The event, entitled Will the Black Vote and Our Issues Be Taken for Granted in the 2008 Presidential Election?," features Democratic Party strategist Donna Brazile and GOP strategist Rev. Joe Watkins and Rev. Jesse Jackson with NUL President Marc H. Morial as moderator. The session will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 26 in America's Center in St. Louis, Mo.

The 97th NUL annual conference, which is expected to draw 10,000 from across the nation, will take place from Wednesday, July 25 through Saturday, July 28. This year's theme is "You, Your Money, Your Future," and Anheuser-Busch and U.S. Bank will serve as conference co-chairs and title sponsors.

The four-day convention -- the premier networking, recruiting and issues conference for African-American professionals nationwide -- will feature over 80 dynamic speakers and experts in four plenary sessions and 18 workshops to be held over four days.

In addition to the black vote discussion, the conference will have two presidential candidate forums - one for the Democrats and one of the Republicans on July 27. In addition, a town hall addressing the black male crisis and a family prayer breakfast will be held. The plenary sessions will precede a wide array of workshops - from leadership and career development to wealth accumulation, entrepreneurship and understanding financial management to improving one's health and wellness -- in order to help participants improve themselves economically and physically.

Other confirmed speakers include: Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, former Sen. John Edwards, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Susan Taylor of Essence Magazine, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, among others. Obama, Clinton and Edwards are confirmed to appear at the Democratic presidential candidates' forum on July 27. Bloomberg will speak at a leadership luncheon on July 25.

The NUL four-day convention will feature a performance by R&B diva's Erykah Badu and Teena Marie at the annual benefit concert. In addition, gospel and R&B husband wife/duo Chante Moore and Kenny Latimore will perform at a free R&B night.

August A. Bush IV, President and CEO of Anheuser-Busch, Inc., and Richard K. Davis, President and CEO of U.S. Bank, will serve as Conference Co-Chairpersons. The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, under the leadership of President and CEO James H. Buford and Chairman of the Board Robert E. Wallace, will serve as the host affiliate. Premium conference sponsors will be Centene Corporation, Dell, Emerson, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Sprint.

Highlights also include: a career fair with over 100 Fortune 500 Companies and recruiters; an exciting, interactive exhibit hall with five specialty zones; the "Young Professionals Summit" targeted at 21-44 year olds; franchise and business development opportunities; career coaching; and interactive sessions on building wealth, entrepreneurship, health, education and entertainment.

More information about the National Urban League's 2007 Annual Conference registration, exhibitor or sponsorship opportunities is available on the League's website at www.nul.org or by calling (800-263-9926).