National Urban League Conference Cones to New Orleans July 24-27

Edwin Buggage Editor-in-Chief Data News Weekly

National Urban League: Leading the Struggle for Democracy
In these perilous times, where the future of the nation’s journey to becoming “A More Perfect Union” is in question, this November, Democracy is on the ballot, and citizens must decide to become civically engaged. Civil Rights leaders from across the nation will convene at the National Urban League Conference in New Orleans from July 24th-27th to educate, inform, and inspire that the struggle for equality, justice, and freedom continues.

During this several-day event, where empowerment of the NUL Conference will explore the challenges of systemic racism, discrimination, and barriers to opportunities in every aspect of the current social and economic landscape and bring together leading innovators and trailblazers in business and industry, government, and community.

Additionally, this year’s conference is especially significant. It marks a special homecoming for National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial, who was elected to the first of his two terms as Mayor of New Orleans 30 years ago. Where his leadership and vision helped reduce crime, created economic opportunities for many, and was a champion in fighting for justice and fairness for all citizens. This is what he’s brought in his tenure as CEO of the National Urban League since being chosen to lead the organization.

Empowering the Community
The conference will feature dynamic panel discussions, information-packed workshops and forums, and plenary sessions for registered attendees, the Conference features free events open to the public including a Career and Networking Fair, the Community & Family Day Expo, the Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Summit, and the Reclaim Your Vote rally at Xavier University.

Among the highlights of the conference is a special 40th Anniversary Tribute to Black Women who have been crowned Miss America, including Vanessa Williams (1984), Dr. Debbye Turner Bell (1990), Kimberly Aiken Cockerham (1994), Erika Harold (2003), Ericka Dunlap (2004), Caressa Cameron-Jackson (2010), and Nia Franklin (2019).

Highlights of the National Urban League Conference

Wednesday, July 24th
● Career and Networking Fair, 11 AM-3 PM
Location: Hyatt Regency, Empire Ballroom
Attendees can refine resumes, consult career coaches, practice interviewing, and engage with hiring companies face-to-face.
● Reclaim Your Vote Rally, 4:00 PM-5:30 PM
Location: Xavier University of Louisiana Athletics Convocation Center
Advocates and allies defend democracy, reproductive freedom and sexual health, racial justice initiatives including DEI policies and affirmative action, LGBTQ+ rights, and other marginalized communities.

Thursday, July 25th
● Opening Plenary: State of the Urban League Address, 8:30 AM-10:30AM
featuring keynote address by Marc H. Morial, President & CEO, National Urban League
Location: Hyatt Regency, Elite Hall B
● Women of Power Awards Luncheon, Special 20th Anniversary Edition
Location: Hyatt Regency, Celestin Ballroom
Host: Michelle Miller, CBS News National Correspondent, Co-Host of “CBS This Morning Saturday”
Honorees:
Sheryl Underwood, CEO, Pack Rat Production, Inc.; CEO, Pack Rat Foundation For Education
Arian Simone, Founding Partner & CEO, Fearless Fund
Karen Freeman-Wilson, President & CEO, Chicago Urban League
Swin Cash-Canal, SVP of Basketball Operations/Team Development, New Orleans Pelicans
Kim M. Boyle, Partner, Phelps Dunbar, LLP

African American Miss Americas Friday, July 26th
● Presidential Plenary, 8:30 AM-10:30 AM
Location: Hyatt Regency, Elite Hall B
Speakers:
Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Justice; Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder & President, National Action Network, Host, MSNBC’s Politics Nation; Melanie L. Campbell, President & CEO, National Coalition Black Civic Participation; Convener, Black Women’s Roundtable; Shana M. Broussard, Commissioner, Louisiana Federal Elections Commission (FEC); William Barnes, President, Advisory Council of Executives (A.C.E.), President & CEO, Birmingham Urban League.
● Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Gala, 8:00 PM-10:00 PM
Location: Hyatt Regency, Celestin Ballroom
Honorees:
Leslie Odom Jr., Award-winning actor, singer, and songwriter
Leona Tate, and Gail Etienne, Civil Pioneers, and members of the New Orleans Four who, along with Ruby Bridges, integrated New Orleans’ Public Schools
David & Tamala Mann, Award-winning gospel artists
Master P, rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur

Saturday, July 27th
● Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Summit, 9:30 AM-4:00 PM
Location: Hyatt Regency, Celestin Ballroom
Pitch Competition, 1 PM
Ambitious entrepreneurs will compete for cash and prizes that can propel their businesses forward.
● Community & Family Day Expo, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Ribbon Cutting at 10 AM
Location: **Ernest Morial Convention Center
FREE Backpacks & School Supplies Health Screenings
Expungement Legal Clinic
Brilliant & Black-Owned Marketplace
NEW! National Association of Real Estate Brokers Building Generational Wealth Pavilion Project Ready College Fair, featuring 60+ colleges & universities, information on scholarships, financial aid, resources, and more.