taking place at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel in Birmingham, Alabama. This important gathering will bring together leaders, labor advocates, community organizers, and members from across the Southern Region to strengthen our collective mission and build strategic solidarity.
This year’s conference theme, “Aligning the South with Strategic Strength and Solidarity,” reflects our commitment to unity, leadership development, and forward-thinking strategies that advance the legacy of A. Philip Randolph and the ongoing work of the labor and civil rights movement.
Conference registration, hotel accommodations, and event details are now available. Delegates are encouraged to review the information and complete their registration as soon as possible to secure their place and take advantage of the conference hotel rate.
Participants will have opportunities to engage in leadership training, attend regional meetings, and collaborate with fellow members who are dedicated to advancing economic justice, workers’ rights, and civic engagement throughout the South.
We look forward to welcoming you to Birmingham for what promises to be a meaningful and impactful conference.
The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel will serve as the official host location for the 2026 A. Philip Randolph Institute Southern Regional Conference. Located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, the hotel offers comfortable guest accommodations and convenient access to the city’s vibrant cultural and historic landmarks.
Connected to the Jefferson-Birmingham Convention Complex, the Sheraton provides a welcoming environment where delegates can gather, collaborate, and enjoy their time together throughout the conference. Guests will find spacious guest rooms, inviting common areas, and a central location that makes it easy to explore the surrounding city while attending conference events.
Beyond the conference itself, Birmingham is a city rich with history, culture, and discovery. Known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, visitors can explore powerful landmarks such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which tells the story of the courageous movement that helped shape the nation. The city continues to honor that legacy while embracing innovation, arts, and community growth.
Birmingham offers a wide range of experiences for visitors. Guests can explore the McWane Science Center, enjoy world-class cuisine at several James Beard Award-winning restaurants, attend performances at the historic Alabama Theatre, or spend a relaxing afternoon at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Sports fans can catch exciting action at Protective Stadium or Regions Field, while outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy biking and exploring the trails of Red Mountain Park.
Families and visitors may also enjoy the Birmingham Zoo, local shopping districts, and the warm hospitality that defines this vibrant Southern city.
Nearby communities including Bessemer, Hoover, Homewood, Irondale, and Mountain Brook offer additional dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions, giving delegates even more opportunities to experience the greater Birmingham region during their stay.
With its welcoming atmosphere, historic significance, and dynamic cultural scene, Birmingham provides an inspiring setting for this year’s gathering of leaders and members from across the Southern Region.
VIEW OUR 2025 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS IN BEAUTIFUL RALEIGH NORTH CAROLINA
Allen Rouse Jr. is a dedicated leader in labor and community advocacy. A native of Charleston, South Carolina, he is also a proud father of six accomplished young adults.
Allen has been a member of the International Longshoremen’s Association since 1995. He graduated from Burke High School in 1996, attended Florida A&M University, and later served in the United States Air Force. In 2004, he became a full-time longshoreman, deepening his commitment to organized labor.
In 2016, Allen was elected President of the Greater Charleston Chapter of APRI, where he led impactful community initiatives. Under his leadership, the chapter conducted 31 successful food distributions, providing over 825,000 pounds of food to families in need, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond Charleston, Allen has worked to expand APRI’s presence across South Carolina, helping to establish and grow chapters, including in Rock Hill, with plans for continued expansion.
In July 2024, Allen was elected Southern Region Director and was officially sworn in that October. In this role, he has actively engaged in conferences, meetings, and summits to strengthen APRI’s mission. He also assembled a dynamic committee that successfully planned and executed a regional conference in Raleigh, North Carolina, centered on the theme “Boots on the Ground.”
True to that theme, Allen continues to build meaningful relationships and foster honest, solution-driven conversations, bridging the gap between labor and community through hands-on leadership and a commitment to action.