National Urban League 2021 Conference Opens Virtually September 28
Nation’s Most Influential Activists, Elected Officials, Artists and Business Leaders Come Together for An Intense Schedule of Dynamic Dialogue, Advocacy, Networking, and Entertainment
NEW YORK (September 21, 2021) – As the nation struggles to emerge from the triple pandemics of COVID-19, systemic racism and economic turmoil, the National Urban League’s first all-virtual Conference will focus on eliminating disparities and expanding opportunity.
During four action-packed days, from September 28 to October 1, the nation’s largest and most influential civil rights and social justice conference features the nation’s most influential community leaders, together with top policy-makers, academicians, business leaders and artists exploring the issues and initiatives that deeply affect the communities served by the National Urban League and its nationwide network of 91 affiliates. Registration is free and open to the public.
“The racial reckoning of the last year and a half represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the nation’s social and economic institutions to be more inclusive, equitable and resilient,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “Holding the Conference virtually is not only emblematic of the dramatic change the nation is undergoing, but it allows us to make the conference itself more inclusive and far-reaching.”
Tim Murphy, Chief Administrative Officer for Mastercard and President of the National Urban League Board of Trustees, described the conference as “a laboratory” for social and economic innovation.
“As the nation’s economic first responders, the Urban League Movement has been instrumental in ushering the nation through every upheaval of the last century,” Murphy said. “The Conference is an opportunity to explore the insights gained and lessons learned and forge a path for dramatic change.”
“Target is honored to have worked with the National Urban League for more than three decades to create meaningful, sustainable progress for communities across the country,” said Laysha Ward, executive vice president and chief external engagement officer at Target, one of the sponsors of the Conference. “As a member of Target’s Racial Equity Action and Change Committee, I know that racist systems and structures won’t be dismantled overnight, and we share The National Urban League’s commitment to drive change.”
Gary Douglas, president of Nationwide National Partners and a member of the National Urban League Board of Trustees, said, “As a longtime partner of the National Urban League and Conference sponsor, Nationwide is deeply invested in supporting these important conversations and identifying opportunities to advance empowerment and help affect change.”
“Toyota’s continued support of the National Urban League has not wavered,” Sean Suggs, Chief Social Innovation Officer, Toyota Motor North America. “We believe in a bright future with endless possibilities that improve access and opportunities for everyone.”
“Wells Fargo is proud to be a sponsor of what will be an extraordinary conference,” said Gigi Dixon, head of External Engagement, Diverse Segments Representation and Inclusion at Wells Fargo. “The National Urban League is one of this country’s most important advocates for civil rights and Black economic mobility, and we are excited about the opportunities this conference will bring to engage on topics that are critical to advancing equality and equity for African Americans.”
“Our mission is to create a better tomorrow by making positive change in the world. We do that by actively supporting the efforts that organizations like the National Urban League lead to close the financial wealth gap of underserved communities, of which African Americans are key,” said Craig Boundy, chief executive officer of Experian North America. “We are honored to be a lead sponsor of this year’s virtual convention and continue our work together to empower and educate consumers and business owners.”
“The National Urban League’s advocacy, vision, and leadership are truly invaluable,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation. “It’s an honor to be a partner on the Urban Tech Jobs Program, which provides critical digital skills and resources for jobseekers in an increasingly digital economy. Together, we are helping to make sure no community is left behind in this rapidly shifting marketplace,” “We look forward to our continued partnership to not just face – but help solve – the challenges of both today and tomorrow.”
Each day of the Conference is focused on a different theme. Opening day, Tuesday, is Empowerment Day, dedicated to galvanizing the Urban League Movement and our allies to meet the challenges of COVID and structural inequity, police brutality and the most virulent attacks on voting rights since Reconstruction. Wednesday, Career & Professional Development Day, features a forward-looking slate of workshops tailored to enhanced job success and economic independence. Thursday is Small Business Matters/Entrepreneurship Day, in recognition of the role of Black-owned businesses in African American independence, the critical period of challenge and transformation they are facing. The Conference concludes with TechConnect – Get Funded Friday, a fresh lineup of information-packed sessions and a pitch competition for creatives in the tech field ready to monetize their next great idea.
The Urban League NOW: Experience & Expo features the Health & Wellness Space, TechConnect, H.E.R. Space, KINGS Corner, Community “Give-Back” Corner, and the Brilliant & Black-Owned Marketplace.
Notable speakers and panelists include:
• Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League
• April Ryan, White House Correspondent, The Grio, Political Analyst and Author
• Will.I.Am, Creative Innovator, Entertainer & Tech Entrepreneur
• Lee Merritt, Civil Rights Attorney & Activist
• Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General
• Ed Gordon, Award-Winning Journalist and President, Ed Gordon Media
• Percy "Master P" Miller, Rap Artist, Entrepreneur, Founder, No Limit Records
• Caroline A. Wanga, CEO, Essence
• Devale Ellis, Actor and Author
• Dr. Randall Pinkett, Co-founder, Chairman & CEO, BCT Partners
• Benjamin Crump, Esq., Founder & Principal, Ben Crump Law
• Tamika Mallory, Civil Rights Activist and Co-Founder, Until Freedom
• Shannon Lanier, News Anchor, Black News Channel
• Carla Harris, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Morgan Stanley