"Leaders in the CBC have been wondering when Sanders was going to come around," said an advisor to a senior member in the CBC. "It appears he sees an opening with his growing polling numbers and frankly it's about time."

ADVERTISEMENT

According to an invitation, "The meeting will be an overview of CBC priorities and a conversation on pressing issues impacting the African American community."

Several activists who are part of the Black Lives Matter coalition have disrupted some of Sanders's recent speeches, which have drawn massive crowds. Protesters overtook a Sanders rally in Seattle in August, preventing the candidate from ever speaking.

The meeting also comes as Sanders is expected to unveil a criminal justice reform bill later this week.

Sanders has shrunk Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton's lead in the polls. In a recent NBC/Marist Poll, Sanders is leading Clinton amongst likely Democratic voters in New Hampshire.

Strategists say Sanders will need to expand his support behind the progressive base if he hopes to overtake Clinton.

- This story was updated at 3:22 p.m. on Sept. 9 to correct the date of Sanders' expected meeting with the CBC. It is scheduled for Thursday.